Hiking at Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills, Ohio, presents an extraordinary hiking adventure that simultaneously offers a glimpse into Earth's ancient past. Traversing the extensive network of pet-welcoming trails, visitors don't merely explore lush forests and crystal-clear streams, but journey through millions of years of geological history.
The area's geological landscape is a remarkable showcase of natural marvels. Towering Black Hand sandstone formations, including dramatic cliffs, intricate caverns, and deep gorges, alongside stunning waterfalls, narrate a complex story of geological transformation. This sedimentary rock, dating back over 350 million years to the Mississippian period, serves as a natural canvas displaying Earth's incredible sculptural artistry.
Exploring Hocking Hills State Park reveals seven distinct hiking areas, each presenting its own unique characteristics. While the Old Man's Cave trail is widely renowned, several other locations offer equally captivating experiences. Ash Cave stands out as Ohio's largest recess cave, offering an awe-inspiring spectacle, while the Rock House presents an enigmatic natural wonder. Cantwell Cliffs demonstrates the incredible erosive power of natural forces through its deep valleys and towering rock faces. Cedar Falls charms visitors with its picturesque waterfall cascading into a scenic gorge.
Each twist and turn in Hocking Hills unveils a fresh panorama of natural splendor, resonating with the silent narratives of geological epochs. Whether you're a passionate hiker, a geology enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, Hocking Hills, Ohio, promises an unparalleled and unforgettable adventure.
View each location's hike map here:
https://www.hockinghillsmaps.c...
Old Man's Cave
Hike Length: Approximately 1 mile (can be lengthened to 5 miles with the addition of the Cedar Falls loop)
Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Pet-friendly: Yes (on leash)
Wheelchair/stroller accessible: No
Parking: Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center, 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138
Distance from Terrapin Hideaway: 18 Minutes away
Pros: Historically significant, magnificent scenery, no entrance fee, trailhead is at entrance of the beautiful new Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center.
Cons: Swimming not permitted, can be crowded during peak times.
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.
Old Man's Cave, a central attraction in Hocking Hills, Ohio (and only 18 minutes away from Terrapin Hideaway) a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and hiking adventures. Named after Richard Rowe, a hermit who lived in the cave in the late 1700s, the site features a one-mile trail of easy-moderate difficulty, winding along the floor of the 150-ft gorge, typically taking about an hour to complete. This trail intersects several other park trails - see map.
While there's no cost to visit, the park's unique features, such as the Devil's Bathtub, are for viewing, not swimming. 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 are captivated by the striking rock formations, waterfalls, and the captivating history of Old Man's Cave. Its accessibility and rich offerings make it an enticing outdoor activity for guests in Ohio.
Cedar Falls
Hike Length: 1/2 mile from Cedar Falls Parking Lot or 5 miles round trip from Old Man's Cave trail
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Pet-friendly: Yes (on leash)
Wheelchair/stroller accessible: No
Parking: Hocking Hills Visitor Center or Cedar Falls parking lot on Hwy 374 (for a shorter hike)
Pros: Scenic trail with diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and picturesque waterfalls (swimming allowed!)
Cons: moderate difficulty level may not be suitable for all fitness levels
Either park at the Cedar Falls parking lot on Hwy 374, or continue your hike from Old Man's Cave on the Gorge Overlook trail to Cedar Falls, traversing approximately 5 miles of scenic beauty in Hocking Hills, Ohio - see map.
This moderate hike offers a delightful blend of lush forests, rugged terrain, and enchanting waterfalls. Witness the iconic landmarks that make this journey so special, including the cascading waters of Cedar Falls itself, which empties into Queer Creek (where you and your pup can swim till the sun goes down). The trail showcases the region's natural beauty and provides ample opportunities for stunning photographs and unforgettable memories.
While the hike presents a moderate level of difficulty, with some uneven terrain, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
Rock House Cavern
Hike Length: 1 mile
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Pet-friendly: Yes (on leash)
Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: No
Parking: 19852 OH-664 S, Logan, OH 43138 - longer walk from the 2nd parking lot
Distance from Terrapin Hideaway: 6 Minutes away
While our cabins at Terrapin Hideaway offer a tranquil retreat, the Rock House offers a fascinating glimpse into Ohio's geological past. The only true cave in Hocking Hills State Park, this grand tunnel-like corridor is situated midway up a 150-foot cliff of Black Hand sandstone. Its formation traces back to millions of years ago when Ohio was beneath a prehistoric ocean.
Nature has hewn out the Rock House, complete with seven Gothic-arched windows and great sandstone columns which bear its massive roof. Rock house was used for centuries as shelter by past inhabitants. Hominy holes, small recesses in the rear wall of Rock House, served as baking ovens for Native Americans. By building a fire in the small recesses, the rock became heated on all sides, and food could be bakes in this crude manner. Further evidence of past use is the presence of chiseled out troughs or holding tanks found in the stone floor. When rainfall is abundant, springs of water permeate through the porous sandstone and flow into these troughs fashioned by man and, when full, continue across the floor and out of the windows. In this way, residents were able to maintain a small water supply in Rock House. According to local folklore, other not so welcome visitors frequented Rock House. Robbers, horse thieves, murderers and even bootleggers earned Rock House its reputation as Robbers Roost.
The trail is a fairly easy walk with some steps and uneven terrain so not suitable for anyone with trouble walking. The return trail to the parking lot is all uphill.
There is no wading or swimming allowed in the waterfalls and creeks.
Conkle's Hollow
Hike Length: Rim trail - approximately 2.5 miles, Gorge trail - approximately 0.5 miles
Hike Difficulty:
Rim trail - Strenuous
Gorge trail - Easy
Pet Friendly: No
Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Gorge trail Yes, Rim trail No
Parking: 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149 (the trail starts at the opposite end of the parking lot from the restrooms)
Distance from Terrapin Hideaway: 13 Minutes away
Description: Nestled in the heart of Hocking Hills, lies Conkle's Hollow Nature Preserve, offering two trails for all levels of hiking enthusiasts. The 2.5-mile Rim trail with its significant elevation gain is more challenging and not recommended for kids or not experienced hikers. The serene, wheelchair-accessible .5-mile Gorge trail is beautiful in all seasons - in the winter you can see the icicles form from the waterfalls. It has a wide, paved trail that winds through a gorge - high cliffs on the sides, a creek meandering through, trees trees trees! It's markedly cooler in the gorge, so great for hot summer days.
This is a Nature Preserve and the no-dogs rule is strictly enforced.
Cantwell Cliffs
Hike Length: 2 trails, each 1.25 miles
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Pet-friendly: Yes (on leash)
Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: No
Parking: Cantwell Cliffs OH-374, Rockbridge, OH 43149 | GPS Tracking: (39.539874, -82.575814)
Cantwell Cliffs, nestled in Hocking Hills, Ohio, is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. Known for its deep valleys and towering cliffs, this stunning location offers breathtaking views and a journey into the heart of Ohio's natural beauty. The area provides a tranquil setting, perfect for hiking and exploration, with trails winding through lush forests and alongside dramatic, rocky outcrops. The eponymous cliffs, carved by millions of years of erosion, feature unique formations such as the unfortunately-named ‘Fat Woman's Squeeze’, a narrow passageway 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.
Wildlife is abundant, with opportunities for birdwatching and spotting other local fauna. Each season brings its own charm to Cantwell Cliffs, making it a year-round destination. In the spring, wildflowers bloom along the trails, while fall transforms the landscape into a vivid palette of colors. Whether you're an avid hiker or just someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Cantwell Cliffs offers an unforgettable experience of Ohio's wilderness.
There are over two miles of trail with two loops (the gorge and the rim route), each being one mile. It is recommended that you print or download a map of the trails, as they are not well marked and intersect in places.
Ash Cave
Hike Length: 0.5 miles
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Pet-friendly: Yes (on leash)
Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
Parking: 27291 State Route 56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152
Pros: Accessible to all fitness levels, steeped in historical significance, convenient parking, and magnificent views.
Cons: Can get crowded during peak season, not as challenging for seasoned hikers. Cave and waterfall are not wheelchair-accessible
Within the scenic landscapes of Hocking Hills, Ohio, Ash Cave is a must-visit attraction, located a short 10-minute drive from Idyll Reserve's luxury cabins.
The hike to Ash Cave, the largest recess cave in Ohio, is an easy half-mile round trip, typically taking less than an hour. It is a paved trail through a stunning gorge, lined with cliff walls. Halfway along the trail there is a recess cave and a fantastic seasonal waterfall (there are steps here to the cave itself so this ares is not accessible for wheelchairs).
The cave is named for the piles of ash discovered here, believed to be remnants of hundreds of years of ancient Native American activities (several thousand bushels of ash were excavated from the cave!).
No swimming or wading allowed.