🌲 The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Hocking Hills

Plus: 🍻 Columbus Oktoberfest Is Back

Author

Chelsea Wiley
August 26, 2025

In partnership with

Sponsored by Columbus Recreation and Parks 🎶
Get ready to dance, Columbus! Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe is bringing their legendary mix of funk, soul, and rock to town on Aug. 29. Food and drinks start flowing at 5, Ernie Johnson From Detroit kicks things off at 6:30, and KDTU takes the stage at 8. To learn more about this free concert, head over to columbusrecparks.com

Hello, Tuesday! Chelsea here.

If you’re craving a getaway that feels a world away from the city but doesn’t require hours of driving, Hocking Hills is probably already at the top of your list, and that’s for very good reason. With its sandstone cliffs, hidden caves, and waterfalls that look straight out of a movie set, it’s no wonder this spot draws visitors from all over the Midwest. But here’s the thing… there’s so much more to Hocking Hills than the trails everyone’s already Instagrammed a hundred times. From tucked-away cabins and underrated hikes to local spots that can turn a weekend trip into something unforgettable, we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide.

🍻 Get Your Lederhosen Ready Because Columbus Oktoberfest Is Back
Columbus Oktoberfest is back Sept. 5–7 with Schmidt’s sausages, jumbo cream puffs, live music, and plenty of steins to raise. The best part? Admission is free! Let’s gooooo (or as they say in Germany, Prost!)

🏛️ Lost History Of Columbus: Union Station
One day, we’ll be lucky enough to not tear down iconic building in Columbus. But until that day arrives, we’ll have to just appreciate the memories of these gems, including the iconic Union Station.

Headlines 📰 

⛽️ Central Ohio drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump after gas prices spiked 28 cents in a week, fueled by an Indiana refinery shutdown. The regional outage hit Ohio hardest, though experts say prices should stabilize soon. (NBC4)

🚓 According to recently released Justice Department transcripts, Ghislaine Maxwell told federal prosecutors that Jeffrey Epstein “ran New Albany” and described billionaire Les Wexner as Epstein’s close friend, handling his finances and estate. (WOSU)

👏 Columbus has a new symphony boss! Maureen O’Brien is taking the reins as CEO of the Columbus Symphony, ready to shake up fundraising and get the city’s $275M concert hall on track. (Columbus Monthly)

☀️ Weather: 73 with increasing clouds

Sponsored by North Market 🍴
North Market is calling your name! Whether you're exploring the original downtown location for its classic market charm or the Bridge Park spot in Dublin for a modern twist, there's no better place to eat, shop, and discover the best of Columbus. For more info, head over to northmarket.org.

Coming Up 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

☀️ Mid-August marks the start of fall migration for monarch butterflies 🦋 They travel about 2,500 miles from the United States and Canada to Central Mexico and can cover 50 to 100 miles each day! Have you seen more in your garden recently?

Want your photo to be featured? Use #columbusnavigator or tag us!

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Bonus: we’re gifting you $5K in ad credits when you spend your first $5K on Roku Ads Manager. Just sign up and use code GET5K. Terms apply.

Have a hot tip? Interested in advertising options? Hit that reply button - we love mail. 💌📭

- Chelsea