Frequently Asked Questions

At times, there is a one-night rental sandwiched between two rentals.  If that is the case, we will do a one-night rental.  However, you will need to reach out to us at [email protected], so that we can bypass the two-night minimum for you.

Because we are close to Athens, Ohio, home to Ohio University, it is often difficult to find lodging on special event weekends, like Graduation and Mom’s Weekend. We also know that things happen and there can be cancellations. If you want to join the waitlist for a particular date, please Contact Us to submit your request. If we should have a guest need to cancel for a requested date, we will reach out to the first name on the waitlist and go down from there.

Our books are currently open to December 31, 2025.

In the future, booking will open up in mid-March for the following year. For example, in March 2025, we will open up for reservations between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. In March 2026, we will open up for reservations between January 1, 2027 and December 31, 2027.

If you would like to receive advance notice of the booking dates, you can enter your email at the bottom of our Welcome Page.

All reservations require 50% at time of booking. Payment of the balance is due 30 days prior to arrival and will be charged to the credit card on file at that time. Reservations made within 30 days of arrival require full payment at booking.

Reservation charges include 3% state lodging tax, 7.25% sales tax and cleaning fees. All fees are subject to local regulations and to change.

Pricing is based on weekday or weekend arrivals, in-season or out-of-season rentals and special events in the community.

Guests must be 25 years or older to rent our units.

Guests will receive a full refund (less the 3% credit card processing fee) if the booking is canceled, in writing, within 48 hours of booking and at least 30 days prior to the arrival date.

Guests will receive a full refund (less the 3% credit card processing fee) if the booking is canceled, in writing, at least 30 days prior to the arrival date.

Guests who cancel within 30 days of arrival will receive no refunds.

For guests who need to cancel, we will make every attempt to rebook their dates. If the dates are rebooked successfully, we will issue a refund of payments made, minus a 25% cancellation fee.

All cancellation requests must be sent to [email protected].

No refunds for early departures, delayed arrivals, no-shows. No refunds given for failure to use the property due to inclement weather.

We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to get Trip Insurance.

No deposit is required, but a valid credit card is kept on file for any damages or additional charges.

A resounding yes! There are things for children of all ages. Think back to your childhood days spent exploring the great outdoors … and then multiply that by 400 (acres)! There is so much to see and experience right outside your door… winding creeks, a storybook trail, ponds for fishing … and the list goes on! If it should rain, the units are stocked with books and games as you enjoy the great indoors while you listen to the rain falling on the metal roof!

When we started this project, our intention was to simply build a cabin or two for long-term rentals, so they were not built to ADA standards. It was not possible to make the cabooses ADA accessible, simply based on the size and footprint. However, the community pavilion and public restrooms are ADA compliant. The plan is to build a few treehouses in the woods in the next few years, and some of these will be accessible. All units have some steps, but the river retreat cabins do have the main bedroom and bathroom on the first floor if steps are the only limitations.

An iron and ironing board are provided in the cabins, but not in the cabooses.

As much as we would love to say yes … we can’t.  We have limited time to turn over the units up to Hideaway standards before our next guests arrive, and our cleaners have set aside this block of time to make it happen.

For the safety and privacy of all of our guests and to maintain the quiet and peace that is expected from a Hideaway experience, registered guests cannot have day or overnight visitors that would put them over the unit’s occupancy limit. If you are staying in a property that has an occupancy of six and only two people are staying, you are welcome to have up to four more people listed on the reservation and join you for the day. ALL GUESTS that will be coming as part of your stay at any point, whether for the day or overnight, need to be listed on the Pre-Arrival Form. Only registered guests on the reservation, within the occupancy limits, are permitted on the property, the trails and walkways and public spaces at any time. If you need any further clarification on this, please Contact Us.

Unfortunately, we don’t. The closest laundromat is Good Dry Cleaners, located at 12 West Stimson Avenue in Athens, a 15-minute drive.

We are happy to host dogs older than 9 months old in The Falls and The Little Brown Caboose. There is a flat fee of $75 per stay and the limit is two dogs. We provide a pet bed, food bowl, pet towel and waste bags. Dogs are not allowed in any of the other units or in the community pavilion.

We ask the following of you and your dogs:

• Please clean up after your dog each time.
• Any damage caused by pets to the Hideaway property or your rental will be charged to the Primary Guest’s credit card on file.
• Dogs must be leashed outside the rental unit.
• Dog’s barking and other noises must be kept to a level that does not disturb other guests.
• Dogs must be current on vaccination and heartworm preventative measures.
• For your protection, your dog’s protection, and our guests’, we strongly encourage dogs to be treated with flea and tick repellant.
• Please do not leave unattended dogs in the rental unit, unless they are in a crate which you provide.
• Please use the provided throw blankets on the sofa and no dogs on the beds.
• Guest will be charged a $50 cleaning fee/hour for any dog hair or tracks left on linens, furniture or floors.
• If a dog is brought into any rental unit other than The Falls or The Little Brown Caboose, the Primary Guest will be charged a $250 fee.
• Dog owner and Primary Guest assumes all liability for the dog while on the property or for any injury or accident caused by the dog.

Yes. We have Spectrum internet and it’s been very reliable. Like any carrier, it may cut out for a few seconds, but that is rare. There have also been times when Spectrum may have a temporary outage, but they have been few and short.

Yes, you will find firewood at all cabins and cabooses. In addition, we provide a fire pit kit that includes two fire-starters, a lighter, marshmallow sticks, a fire extinguisher and fire blanket for use during your stay.

You will find Roam shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in all showers. Vanities in all units have hand soap, toilet paper, feminine products and blow dryer with curling-iron mat in addition to our “Forgot Something” tin with often forgotten vanity items.  Body lotion is also provided in the cabins.

All cabins and cabooses have a coffee pot, tea kettle, toaster, mixer, pots and pans, and basic kitchen utensils. Dinnerware, drinkware and silverware are included, along with paper towels, cleaning supplies, and food storage containers. Kitchen utensils include pizza cutter, cheese grater, corkscrew, can opener … and of course, corn cob holders for the fresh corn picked from our community garden! Additional non-breakable dishes and cups are provided for outdoor dining and for our littlest guests.

The cabins also have a coffee grinder, blender, pressure cooker, griddle, single-serve waffle maker, food processor and toaster.

The cabins have full kitchens, with an oven, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher and 24” refrigerator/freezer.

All cabooses, except The Little Yellow Caboose, have kitchenettes with a microwave, 2-burner cooktop, mini-refrigerator/freezer and sink.  The Little Yellow Caboose has a mini fridge only, no freezer.

We have noticed that Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint are good. We get mixed reports on AT&T, depending where you are on the property. We do have strong Wi-Fi in all units and at The Quarry, our community pavilion, so you can always call people on What’s App using Wi-Fi if both parties have the App.

All of our units are a two-night minimum stay. Occasionally, there may be a single open day in the calendar between two rentals. In that case, one-day rentals may be offered and would show up as available to book.

You are welcome to check in any time after 4:00 PM on your arrival day and ask that you be out of your unit by 10:30 AM on the day of departure. Unfortunately, our cleaners have limited time to turnover the units for the next guest, so we are unable to offer a late checkout.

One week before your stay, we will email your personal access code for your stay.  This code will work at both the entry gate to the property and to your cabin or caboose starting at 4:00 PM the day of your arrival. To access, you will hit the YALE button on the keypad, type in your access code and then hit the Checkmark button. Please wait until you hear door unlock completely before trying to open. Upon entry at your unit, you will find a guidebook with important information and frequently asked questions, both for the Hideaway property and for your individual unit.  We have gathered answers to most questions, whether it’s where to find something or how to operate an appliance, so be sure to keep this guidebook handy.

On the day of your departure, we keep it pretty simple.  Do NOT make your bed.  Simply gather the dirty towels and leave on the bathroom floor. Gather all trash and recycling and put in the garbage bin outside. If you have a minute, please load the dishwasher and get it started.  The cleaners always appreciate the head start.  Other than that, gather your things, turn out the lights, and enter your code a final time to lock the door.  Your code will deactivate at 11:00 the day of departure.  Our cleaners make the most of the limited time they have to clean, so will likely be there just after 11:00 to begin the turnover process.

Finally, on the way home, figure out which Hideaway cabin or caboose you want to visit next and secure your reservation.  We don’t say goodbye around here … only bye for now!

Depending on which caboose you choose, guests can expect views of the Hocking River, fields of green grasses and yellow sunflowers in season, or The Sanctuary Pond.  Rain or shine, the trains’ covered porches and private fire pits are the perfect place to enjoy the natural landscape surrounding you on all sides.

The Bridge, The Falls and The Mill river retreats all sit along the Hocking River with water views … and our resident eagle who travels the river daily. These waterfront units also have decks with additional seating on the second floor for nightly views of the brilliant sunsets and star-filled sky. The Bridge cabin has two more outside seating areas set on the old bridge foundation, surrounded by industrial metal railing. The Falls cabin offers a twin-size covered swing bed for lazy afternoons and The Mill offers an outdoor dining set made of antique millstones for that picture-perfect picnic lunch.

The Depot sits front and center of our line of cabooses.  The full-length front porch looks out on your own small garden of seasonal wildflowers and the rainbow line of cabooses, while the covered back porch looks out to your firepit and greenspace beyond.  In 2022, we planted over 2000 tree saplings in this area, which will one day be a dense forest of maple, sycamore, pine and walnut trees.

With advance notice, we do have highchairs and portable travel cribs available. Please reach out to us if these items are needed, and we will be sure to have them waiting at your unit.

We like to think we have most bases covered. We provide shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, along with hand soap.  The cabins also have body lotion.  Our “Forgot Anything” tin has a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and other often forgotten items to get you through the night.

Our cabin kitchens are stocked with pots and pans and most kitchen essentials, including spices.  The cabooses have salt and pepper and oil and vinegar, but no other spices because of the limited kitchen space.  Cabins and cabooses both have dish soap, and the cabins also have dishwashers with a supply of dishwasher tabs for your stay.  None of the units have laundry facilities.

If you did forget something, there are both a small convenient store and large gas station within five minutes of Hideaway. If you need something more, we are 10 minutes from town with the big box stores.

Simply pack your clothing, medications, groceries and favorite friends and family and head this way!

Hideaway cabins and cabooses all have Smart TVs with numerous streaming options. We provide Netflix and YouTube TV where you watch live TV from 100+ popular channels. You are free to log into any streaming services that you use as well but be sure to log out before you leave so the next guests don’t have access to your account.

The four cabins and five cabooses are all located within the same gated community. The Bridge, The Falls and The Mill are separated from one another and from the cabooses by a buffer of trees and cedar panels. The Depot sits on its own across from the other cabins and cabooses and backs up to its own greenspace. The cabooses are lined up on railroad tracks, 60+ feet apart with a buffer of Norway Spruce between. These pines extend down to your personal firepit, giving each caboose its own space and privacy.

The entire Hideaway property is located on over 400 plus acres of private land for you to explore. You can access the Hideaway PROPERTY and TRAIL maps here.

The river retreats and depot are open year-round. In fact, winter may be the best time to visit … nothing beats a quiet, snowy morning at Hideaway. However, by nature of the trains’ design, they are only available when it’s not so cold, typically March through November.

To maintain the quiet and nature that Hideaway guests expect, we do not allow mountain bikes or ATVs anywhere on the property or trails.

Absolutely! While you are recharging, you can do the same for your electric vehicle. A Home Flex Level 2 EV J1772 charger is located at the maintenance building just inside Hideaway’s main gate. While your vehicle is charging, wander up to The Sundowner, one of the Hideouts, offering panoramic views of the whole property and comfy seating or take a short walk on one of the trails just across the country road. When your vehicle is fully charged, please take your car back to your cabin or caboose so someone else may recharge.

Yes, … and it’s good! The Ol’ Hayes Farm Pond has been around for decades and has large and smallmouth bass, blue gill and catfish and the newly built, 5-acre Sanctuary Pond has been stocked with thousands of small blue gills just this year with plans to add bass, channel cat and yellow perch in Spring 2025.  With Hideaway’s location along the Hocking River, we can also let you in on the best spots for some nighttime catfishing. You’ll are welcome to bring your own fishing poles and tackle box from home and can purchase live bait at one of the two small convenient stores just minutes away. If you don’t have poles or fishing supplies, no problem!  You can sign up for the Fishing Package on our Experiences page and we will have supplies waiting for you at your rental.  Because the farm pond and lake are on the Hayes Family Farm, it is private property, and no license is needed. However, if you are going to fish on or alongside the Hocking River, a fishing license is needed for those 16 years and older.

Due to liability and insurance issues, there is no swimming anywhere on the property. Sorry 🙁

Although Hideaway does not offer kayaks, the Hocking River Yacht Club will have kayaks for rent and will be available for use by registered Hideaway guests. Guests can sign up for these kayak rentals on our Experiences page which is scheduled to be released by August 15, 2024.

If you have your own kayaks or canoes, you are welcome to use Hideaway’s launch and landing sites on the property.  This trip is about 2 miles long and takes 45 minutes if you go straight through, but you are welcome to explore along the way and take a more leisurely trip.  The landing site is within walking distance to all of Hideaway’s rentals.  Other public launch and landing sites are also available for longer trips down the Hocking.

Hideaway on the Hocking is part of the 2500-acre Hayes Family Farm. Established nearly 150 years ago, seven generations of Hayes descendants have made a living on this farm and enjoyed the simple, country living and privacy that came with it. Now, they are sharing this land and securing its future through Hideaway on the Hocking. Set on 400 acres of the Hayes Family Farm, the thoughtfully appointed short term rentals include five authentic train cabooses, three riverfront retreats, an original 1890 train depot.

All of these properties are inside a stone gate and stood guard by a row of evergreens lining the winding driveway further into Hideaway. Located near the cabins and cabooses, you will find The Quarry, our community pavilion, a place to gather with friends and family traveling with you or a place to meet your new neighbors …the guests in the other cabins and cabooses.   There are two community fire pits … one at The Quarry and one by the kayak landing in The Cove.  Hideaway’s garden has fresh sweet corn and tomatoes, and our fields are full of sunflowers and pumpkins, all ripe for the picking in season! Within the gated community, you will find a place to take out your kayak, and a riverfront walking path with places to relax and unwind while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Hocking River below. Outside the gate, just across the country road, hundreds of private wooded acres beckon you to explore. Miles of trails for all levels intersect throughout these 400 acres and are dotted with scenic spots and some surprises along the way. With two walking trails and three more for hiking, there is so much to explore …  something for everyone! You can access and download the PROPERTY and TRAIL maps here.

Guests of all ages are welcome and encouraged to experience Hideaway!   However, if you have young ones, it is important to note that none of the properties have been child proofed.

It is important for children to be supervised during their stay, especially around the many fire, stone and water features and while exploring the natural terrain outside. There are multiple fire pits, ungated hot tubs, two ponds, the Hocking River, as well as cliffs and caves, on this property. We have attempted to preserve the property in its natural state as much as possible.  As such, there are large stones around the property that are not to be climbed on or around. Direct adult supervision is required at all times.

The Hideaway community is surrounded by the Hocking River on three sides and extends 400 acres back into the woods. There are numerous paths and trails of varying lengths and difficulty. From a half mile walk along the river’s edge, to a climb to The Summit, there is a route for everyone. Hideaway has kayak access both in and out along the property. This 2-mile float winds along the Hayes Family Farm’s 147-year-old property, bordered by fields of crops, sand bars and a canopy of trees, often serving as a resting place for the resident eagle. Not a fan of the water, pick your own corn and tomatoes and create an authentic farm-to-table experience. Want to enjoy a special view? Make your way to one of four Hideouts located throughout the property, offering comfortable spaces to relax, play a game or simply enjoy the views that are hard to beat! Fish, hike, pick pumpkins, sunflowers, track birds … the list goes on and on and on… Be sure to check out the Destinations link on our page for more activities and landmarks.

We are! We have nine lodging units, four cabins and five cabooses, with capacity for up to 43 guests, available for rental in season, March through November.  The four cabins, with capacity for up to 24 guests, are available throughout the whole year.

The Quarry, our ADA accessible community pavilion with restrooms, is available to all registered guests on the property. On the second floor, there is an additional 1000 square foot space available for rent.   Whether for a retreat, family reunion, business meeting or football watch party, this conditioned space is perfect year-round. A wall of windows, stone accents, vintage-style chandelier, pull-down projection screen and private deck with sunset views, combine to make one unique gathering space for up to 50 people. Please Contact Us for more information.

Yes, we love weddings! At this point, weddings are possible when a guest rents out the entire property…cabins, cabooses and pavilion.  The Quarry, our 3500 square foot community pavilion, has a 1000 square foot, glass-front conditioned space that opens up to a deck with sunset views and a 1600 square foot outdoor covered space with double-sided stone fireplace, ADA accessible restrooms and kitchen prep area for caterers. At this point, we will accommodate up to 150 guests, but are still developing wedding plans, so stay tuned!   If you have any questions, please Contact Us.

We have 9 units … 4 cabins and 5 cabooses. The cabins host up to 24 guests and the cabooses up to 19 guests. Some of the cabooses have toddler beds, so the total number is dependent on children and their ages.

In our community pavilion, The Quarry, you will find comfortable indoor and outdoor lounging and dining areas to gather. Located around our 13’ wide and 20’ high indoor-outdoor fireplace, it’s a great place to meet up at night for conversation and enjoy the country air. Just off the pavilion, down a short flagstone walkway and looking out over Hideaway’s pond, The Sanctuary, we also have a larger fire pit with Adirondak seating that is surrounded by large shale rock from the adjacent hill.

Guests can also gather alongside the Hocking River at The Cove, which is tucked next to the kayak landing, under a canopy of mature trees.  A natural fire-pit encircled by large stone boulders from the old …and still visible … bridge foundation, makes for a great place to enjoy the sights and sounds of the small river rapids of the Hocking River.

Along with highlighting the landscape of Southeast Ohio, we’re teaming up with some very talented neighbors to offer additional services and activities. These upgrades to your Hideaway journey highlight what make our area special and unique. Most of these experiences will be offered both privately and in a group format. From guided meditation to a farm-to-table meal prepared for you by a talented young chef, and so much more, you can customize your own Hideaway journey. Be sure to check out the Experiences section when it opens August 15, 2024.

We figured you may want to take something home with you, more than just memories, so we have a few Hideaway items available including comfy t-shirts and sweatshirts, classic baseball hats with a vintage feel and the ceramic coffee mugs you enjoyed while you were here. Please check out the General Store on our homepage.  Better yet, if you are here, we have most items in our maintenance facility and will do our best to get them to you before you leave, or we can send them to you for an additional charge. These items make a great way to surprise someone with a getaway trip or to remember your time with us at Hideaway on the Hocking…until you come back!

Just 5 minutes away, you will find a local gas station / convenience store / deli that has been around for over 35 years, Poston Carry Out. Don’t let the rotating gas pumps fool you. They carry a good selection of essentials, like bread, milk, snacks, and alcohol…even a Moonshine rack! The best part? They have a small deli where they will make you a warm breakfast sandwich, loaded lunch sandwich or one of their legendary burgers, all at a great price. If you need a bit more variety, you can travel 15 minutes into Athens where you will find a Walmart and Kroger amount other national chains.