The Road to Hell
Nestled within the rugged landscape of southeastern Ohio lies Cedar Falls, now a trail that leads hikers visiting the Hocking Hills through deep forestland, along a gently flowing creek, and to a beautiful waterfall. But long ago, it was a crucial waypoint that once served as a well-trodden path for the Shawnee and Delaware tribes. At the summit of the falls, a monumental beech tree stood sentinel over the trail, its ancient trunk bearing a haunting inscription: “This is the road to hell, 1782.” As the years rolled on, stories from old-timers echoed the chilling history of this place, recounting how, in the 1700s, the Shawnee would march their captives along this treacherous route. It is believed that one such unfortunate prisoner, facing a grim fate, carved the chilling message into the tree, forever linking it to a dark chapter of the past.
Find more Hocking Hills Hiking Trails!
Parking/Trailhead
Cedar Falls Parking/Trailhead
21724 Ohio 374 Scenic
Logan, Ohio 43138
(39.418273, -82.526310 )
The Hike: The trail to Cedar Falls is approximately 0.5 miles long and is relatively strenuous due to its steps. It features a one-way system that includes a waterfall, bridges, and unique rock formations. Halfway along the trail, hikers can enjoy a seasonal waterfall, which is accessible by hiking down rugged steps and along a dirt path. After visiting the waterfall area, hikers continue along the one-way trail, which takes them through various rock formations, a boardwalk, and up a series of steps. The trail is clearly marked with signs.
The hike typically takes about 40 minutes to complete.
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Hocking Hills State Park offers many hiking trails, including
- Ash Cave Gorge – 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.
- 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.
- 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