Drive times from major cities
| From | Distance | Drive time | Main route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | 65 miles | About 1 hour | US-33 E to Lancaster, then Route 93 south through New Straitsville |
| Cincinnati, OH | 145 miles | About 2 hr 30 min | I-71 N to Columbus, then US-33 E (or US-50 E via Chillicothe for the scenic route) |
| Cleveland, OH | 160 miles | About 2 hr 30 min | I-71 S to Columbus, then US-33 E |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 175 miles | About 3 hours | I-70 W to I-77 S, then Route 16 west to Zanesville, then south |
| Indianapolis, IN | 245 miles | About 4 hours | I-70 E to Columbus, then US-33 E |
| Detroit, MI | 225 miles | About 3 hr 30 min | I-75 S to I-70 E to Columbus, then south |
Columbus is the closest major city and the most common starting point, at about a one-hour drive. All routes funnel onto US-33 East toward Lancaster before turning south into the Hocking Hills region.
Last-mile tips
- Use Google Maps, not Apple Maps. Apple Maps occasionally suggests a forest road that is not maintained for passenger cars. Our Google Maps pin sends you the right way every time.
- Cell signal drops. Starting about 15 minutes before arrival, most carriers lose signal in the woods. Download offline maps before you leave the highway, or save the turn-by-turn screenshots on your phone.
- Gas up at the last major exit. Lancaster and Logan have full-service gas stations. Once you are south of Logan, options get thin. Do not leave the highway with under a quarter tank.
- The last half mile is gravel. All passenger cars handle it fine in most conditions. In winter or after heavy rain, 4-wheel drive is recommended. If conditions are bad, we reach out before your stay with road updates.
- Arrival is contactless. You will get your cabin code by email before check-in. No front desk to visit. If you arrive before 4 PM and want early access, early check-in is available for $50, subject to availability.
Stops worth making on the way
- Lancaster, OH: A historic downtown with coffee shops and a great local bakery. Good midpoint stretch from Columbus.
- Logan, OH: The closest sizable town to Avenwood with grocery stores (Kroger, Walmart) and restaurants. This is where most guests pick up groceries for the stay.
- Hocking Hills Winery: On the route in from Columbus, worth a tasting flight before you head to the cabin. See our winery notes.
From the airport
The closest major airport is John Glenn Columbus International (CMH), roughly 70 miles away. Rental car is the best option. There is no public transit or rideshare coverage that reliably reaches the cabin. Columbus is also the closest airport for visitors flying in from coastal cities. A one-hour drive after landing is the norm.
Still need help?
Text us at (740) 385-3374 if you get lost or lose signal on arrival day. We respond quickly during check-in hours. For full turn-by-turn directions with the Google Maps pin, see our directions page.