Maple Syrup Festivals Include Hocking Hills State Park

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(Columbus) — The return of maple syrup season means it’s time to embrace one of Ohio’s sweetest traditions. This March, four Ohio state parks will host maple syrup festivals, inviting visitors to experience the age-old craft of sugaring while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities and delicious maple treats.

“There’s something truly special about witnessing the process of making maple syrup firsthand,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “These festivals bring together nature, history, and community, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages.”
 
Hocking Hills State Park – Maple Sugaring in the Hills 

• Dates: Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9; noon-4 p.m.
• Details: Visit the naturalist cabin behind the Old Man’s Cave visitor center to see how sap transforms into maple syrup. Through live demonstrations, learn about the deep-rooted history of maple sugaring in Ohio. A local producer will be on hand with syrup available for purchase.

Hueston Woods State Park – 58th Annual Maple Syrup Festival

• Dates: Saturday, March 1; Sunday, March 2; Saturday, March 8; and Sunday, March 9; noon-4 p.m.
• Details: Take a scenic hayride from the beach parking lot to a guided hike through the 200-acre “Big Woods.” Learn the science and tradition of syrup making, then treat yourself to local maple syrup and refreshments which will be available for purchase. A breakfast buffet featuring pancakes will also be available at Hueston Woods State Park Lodge & Conference Center from 8 a.m.-1p.m. – $10 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under. (Note: Please allow a little extra time to arrive and pay attention to the detour signs approaching and leaving the park as two bridges are currently under construction.)

Indian Lake State Park – Maple Syrup Festival

• Dates: Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday, March 16, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Details: Watch a live demonstration showcasing the transformation of sap into maple syrup. A pancake and sausage breakfast featuring pure maple syrup served up by the Indian Lake Development Corporation will also be available both days – $8 for adults and $4 for children.

Malabar Farm State Park – 48th Annual Maple Syrup Festival

• Dates: Saturday, March 1; Sunday, March 2; Saturday, March 8; and Sunday, March 9; noon-4 p.m.
• Details: Experience sugar camp with live historic and modern syrup-making demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, food, and tasty maple products to sample and purchase. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the historic “Big House.”

All events are free and open to the public but be sure to bring cash to support local vendors and take home some of Ohio’s finest maple syrup.
 

The festivals at Hocking Hills, Hueston Woods, Indian Lake, and Malabar Farm state parks are open to the public and free to attend.

 
As winter fades and spring approaches, Ohio state parks provide the perfect setting to experience the magic of maple sugaring. Whether you’re here to hike, learn, or indulge in nature’s sweetest offering, these events offer something for everyone. Dress for the weather, bring your sense of adventure, and join us in celebrating this timeless Ohio tradition!