Hocking Hills is about to get a reason to visit that has nothing to do with waterfalls or caves. The Hocking Hills Mountain Coaster, set to become Ohio’s first mountain coaster, breaks ground Aug. 1 with an opening targeted for late winter or early spring 2027.
The ride is planned for the Logan area, roughly two hours from Cincinnati and about an hour and a half from Dayton. The developer hasn’t released the exact site yet, citing safety concerns during construction, but the project sits on a 55-acre property, with the coaster itself using 10 to 15 acres.
What the Ride Will Be Like
The coaster runs about 3,640 feet of steel track through the trees, with two-person carts reaching speeds up to 26 mph on a ride that takes roughly five minutes start to finish. Like other mountain coasters, riders control their own speed with a hand brake rather than being locked into a fixed pace. Each cart comes equipped with a camera so riders can capture video of their run.
The developer estimates around 25 carts will run at once, with capacity for up to 350 riders an hour once the ride is fully operating.
The Building Behind It
Along with the coaster, crews will build a nearly 5,000-square-foot welcome center housing ticket sales, a gift shop and retail space. A gem mining station for children is also planned as part of the building.
Who’s Behind the Project
The coaster is led by Jake Ryan, managing partner of Jake Ryan Realty, who also runs the vacation rental company Book Hocking. Despite that overlap, the coaster itself will not be affiliated with Book Hocking. Ryan told media the idea came out of guest feedback from the roughly two dozen cabins his company manages in the area, where visitors often ask what else there is to do besides hike. He’s said the concept was inspired by a mountain coaster he rode at Flathead Lake in Montana, and by the cluster of similar rides in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where mountain coasters are a common tourist draw.
Good to Know
- Ticket prices haven’t been finalized. The developer has estimated somewhere in the $18 to $20 range per person, with discounts for locals and possible school partnerships under discussion.
- Local reaction has reportedly been mixed. Ryan has said visitor feedback has been largely positive, while some Hocking Hills residents have raised concerns about the project’s effect on the area.
- No exact opening date has been set. Construction is expected to run through fall and winter, with the developer targeting late winter 2026 into early spring 2027.
Plan Your Visit
Expected opening: Late winter 2026 to early spring 2027
Estimated admission: $18 to $20 per person
Distance from Cincinnati: About two hours
Distance from Dayton: About an hour and a half
Updates on construction and an official ticketing site are expected to follow through Jake Ryan’s Instagram as the project moves closer to completion.
