So I'm going to be in Columbus this weekend and have most of the day free on Saturday. I've decided I want to go check out Hocking Hills. I've got roughly 8 hours that I can spend at the park. Since the hive knows everything, and I believe a few members are local-ish, what are the must see's there? I'm not opposed to hiking a lot, in fact, I'd like to get a good 8-10 miles in for the day. Are there any other gems nearby that I should check out at the same time?
Old Man's cave and Conkle's hollow. You can do both in a day no problem.
It's a beautiful area. One issue is many places will be crowded on a Saturday. Start early and you're less likely to be running into hordes. I like Cantwell Cliffs a lot. Clear Creek Metro Park has a cool rock overhang that you drive by, and then the hike to Lake Ramona was totally worth it, with some neat "trees growing around big rocks" type scenery. Not sure how to describe it except by showing a pic:
For some reason I have not been to Rock House but it gets a lot of good mentions. Kayaking the Hocking River is beautiful.
Edited to add: Conkle's Hollow! Yes, definitely on that one.
Locals. We rent a cabin and make a long weekend at least once a year.
In order of how significant they are:
For Old Man's Cave, there are two loops - a shorter one through the cave itself and a longer one down to the lower falls. Do both.
Here's quick descriptions of the parks.
There are hiking trails that will let you do longer hikes between several of the above attractions, but I recommend just going to each park, doing the modest circuit of the location, and driving to the next site. Particularly since Rock House and Cantwell Cliffs are a ways away from Old Man's Cave.
Planning a trip, I'd probably just do a string: Cantwell Cliffs - Rock House - Conkles Hollow - Old Man's Cave - Cedar Falls - Ash Cave
Thank you gentlemen. @Beer Baron - any must eat at places in your opinion?
Skip the park and enjoy the roads.
In reply to bobzilla :
I don't have an appropriate car for that. We would die driving my rallycross car 6 hours and my overland vehicle isn't really ideal for twisties. I'll certainly be pushing the limits in my Silverado, but it's not quite the same. 
FooBag (Forum Supporter) said:Thank you gentlemen. @Beer Baron - any must eat at places in your opinion?
Nah.
In reply to FooBag (Forum Supporter) :
Local here- cheap drinks and great food for cheap:
Hocking Hills Diner
2217 E.Front St.
Logan, Ohio
Better/cheaper:
Home Tavern
363 Gallagher Ave.
Logan, Ohio
One more thing. Visit Endeavor Brewing- 909 W. Fifth Ave. in Columbus and enjoy some of Beer Baron's brewed/ distilled creations.
My wife and I go every year, lots of good stuff to do and see. Old Man's Cave is the biggest attraction, and is worth the hike. Its an easy loop to hike, even to the very bottom, but can get busy on a weekend in good weather. I am also a fan of Rock House, from time to time a group will gather in the house and sing, its pretty amazing if you are lucky enough to catch it.
Allegria Wine Room in Logan, OH is a great stop if yu want to do a tasting. Hocking Hills Inn & Coffee Emporium is a great stop for breakfast and of course, coffee. Kindred Spirits at the Inn at Cedar Falls is amazing for lunch on the patio or dinner inside. Cute gift shop next door if you need something for the SWMBO.
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