Nature lovers will be in all their glory on a visit to Hocking Hills State Park where they can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. Whether camping overnight in the park or visiting for the day, visitors will have the chance to behold the naturally amazing picturesque vistas, cliffs, gorges, caves, and waterfalls throughout the park. Many of the trails are half a mile (0.8 kilometre) to 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) in length spanning from under one hour to two hours over dirt or asphalt paths, making it so all interested in visiting the park can enjoy the beautiful scenery with ease. To behold the amazing natural beauty of Cedar Falls, Old Man’s Cave, and more, please refer to the following list of the top hiking and trekking spots in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
1. Cantwell Cliffs
Those visiting to hike inside Hocking Hills State Park will not be disappointed by the stunning natural beauty found within its borders. Cantwell Cliffs is a more remote area to reach, however, for those willing to go the extra mile, the half-mile (0.8 kilometre) 40-minute journey via the rim trail or the narrow passageway along the valley floor makes it well worth it. After descending the steep rock staircase to the cave’s entrance, hikers will see a picturesque valley bordered by steep rock cliffs. The stunning reddish-brown colour of the stone formations has resulted due to the iron oxide of the sandstone.
Cantwell Cliffs
Address: Ohio 74, Rockbridge, OH 43149
Website: Cantwell Cliffs
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Ash Cave
Those visiting Hocking Hills State Park will be exposed to breathtaking natural surroundings including Ash Cave with its avenue of hemlock and beech trees lining the entrance to the cave. The trail which is approximately half a mile (0.8 km) long, taking 30 minutes, has a paved sidewalk for those with wheelchairs and strollers making it accessible to view the cascading waterfall, sandy floor at the cave’s entrance, and massive overhanging ledge. Hikers can walk through the massive cave where Native Americans lived for hundreds of years in the Ohio wilderness. If you happen to be camping in Hocking Hills State Park, make certain to spend an adequate amount of time to visit Ash Cave and the numerous points of interest within nature’s wonderland.
Ash Cave
Address: 27291 Ohio 56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152
Website: Ash Cave
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Cedar Falls Trail
Grab your backpack and get ready for a half-mile (0.8 kilometre) 40-minute adventure through the Lower Gorge of Old Man’s Cave where you will encounter moss-covered cliffs, a rough trail, and the panoramic Queer Creek Valley. After traversing the rugged trail lined with hemlock trees and steep rock walls, visitors will have to descend a rock stairwell of 100 steps. Upon arrival at the bottom of the rocky staircase, hikers will be treated to stunning views of Cedar Falls which is one of the largest waterfalls in the Hocking Hills region. Remains of a grist mill from the mid-1800s along with parking and restroom facilities are located above the waterfall.
Cedar Falls Trail
Address: 21724 Ohio 374 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138
Website: Cedar Falls Trail
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Old Man's Cave
Hikers can reach this stunning phenomenon by traversing a one-way 6-mile (9.6 kilometres) trail to Ash Cave. Those travelling by stroller or wheelchair will have to access the trail past the visitor centre via Lodge Road for a half-mile (0.8 kilometre) journey to a new ramp and observation deck at Upper Falls. Hikers will cross a narrow stone bridge before descending a broad rock staircase to view the surrounding rock formations and Old Man’s Cave. Upon reaching the cave, visitors will be treated to the amazing beauty of two levels of waterfalls and the swirling waters of Devil’s Bathtub.
Old Man's Cave
Address: 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, OH 43138
Website: Old Man’s Cave
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Rock House Trail
Hikers must cover a half-mile (0.8 kilometre) or 30- to 45-minute meandering forest trail bordered by moss-covered rock formations and descend stone steps. Once through the corridor, visitors will behold seven archways and sandstone columns holding up the massive roof. They will be able to wander through the massive cave where in the early 1900s a hotel operated near the shelter house which was located at the entrance of Rock House. Throughout the centuries, the cave provided shelter to robbers, horse thieves, murderers, bootleggers, and Native Americans as shown by the carvings on the cave’s walls.
Rock House Trail
Address: 16526 Ohio 374, Laurelville, OH 43135
Website: Rock House Trail
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Lower Falls Trail
Those visiting Hocking Hills State Park to admire its numerous natural attractions can access the trail to check out Lower Falls by a trail starting at Lodge Road near the visitor centre. Hikers without mobility issues can take the 6-mile (9.6 kilometres) trail to Ash Cave en route to Old Man’s Cave. Those with mobility issues can view the cascading lower falls from an observation area overlooking Old Man’s Cave whereas hikers without such challenges will be able to descend rock stairs to the cave to get a closer look. Upon reaching the cave, visitors can enjoy wondrous views of the lower falls, sandstone rock formations covered in moss, and the surrounding hemlock forest.
Lower Falls Trail
Address: 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138
Website: Lower Falls Trail
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Conkle's Hollow Gorge Trail
For those looking to explore Hocking Hills State Park to see Conkle’s Hollow Gorge, the upper trail is 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) long (taking 1.5 to 2 hours) and can be quite hazardous so it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or for children. The paved lower trail is about a mile (1.6 kilometres), taking one hour, and is a better choice for children and those with mobility issues, but can be slippery if the wooden planks on the bridges get wet. Hikers who can handle the upper trail are in for panoramic views of the valley with its thick forest below. Those who are able to take advantage of the lower trail will enjoy coursing through the thick greenery of ferns and wildflowers while hardwoods such as hemlock and birch provide a canopy from the sunlight.
Conkle's Hollow Gorge Trail
Address: 24132 Big Pine Road, Logan, OH 43138
Website: Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
Exploring naturally amazing Hocking Hills State Park
Those venturing into the great outdoors of Hocking Hills State Park will be blessed with panoramic views of hardwood forests filled with waterfalls, steep gorges, and sandstone cliffs. Needless to say, the park is a nature lover’s paradise with its lakes to fish and canoe on, its many trails to hike through to explore hidden caves, and to come up close and personal with wildlife at times. After venturing into the great outdoors to admire nature’s beauty where numerous peoples lived throughout the centuries, visitors will come away with much appreciation for these protected parks hoping to preserve them for future generations to enjoy as well.
History
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