Overnight Canoe Trip in Hocking Hills
Paddle the River. Camp Along the Way. Wake up on the Water
Looking for a true outdoor adventure in Hocking Hills? Our overnight canoe trip on the Hocking River combines paddling and river camping into one unforgettable experience. Paddle during the day, camp along the river overnight, and finish your trip the next day at your own pace. This is one of the most unique canoe camping experiences in Ohio.
Overnight Canoe Trip
The trip covers a total of 12 miles, split into two comfortable days:
Day 1: 5 miles of relaxed paddling
Day 2: 7 miles back on the river
This trip is ideal for beginners, couples, and small groups looking for a peaceful outdoor experience without feeling rushed
This is a canoe-and-camp experience — not a campground, cabin, or yurt stay.
Overnight Canoe Trip Details
- Distance: 12 miles
- Duration: 4-6 hours (split over two days)
- Camping: Overnight on the River
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day One: Paddle & Camp Near Natural Rockbridge
Begin your journey with a scenic 5-mile paddle down a calm stretch of river. With plenty of time to float, stop, and enjoy the scenery, the first day is all about slowing down. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at your overnight campsite located directly across the river from the Natural Rockbridge—one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Hocking Hills.
Spend the evening relaxing by the fire, cooking dinner, and taking in the peaceful setting as daylight fades and the sounds of the river take over.
Day Two: Easy Paddle Home
Wake up refreshed and enjoy a relaxed morning at camp before heading back out on the river. Day two features a scenic 7-mile paddle at an easy pace, giving you time to soak in the surroundings and end the trip feeling relaxed—not rushed.
Overnight Canoe Trip FAQ
Important information in planning your overnight canoe trip
Why Hocking Hills Adventures?
- Over 50 years of outdoor adventure experience
- Operating on the best 11 miles of the Hocking River
- Easy access to the Magnificent Natural Rockbridge
- Riverfront camping and luxury yurts available on-site
What is the timeline for this adventure?
Overnight Canoe Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Paddle Into the Wild
Set Up Camp- 1:00pm – 3:00PM- Set up your camp. You’ll set up your campsite first and leave all your gear behind. The campsite does not have a specific address. You will need to get the address to the camp location once you check-in. Please gave yourself adequate time to set up camp before the 4pm departure
That means:
• No heavy hauling
• No balancing gear in the canoe
• No worrying about tents getting wet
• No cluttered, overloaded boats
You get to paddle light, stable, and stress-free — just you, your paddle, and the river.
When you arrive at camp, everything is already set up and waiting for you.
Arrival & Check-In (3:00- 3:30 PM)
Arrive at Hocking Hills Adventures, get checked in, sign waivers, and receive a quick river safety briefing. We’ll fit you with life jackets and help you load your gear into your canoe.
Shuttle to Launch Site _Depart at 4:00
Our team transports you upriver to your starting point — the adventure begins here.
Scenic River Paddle (4–6 Hours at Your Pace)
Drift through peaceful stretches of the Hocking River surrounded by sandstone cliffs, forested banks, and wildlife. Stop for lunch on a gravel bar, swim if the water’s right, and take your time.
Arrive at Private Riverside Campsite (Evening)
Pull your canoe up to your reserved campsite tucked along the riverbank. Set up camp, explore, relax.
Evening by the Fire
Cook dinner, tell stories, and unwind under the stars. With no city lights and no distractions, the river becomes your soundtrack.
Day 2 – River Mornings Hit Different
Wake Up to the River
Coffee by the fire. Light mist rising off the water. Birds starting the morning chorus.
Breakfast & Pack Up
Enjoy a relaxed morning before loading your gear back into the canoe.
Final Paddle (2–3 Hours)
A peaceful stretch of river brings you back toward civilization — refreshed, reset, and just a little more grounded than when you arrived.
.
Where do we camp?
- You will camp at our Trip 2 (Natural Rockbridge) launch, located approximately halfway through your trip. You can set up your gear ahead of time so you don’t have to carry it with you on the river. The scheduled departure is between 3-4pm. Set up your camp at the Natural Rockbridge before coming to the livery to catch the shuttle
What time do we finish the next day?
You will finish the trip the following day at your own pace.
What do you recommend we bring with us?
- Waterproof bags
- Change of clothes (hot showers available on site)
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Hat and bathing suit
- Water shoes for wading (no flip-flops due to rocky river bottom)
- Sunscreen and bug spray
Do we need reservations?
Yes reservations are required for this trip
Can we park at our car at the campsite?
Yes, but you will need two vehicles. Leave one vehicle at the campsite, then carpool together to the livery where your trip will depart between 3:00 and 4:00 PM.
Are they bathrooms at the campsite
Currently there is no bathrooms at the campsite
