Ohio is calling if you long to escape in nature. The state’s top park, Hocking Hills State Park, boasts seven hiking areas that take you along lush forests, recess caves, sandstone cliffs, and a treasure trove of waterfalls.
As a child, I loved exploring Hocking Hills, so I was thrilled to share the scenic trails with Julie.
One of the best things about the park is that its hikes span all ability levels, offering an adventure for everyone. Julie and I will share our experiences and insights to help you determine which Hocking Hills hikes are best for you.
Let’s find your next adventure!
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Old Man’s Cave
- Hike distance: 1.5 miles
- Trail rating: Moderate
Old Man’s Cave is a 1.5-mile one-way trail system. The entire loop takes you through Upper Falls, Upper Gorge, Middle Falls, Lower Falls, and Lower Gorge.
You will cross bridges, go through tunnels, and navigate stairs. Rewards along your journey include varied rock formations, a massive recess cave, and beautiful waterfalls. Like a legendary rock band, the hits keep coming.
This may be the best hike in Ohio, with so many gratifying physical challenges and natural wonders. We consider it a moderate hike, but there are many steps and a few steep sections.
There is an option to skip the Lower Falls and shorten the hike to a 1-mile loop. Note that you will miss out on some gorgeous masterpieces from Mother Nature if you bypass the last half mile. It is well worth your effort to complete the whole hike.
Cedar Falls
- Hike distance: 0.5 miles
- Trail rating: Moderate
The trail to Cedar Falls is only 0.5 miles long. You will start by heading down a long set of very steep stairs, with a noticeable drop between steps. Due to the many steps and the steep grade, we consider this hike to be moderate.
The path eventually levels off and takes you across a bridge. In short order, you will strike gold. Two waterfalls await your arrival.
Some hikers are so anxious to get to Cedar Falls that they stride past Hidden Falls, which is somewhat obscured by vegetation and a large slab of rock. During prolonged dry weather, it may be nonexistent. Although not large, it is a pretty waterfall.
A little further down the path, you will find the main attraction. Cedar Falls often has little to no water in summer. For the other three seasons, you will find a powerful 50-foot waterfall. By volume, Cedar Falls is the greatest waterfall in Hocking Hills.
Ironically, hemlocks, not cedars, surround the waterfall. Early settlers misidentified the trees.
Before making the steep climb back to the trailhead, you will hike along massive rock walls, between large rock slabs, and across a boardwalk. Besides the falls, this is the most rewarding section of the trail.
Soon after, you will huff and puff back up the hillside. The views are worth your efforts.
Ash Cave
- Trail rating: Moderate
- Hike distance: 0.5 miles
- Note: Trail is wheelchair accessible
Ash Cave is a 0.5-mile one-way trail system. The first half of the trail is level and paved, and it is wheelchair accessible. Yes, the paved path takes you far enough for a front-row view of the cave and waterfall.
You do not want to miss the spectacular view. Ash Cave is massive. At 700 feet long and 100 feet deep, it is the largest recess cave in Ohio. A seasonal waterfall spills over the 90-foot ceiling.
After reaching the cave and waterfall area, those with wheelchairs will turn around to head back to the trailhead. All others must climb a steep set of stairs to the rim trail.
The second half of the trail has many steps and a steep grade. Parts of the trail include exposed tree roots and rocks. You must take it slow and watch your step. We consider the hike moderate due to the conditions you will face on the second half of the trail.
Conkle’s Hollow
- Hike distance (Rim Trail): 2.0 miles
- Trail rating (Rim Trail): Strenuous
- Hike distance (Gorge Trail): 0.75 miles
- Trail rating (Gorge Trail): Easy
- Note: Gorge Trail is wheelchair accessible
Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is such a peaceful setting. The gorge is filled with tall trees, leaving you in a shaded canopy full of singing birds.
You can have two completely different experiences here. Conkle’s Hollow has two trails. So, you have a choice to make.
Rim Trail or Upper Trail is a strenuous two-mile one-way loop that offers challenges such as steep terrain, uneven steps, visible tree roots, and 70—to 100-foot cliff drops. This path is for seasoned hikers or those seeking a challenge.
Gorge Trail or Lower Trail is an easy 0.75-mile hike. The path is level and paved except for the last section leading to the recess cave. It is wheelchair accessible.
I describe the Gorge Trail as a nature walk. You will see rock walls on both sides of the forested trail. On the path, you will encounter a boardwalk and two bridges. The hike culminates in a recess cave and a seasonal waterfall.
We went in the summer. Immediately upon entering the gorge, we noticed the temperature dropped 10 or 15 degrees. It was so obvious and sudden that we chuckled out loud.
Cantwell Cliffs
- Hike distance: 2.0 miles
- Trail rating: Moderate to strenuous
About 17 miles from Old Man’s Cave, Cantwell Cliffs is the park’s most remote and rugged hiking experience. It is typically the least crowded area in Hocking Hills.
The hike consists of two loops: a one-way in loop and a one-way out loop. Each is about one mile long, giving you a good 2-mile hike. Due to the steep grade and many steps, we rate Cantwell Cliffs as moderate to strenuous.
We knew right away that we were in for a fun challenge. Near the beginning of the trail, you must face Fat Woman’s Squeeze. It is a set of stone stairs descending through a narrow corridor. At first sight, it is intimidating.
Most people can make the squeeze without any issues. It is actually fun to navigate the corridor. Plus, the setting is absolutely gorgeous. It did not disappoint!
The wooded trail offers breathtaking views. Mature trees and large, rugged rocks surround you the whole way. Sandstone cliffs tower 150 feet above Buck Run.
The highlight is an overhang cave in the sandstone cliff. During rainy periods, a small waterfall flows down over the rock shelter.
Is this hike worth the extra drive? Absolutely! Cantwell Cliffs offers a hike that is rewarding visually and physically.
Rock House
- Hike distance: 1.0 miles
- Trail rating: Moderate
Rock House is the only actual cave in the park. It is a tunnel-like corridor midway up a 150-foot sandstone cliff.
The spacious house is about 200 feet long and 20 to 30 feet wide—Rock House’s ceiling measures 25 feet.
I readily admit that I was not excited about this hike. Images that I had seen previously did not pique my interest.
Rock House was a pleasant surprise. The cave is much larger than I envisioned. Plus, I found the journey to be challenging and enjoyable.
Peering through natural picture windows, the view from Rock House is surreal. Beautiful rock formations throughout the lush valley will make you smile. Regardless of the season, the view is spectacular.
The trail is a 1.0-mile loop with a steep grade and many steps. We rate it moderate.
There is an upper and a lower parking lot. You can start the hike from either, as the trail ends at the shelter house on the upper level.
Whispering Cave
- Hike distance: 5.0 miles
- Trail rating: Moderate
In full disclosure, Julie and I have not yet tackled this hike. We hope to return in the future to hike this trail.
Whispering Cave is a 5.0-mile one-way loop trail. The hike is considered moderate, and it has steep terrain, uneven steps, and cliff edges.
You get rewarded for your efforts with a swinging bridge and a recess cave. The cave is 300 feet wide. During rainy periods, a waterfall trickles from the cave ceiling.
Plan Your Hocking Hills Visit
Now that we have covered what to expect on the Hocking Hills hikes, let’s explore the essential park information so you can plan your trip.
Hocking Hills Location
Hocking Hills State Park nestles in the green, rolling hills of lightly populated southeast Ohio. The park visitor center address is 19852 OH-664, Logan, Ohio 43138. You can use the interactive map to obtain directions.
Hocking Hills State Park Hours
The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, including holidays.
Cost
There are no fees to enter the park. It is also free to hike the scenic trails.
Parking
Parking is available for each of the hiking areas. You can find park maps and trail maps at the Hocking Hills State Park website.
Hocking Hills Cabins
There are many cabins located near Hocking Hills State Park. Most have a hot tub and full amenities. Please use the park website as a resource.
After a day of hiking, it is so relaxing to soak in a hot tub as the sounds of nature fill the night air. Morning is equally special. I listened to birds singing and watched a deer feeding nearby as I drank my coffee. Magical!
When to Visit
Hocking Hills provides a spectacular, although changing, view all year.
Spring
If you love waterfalls, spring is the best time to visit Hocking Hills. The trails may be muddy, but the flowing waterfalls make it all worthwhile.
Summer
You will find the park to be more crowded in summer. It is the most popular time for visitors. I hate to say it, but summer is probably the worst time to visit. You will also face heat, humidity, and bugs.
If this is the only time of year that your schedule allows, you can still have a great time. Hocking Hills is beautiful, with all the trees donning their greenery. Just be prepared to face the crowds, heat, and bugs. Arrive early in the morning to combat these issues.
Autumn
Fall provides plenty of opportunities for a wonderful hiking experience in Hocking Hills. The temperatures are cooler. Painted crimson, gold, and fiery orange leaves pop against a landscape of sandstone cliffs and green hemlocks. The waterfalls should be flowing with more vigor but will depend heavily on the amount of recent rainfall.
Winter
Believe it or not, winter is a fantastic time to hike in Hocking Hills. It is less crowded, accommodations are cheaper, and insects are not a problem.
With fewer leaves on the trees, the sandstone cliffs and various rock formations now have a chance to be in the spotlight. You may receive a special treat if you are lucky with your timing. Frozen waterfalls are truly a sight to behold.
What to Bring
- Hiking shoes with good support and traction are a must. I wear Merrell Moab 2 hiking shoes. They are waterproof and so comfortable. We have hiked in many national and state parks, often in rainy or wet conditions. I could not be happier with their performance and durability. The traction is excellent. Best of all, my feet remain dry. You can order a pair of hiking shoes here.
- Water and snacks to stay hydrated and maintain your energy.
- A camera to capture the beautiful scenery. Hocking Hills is gorgeous. You will want pictures and/or videos to capture the breathtaking moments. For video, we use the DJI Pocket 2. It is compact, easy to use, has a built-in stabilizer, and takes excellent quality footage. Its size makes it so much easier to hold than a phone. You can also use it to take pictures. People often ask about our cameras and videos. We highly recommend the DJI Pocket 2, especially for shooting video while moving. You can order your camera here.
- Light layers that you can easily add or shed as needed. Since you are hiking through woodlands and caves, it is cooler than the reported temperature. It can feel a bit cool even on a warm day.
- A backpack to store your water, snacks, and clothing layers is necessary. We use the Venture Pal backpack. It is perfect for day hikes. There is plenty of room, and it has multiple sections and pockets. It is lightweight, yet durable. We do a lot of day hikes, and this backpack has held up really well. You can order your backpack here.
- Insect repellent is a must to deter bugs. It is one of those items that people tend to forget. We keep a container in our backpack to ensure we always have it. Bugs show up on most outdoor adventures. Trust me on this one. Order your insect repellent here. You will be glad you did.
Enjoy the Hocking Hills Hikes
Hocking Hills has amazing hikes for all ability levels. Bring the appropriate gear and choose a trail based on your experience and fitness level. Outdoor adventure awaits you in southeast Ohio’s hidden gem.
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey
