The best October evenings in Hocking Hills follow the same script: hike until the gorges go dark, come back to the cabin, light the fire, and let the night build itself. Here's the sequence that works every time.
Step 1: The fire
Start it before sunset. Seasoned hardwood — oak or hickory — needs 15–20 minutes to build from kindling to a cooking-ready bed of coals. We include a fire starter and kindling with every delivery, so you don't need the frustrating gas-station experience of trying to light damp bundles with a grill lighter. Light the starter, tent the kindling, add split logs once the kindling catches, and let it breathe.
Step 2: S'mores (the real ones)
Wait for coals, not flames. Toast marshmallows over the glowing bed — that's where the even heat lives. Upgrades on the classic: dark chocolate instead of milk, Reese's cups instead of chocolate bars, cookie butter on the graham cracker, or strawberry slices. No one is too old for s'mores; anyone who says otherwise hasn't had one in the woods in October.
Step 3: Ghost stories
The region has real material. The hermit of Old Man's Cave (Richard Rowe, who lived and died in the recess cave in the 1800s — his grave is still there). The Moonville brakeman, seen carrying a lantern through the abandoned railroad tunnel 30 minutes south. The Lavender Lady, hit by a train so hard her body flew from the tunnel, leaving only her scent. The pale figure at Ash Cave's western portal. Read up on the local legends and present them around the fire. The woods fill in the sound effects.
Step 4: Stars
Kill the cabin lights. Let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes. The Hocking Hills region sits far enough from Columbus' light pollution that the Milky Way is visible from most ridge-top cabins. October's clear, low-humidity skies are some of the best stargazing of the year. The Orionid meteor shower peaks around October 21 — you don't need a telescope, just darkness and patience.
Step 5: The hot tub
The fire's burned down. The stories are told. The hot tub is 94 degrees and the October air is 50. This is the part that makes people book the same weekend next year.
Set up your October night
Seasoned firewood delivered. The rest of the evening builds itself.
Text us to order →Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of firewood is best for a cabin bonfire?
Seasoned hardwood — oak and hickory burn hot and long, cherry adds a sweet smell, and maple gives steady heat. 'Seasoned' means split and dried for months. Green wood smokes, hisses, and refuses to hold a flame.
How do I make good s'mores over a campfire?
Wait for coals, not flames. Toast marshmallows over the glowing bed for even heat. Upgrade the classic with dark chocolate, Reese's cups, or cookie butter on the graham cracker.
Can you see the Milky Way from Hocking Hills?
From most ridge-top cabins, yes — the region is far enough from Columbus' light pollution. Turn off the cabin lights and wait 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust. October's clear skies are some of the best stargazing of the year.