Yurts, a castle and a caboose: 8 of the craziest, coolest places to stay in Hocking Hills

One of the new yurts at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

One of the new yurts at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Ohio’s Hocking Hills region offers plenty of charming B&Bs, cozy inns and romantic cottages to choose from if you are looking to make a weekend out of your road trip.

Here are a few options that are off the beaten path to grab a night’s rest in.

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The Box Hop is a family getaway and rental cabin refurbished from shipping containers. The luxury Airbnb features a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms and sleeps 8. A gas fireplace, rooftop patio and six-person hot tub are among other amenities. CONTRIBUTED

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The Box Hop

The Box Hop is a family getaway and rental cabin built by Seth and Emily Britt, a realization of a college dream that had stuck with Seth for years.

The structure is set on 18 lush acres in the midst of the Hocking Hills and will be worth the drive to stay in.

 

It features a full kitchen, two bathrooms, three bedrooms and sleeps eight. A gas fireplace, rooftop patio and six-person hot tub are among other amenities. This unusual 900-square-foot cabin rents through Airbnb.

More info: WebsiteFacebook

At Boulders Edge Cabin and Tipi Retreat (Source: Facebook)

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At Boulders Edge Cabin and Tipi Retreat

Experience the magic and tranquility of camping in traditional Sioux Native American tipis, reminiscent of “Dances with Wolves.”

Each tipi sleeps 10 comfortably, sits on a wooden deck and has a wood-burning stove inside. Guests provide their own sleeping gear cot or mattress, sleeping bag and chairs. Picnic tables, fire rings and a solar shower are provided.

More info: WebsiteFacebook

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Hocking Hills Caboose (Source: Facebook)

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Hocking Hills Caboose

“All Aboard!” This recently renovated, antique train caboose hidden deep in the woods will be a hit with kids, railroad buffs and anyone seeking an unusual escape.

The caboose has been transformed into a fully equipped cabin that sleeps five and features kitchenette, full bath and a cozy fire pit just outside the door that overlooks a stunning woodland valley.

More info: WebsiteFacebook

Salt Creek Retreats’ Mongolian yurt (Source: Facebook)

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Salt Creek Retreats’ Mongolian yurt

In addition to cabins, this is an option for visitors seeking to sleep in the unusual. Salt Creek Retreats’ cabins and yurt sits on 60 secluded acres near miles of private trails, a fishing pond, scenic overlook and a river for swimming.

Dog friendly and fully stocked with dishes, utensils, pillows, chairs, heater and a grill, the yurt sleeps up to six.

More info: WebsiteFacebook

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Ravenswood Castle’s Medieval Village, castle rooms and Fairytale Village Cottages (Source: Facebook)

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Ravenswood Castle's Medieval Village, castle rooms and Fairytale Village Cottages

The design of Ravenwood Castle was inspired by castles built to defend the border between England and Wales in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The building is much newer, of course. Cottages, decorated as homes in a medieval town, offer kitchenettes and whirlpool tubs. Or stay in the castle in a room with medieval flair. Freebies include parking, and breakfast served in a great hall.

More info: WebsiteFacebook

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The Glenlaurel Scottish Inn in Hocking Hills (Source: Facebook)

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The Glenlaurel Scottish Inn

A traditional Scottish hamlet, complete with Old World-style crofts and cottages, is part of the charm of The Glenlaurel Scottish Inn, which aims to transport guests to the Scottish hills.

Glenlaurel’s fine dining and Scottish Links Golf help visitors immerse themselves in a Scottish experience.

More info: WebsiteFacebook

Majestic Oaks Lodge is a luxury cabin for large groups at Hocking Hills (Source: Facebook)

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Majestic Oaks Lodge

A number of Hocking Hills lodging operators have taken luxury to the next level. The Majestic Oaks Lodge is for those looking to throw a big party.

With space for a whopping 44 guests, this stunner boasts 9,000 square feet of indoor living space; 4,800 square feet of gorgeous outdoor decks with two eight-person hot tubs; a heated, indoor pool; eight full baths; a dazzling gourmet kitchen and 18 acres of woodlands and trails.

More info: WebsiteFacebook

One of the new yurts at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls has just unveiled the newest lodging experience in southeast Ohio’s gorgeous Hocking Hills region.

In addition to its existing cabins, charming cottages and cozy inn rooms, the Inn now offers guests yurt accommodations, starting at $199 per night.

Each of these year-round, raised, dome-shaped dwellings are 20 feet in diameter and boasts a private deck, a king-size bed (or two twin beds), bathroom with tiled shower, comfortable rocking chairs, a gas-log stove, microwave and under-counter refrigerator.

The yurts’ walls and roof beams are crafted of accordion lattice, and all made of Douglas fir. The circular dwelling’s rafters soar upward to the central vaulted ceiling, creating an open, spacious feeling and offering an abundance of soft, natural light. They accommodate a maximum of two adults.

More info: WebsiteFacebook

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