Hiking in Hocking Hills, Ohio 🥾 Best Trails, Waterfalls & Where to Stay

Explore Old Man's Cave, a top attraction in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Terrapin Hideaway is 18 minutes away. This historic site combines natural beauty with hiking adventure. Richard Rowe, a hermit from the late 1700s, once lived in the cave. The trail stretches one mile through a 150-foot gorge. Hikers finish it in about an hour. This trail intersects several other park trails - see map. Visitors can enter the park for free. The Devil's Bathtub is for viewing only. Visitors must stay out of the Devil's Bathtub. This protects the delicate ecosystem and ensures everyone's safety. *Devil’s Bathtub is VERY slippery please hold onto kids and dogs at all times. Visitors enjoy the rock formations, waterfalls, and history at Old Man's Cave. Its easy access makes it a must-see outdoor activity in Ohio.

Photo by Aaron Zhu / CC BY-SA 3.0

Pros:

• Stunning gorge and waterfalls

• Rich historical significance

• Free entry

Cons:

• Swimming not allowed

• Crowds gather during peak times.

Tip: Visit early in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Special Notes: This is a must see but it can get very crowded. We recommend you visit earlier in the day or on a weekday.

Hike Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills, Ohio. You can start at the Cedar Falls parking lot for a short 0.5-mile walk, or continue from Old Man’s Cave for a 5-mile round trip. Pets can join the hike on a leash, making it ideal for families. The trail features lush forests, rocky terrain, and the iconic Cedar Falls waterfall. It is 6 minutes from Terrapin Hideaway. This moderate hike treats you to lush forests, rocky paths, and beautiful waterfalls. You’ll see the trail’s most famous sights, including Cedar Falls, where the water flows into Queer Creek. You and your dog can even cool off and swim there until sunset. 

Photo by Aaron Zhu / CC BY-SA 3.0

Pros:

• Iconic waterfall views

• Swimming allowed in Queer Creek

• Scenic and photogenic landscapes

Cons:

• Moderate difficulty; uneven terrain

Highlights:

• Cascading waterfall into picturesque gorge

• Trail connects with Old Man’s Cave for extended hikes

Our cabins at Terrapin Hideaway give you a peaceful place to rest. The Rock House gives you a glimpse into Ohio’s geological history. It’s the only true cave in Hocking Hills State Park. This tunnel-like cave sits halfway up a 150-foot cliff. Black Hand sandstone shapes the rock wall. Its formation traces back to millions of years ago when Ohio was beneath a prehistoric ocean.

Nature shaped the Rock House. Seven Gothic-arched windows and strong sandstone columns hold up its huge roof. People used Rock House for centuries as shelter. Hominy holes are small recesses in the back wall of Rock House. Native Americans used them as baking ovens. They built fires inside the holes, heating the rock on all sides to cook food. You can also see chiseled troughs or holding tanks in the stone floor. These features show how people used the cave in the past. When it rains, water flows through the porous sandstone. It fills the man-made troughs. Once full, the water continues across the floor and flows out of the windows. In this way, residents were able to maintain a small water supply in Rock House.

Photo by See1,Do1,Teach1 / CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

According to local folklore, other not so welcome visitors frequented Rock House. Robbers, horse thieves, murderers, and bootleggers used Rock House. Their activities gave it the nickname Robbers Roost. The trail remains easy, with a few steps and uneven spots. It is not suitable for people who have trouble walking. The return trail to the parking lot is all uphill. There is no wading or swimming allowed in the waterfalls and creeks.

Looking for the perfect place to stay after a day of hiking?

Terrapin Hideaway offers private cabins in Rockbridge, Ohio, just minutes from top hiking spots like Cedar Falls and Old Man’s Cave.

✔ Private hot tubs
✔ Cozy fireplaces
✔ Peaceful forest views
✔ Perfect for couples, families, and groups

👉 Book your cabin near Hocking Hills today and experience nature without sacrificing comfort.

Conkle's Hollow Nature Preserve sits in the heart of Hocking Hills. It offers two trails for all levels of hikers. The 2.5-mile Rim Trail has significant elevation gain. It is challenging and not recommended for children or inexperienced hikers. The 0.5-mile Gorge Trail is serene, wheelchair-accessible, and beautiful in every season. 

Photo by Aaron Zhu / CC BY‑SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

In winter, you can see icicles form from the waterfalls. The wide, paved trail winds through the gorge. High cliffs rise on both sides. A creek flows through the forest along the trail. The gorge stays cool, making it perfect for hot summer days. This Nature Preserve bans dogs to protect the trails and wildlife.

Cantwell Cliffs in Hocking Hills, Ohio, is a must-see for nature lovers. The area features deep valleys and towering cliffs. It offers breathtaking views and a chance to explore Ohio’s natural beauty. Trails pass through lush forests and by dramatic rocky outcrops. They create a peaceful setting for hiking and exploring. The cliffs, shaped over millions of years, feature unique formations. One is “Fat Woman's Squeeze,” a narrow passage that leads to the bottom of the ravine. The site also includes a series of natural staircases, adding a sense of adventure to your hike.

Photo by Aaron Zhu / CC BY‑SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Wildlife is abundant, with opportunities for birdwatching and spotting other local fauna. Cantwell Cliffs charms visitors in every season. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the trails. In fall, the landscape bursts with bright colors. Hikers and nature lovers will find a peaceful retreat in Ohio’s wilderness. Cantwell Cliffs has over two miles of trails. Two loops run through the area: the Gorge Trail and the Rim Trail, each about one mile long. Print or download a map of the trails. They are not well marked and intersect in several places.

The hike to Ash Cave, Ohio’s largest recess cave, is an easy half-mile round trip. It usually takes under an hour to complete. It is a paved trail through a stunning gorge, lined with cliff walls. Halfway along the trail, you will find a recess cave and a seasonal waterfall. Steps lead to the cave, so this area is not wheelchair accessible.

Photo by aparlette / CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Pros: The trail suits all fitness levels. It holds historical significance. Parking is convenient. Visitors enjoy magnificent views.

Cons: Can get crowded during peak season, not as challenging for seasoned hikers. Cave and waterfall are not wheelchair-accessible

Ash Cave sits in the scenic landscapes of Hocking Hills, Ohio. It is a must-visit attraction. The Cave is a short 10–12 minute drive from Terrapin Hideaway.

Hocking Hills is a year-round hiking destination, with each season offering a unique experience:

• Spring: Waterfalls are at their strongest, and wildflowers bloom along the trails
• Summer: Lush greenery and longer daylight hours make it perfect for exploring
• Fall: Vibrant foliage transforms the landscape into a colorful escape
• Winter: Frozen waterfalls and fewer crowds create a quiet, peaceful adventure

👉 After your hike, unwind in a private cabin with a hot tub at Terrapin Hideaway, just minutes from the trails.

What is the most popular hike in Hocking Hills?

Old Man’s Cave is the most popular hike in Hocking Hills thanks to its stunning waterfalls, deep gorge, and unique rock formations. It’s a must-visit trail for first-time visitors and one of the most photographed spots in the region.

Are Hocking Hills trails pet-friendly?

Yes, many hiking trails in Hocking Hills are pet-friendly, including Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times, and some areas like Conkle’s Hollow do not allow dogs.

What is the best time to go hiking in Hocking Hills?

Hocking Hills is a year-round destination. Spring offers strong waterfalls and wildflowers, summer brings lush greenery, fall features vibrant foliage, and winter provides frozen waterfalls and fewer crowds.

Are there easy hikes in Hocking Hills for beginners?

Yes, beginner-friendly hikes include Ash Cave and the Gorge Trail at Conkle’s Hollow. These trails are relatively flat and shorter, making them ideal for families and casual hikers.

Where should I stay when visiting Hocking Hills?

Staying in a private cabin near the trails is the best way to experience Hocking Hills. Terrapin Hideaway in Rockbridge offers cozy cabins with hot tubs, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to top hiking spots.