ODNR to host 60th Hocking Hills Winter Hike Jan. 17, drawing regional visitors

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will hold the 60th Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike on Saturday, Jan. 17, continuing a long-running winter tradition that draws hikers and nature lovers from across the region. The hike is listed as one of several America 250 celebration events in 2026, linking the local outdoor tradition to statewide programming that highlights heritage and public lands.

For Vinton County residents, the hike is more than a weekend outing. Many locals regularly use Hocking Hills trails and facilities for recreation, and a concentrated event like this typically increases traffic at trailheads, boosts demand for nearby lodging and dining, and puts additional pressure on parking and road access. That local ripple is important to county officials and small businesses that depend on steady winter visitation to supplement summer tourism revenue.

The ODNR-organized hike emphasizes seasonal appeal: winter conditions change trail use, from scenic ice formations to frozen creeks and potentially slick rock. Event organizers and experienced hikers tend to advise winter gear and traction devices on steeper sections. The hike’s inclusion in America 250 activities also frames the day as part of a broader effort to celebrate Ohio’s natural and cultural heritage during the state’s milestone year.

Institutionally, the event spotlights how state agencies and local jurisdictions coordinate on outdoor programming. ODNR’s role in permitting, route planning and public messaging is central, while county and township roads, emergency responders and conservation partners play supporting roles when visitor numbers spike. For Vinton County, planning for these impacts affects budgeting for road maintenance, search-and-rescue readiness and local law enforcement presence on winter weekends.

The economic angle is tangible for local merchants and outfitters. Even modest increases in weekend visitors can translate into filled cabins, extra tables in restaurants and more sales for gear shops. At the same time, higher use in winter carries costs: trail erosion, litter pick-up, and additional strain on volunteer naturalist programs and park maintenance crews.

Practical information for residents: expect busier access points, consider alternate timing to avoid peak hours, carry winter traction and layered clothing, and monitor ODNR notices for trail conditions and closures. If you plan to host out-of-town guests, check lodging availability early and be mindful of winter driving on county roads.

Our two cents? Treat the hike as a celebration of the Hills but also as a civic moment: come prepared, support local businesses, and help keep trails clean so Vinton County continues to benefit from Hocking Hills’ winter draw.