Hocking Hills State Park: Uncover The Fascinating Stories That Shape One Of Ohio’s Most Beautiful Park Systems.

Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park, situated just under an hour’s drive from Columbus, Ohio, boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. The park features a diverse landscape of rugged cliffs, lush forests, and breathtaking waterfalls, providing a picturesque backdrop for hikers. Visitors can choose from a variety of trails, including leisurely paths that are perfect for families and beginners, as well as more challenging routes that will test the endurance of seasoned hikers. Each trail offers unique features, such as stunning views from high vantage points, intriguing rock formations, and serene natural settings, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to connect with nature.

Among the various trails, one of the most notable is Old Man’s Cave, steeped in a captivating legend about a reclusive trapper whose final resting place is said to be within the depths of the cave. This intriguing tale adds an air of mystery to the site, drawing visitors who are fascinated by both history and folklore. Learn more about the legend of Old Man’s Cave here.

Another remarkable location is Cedar Falls, which historically served as a crucial pathway for the Shawnee and Delaware tribes. This scenic waterfall not only offers breathtaking views and a peaceful ambiance but is also intertwined with rich folklore, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Native American tribes that once traversed these lands. Together, these trails offer a glimpse into the natural beauty and historical significance of the area. Learn more about the legend of Cedar Falls here.

Find more park trails with the hiking guide!

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Cedar Falls: This trail ranges from 0.5 to 1 mile and includes steps. It is a one-way trail featuring a beautiful waterfall, bridges, and unique rock formations along the route.

Old Man’s Cave: A moderate trail of about 1 mile, it includes steps and offers a one-way loop that extends from 1 to 1.5 miles. The trail starts at the kiosk near Upper Falls and provides hikers with two exit options.

Buckeye Trail (Grandma Gatewood Trail): Named after famed hiker Grandma Gatewood, providing an additional option for adventure seekers.

Ash Cave: This trail spans 0.3 miles and features a convenient parking area located directly across from the trailhead. Hikers should park and cross the state route at a designated crossing point. The trail employs a one-way system to enhance the hiking experience.

Cantwell Cliffs: Designed for those seeking a challenge, this trail covers 2.0 miles and consists of two loops, each measuring one mile. Hikers can expect to spend approximately 60 to 80 minutes completing each loop.

Rock House: This moderate trail is a 1-mile loop. Hikers can choose to enter from either the upper or lower parking lot, with both trails converging and exiting at the shelter house located at the top.

Whispering Cave Trail: For those looking for a strenuous hike, this trail spans 3.8 to 4.5 miles. Parking is available at Old Man’s Cave for access to this trail, which is a 5-mile one-way loop. Hikers must complete the entire loop, which can be started from two locations: the Visitor Center near the parking lot kiosk or Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave. There is also a shorter access at the park lodge, however it has many steps!

Parking/Trailhead

Hocking Hills State Park
19852 OH-664
Logan, OH 43138
(39.437857, -82.53787)

The Hike: There are seven major hiking trails within the Hocking Hills State Park system. Some difficult, some easy. Some with stories that will send chills down your spine. Check out Haunted Hocking Hills!

Hocking Hills State Park Map
Hocking Hills State Park Map. View full Hocking Hills map

The Darker Side of the Hocking Hills, Well, kinda.

Cedar Falls Hocking Hills State Park
Cedar Falls Hocking Hills State Park

Conkles Hollow Rim Trail Hocking Hills State Park
Conkles Hollow Rim Trail Hocking Hills State Park

Old Man's Cave Hocking Hills State Park
Old Man’s Cave Hocking Hills State Park

Ash Cave Hocking Hills State Park
Ash Cave Hocking Hills State Park

Cantwell Cliffs Hocking Hills State Park
Cantwell Cliffs Hocking Hills State Park

Rock House Hocking Hills State Park
Rock House Hocking Hills State Park

Moonville

Moonville

For over 140 years, locals have shared tales of a ghostly engineer roaming the tracks from trestle to tunnel, lantern…

Hocking Hills State Park offers many hiking trails, including

  • Cedar Falls – 0.5-1 mile – Has steps. It is a one-way trail system with a waterfall, bridges, and unique rock formations.
  • Old Man’s Cave – 1 mile – Moderate. Has steps. One-way loop trail – 1 to 1.5 miles long and begins at the kiosk at Upper Falls. Hikers have a choice of 2 exits.Ash Cave– 0.3 miles. The parking area is conveniently situated across the road from the trailhead. Hikers are required to park their vehicles and safely cross the state route at a designated crossing point. This trail features a one-way system for a seamless hiking experience.
  • Cantwell Cliffs – 2.0 miles. Difficult. There are over two miles of trail with two loops. Each is one mile. It takes approximately 60 to 80 minutes to hike each loop of the trail.
  • Rock House – 1 mile – Moderate Trail is 1 mile loop trail. Hikers enter from the upper or lower parking lot, but both trails will come together and will exit at the shelter house (at the very top).
  • Whispering Cave Trail 3.8 to 4.5 miles – Difficult. Parking is located at Old Man’s Cave to access trail (it is a 5-mile, one-way loop. To hike this trail, you must go the entire 5 mile loop as it is one way).
  • There are two starting points:
    • 1) Visitor Center at steps near the parking lot kiosk
    • 2) Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave at kiosk.
  • Buckeye Trail (Grandma Gatewood Trail)-Difficult