As much as we hate to admit it, we’ve noticed the days getting shorter and the beginning nips of autumn chill in the morning air. Summer is starting to pack its bags and make way for a new guest to arrive.

Before we know it, we will be treated to one of nature’s greatest art projects – the color-changing of the fall leaves. Now is the perfect time to book a stay at Ravenwood Castle!

In addition to the thousands of acres of decades old forests and a variety of trails and outlooks to take in this breathtaking time of year in the greater Hocking Hills area, our location is nestled among 50+ private acres of wooded trails with our own private observation deck.

If you are up for a hike, we recommend the Waterloo Conservation Area (outside of Athens) which allows public hiking, hunting, fishing, and miles and miles of trails with massive old trees. It isn’t as crowded as Hocking State Park so you can find some solitude to enjoy the show.

Not up for a hike? No problem! We have plenty of great vantages at the Castle from which you can observe the colorful canvas of autumn with a cup of coffee and a cozy sweater. The best rooms for private leaf-viewing are the Silversmith House, Clock Tower, and Woodcutter’s Cottage in the Medieval Village; and King Arthur, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria in the Castle.

Once the sun goes down, enjoy the quiet crackling of a campfire in our fire pits (we supply the firewood!) or share ghost stories over s’mores and cocoa. Huntsman Hollow has its own fire pit and the Fisher’s and Forester’s cabins have excellent views of our wooded vistas.

Bonus activity: Observe the constellation Orion as is begins its rise into the winter sky. Our location avoids the pitfalls of light pollution from city lights and on a clear night you will see thousands of beautiful stars. A lovely way to end a day of enjoying all the beauty an autumn stay can offer.

Jim Reed

Jim Reed is a lifelong gamer who started with the original red box Dungeons & Dragons. After spending 20 years in the corporate world, he decided it was high time that work be fun and struck out on his own. Jim now owns and operates Ravenwood Castle, and spends his days ensuring his guests have as much fun as he does.