Hocking Hills State Park
Seven separated hiking areas reveal towering cliffs, hemlock gorges, rock shelters, waterfalls, narrow passages, and the erosion of massive Black Hand sandstone beds.
Artwork inspired by Charles Burchfield
Hocking Hills is a system of separate landscapes rather than one trailhead. Old Man’s Cave links upper and lower falls through a deeply cut gorge; Ash Cave opens beneath Ohio’s largest recess cave; Cedar Falls concentrates stream flow; Rock House enters a cliff gallery; Cantwell Cliffs, Whispering Cave, and nearby preserves reveal other fracture and erosion patterns. The geology rewards comparison more than checklist tourism.
For a first visit, choose two areas and start early. Old Man’s Cave uses one-way trail circulation and becomes congested; Ash Cave provides the most accessible dramatic approach; the six-mile Grandma Gatewood route connects Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave only for hikers prepared for distance and return logistics. Stay behind railings—falls over cliff edges are the park’s most serious hazard, especially on wet leaves or ice.
- Major hiking areas
- Seven
- Admission and parking
- Free
- Connected long hike
- Six miles one way
Quick guide
- Learn recess-cave geology
- Undercut softer layers explain the enormous overhangs.
- Pick two areas
- Each has separate parking; driving between all seven wastes the day.
How to see more by choosing less
- Learn recess-cave geology
- Undercut softer layers explain the enormous overhangs.
- Pick two areas
- Each has separate parking; driving between all seven wastes the day.
- Follow one-way signs
- Old Man’s Cave circulation protects visitors in narrow passages.
- Respect cliff edges
- Unfenced drops, ice, and wet sandstone demand attention.
Good to know
The park’s famous areas do not share one parking lot. Old Man’s Cave fills early on weekends, and waterfall volume varies with recent rain. Trails close at dusk; cliff edges can be fatal.
Notice these
- Old Man’s Cave gorge
- Ash Cave recess
- Cedar Falls