Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Characterized by deep gorges, streaming waterfalls, sheer cliffs and gorgeous rock formations, Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio is truly a gem for hikers.
In fact, Hiking Hocking Hills is the absolute best way to explore the astounding natural beauty of the region. We are highlighting the top Hocking Hills State Park trails so that you can easily plan your treks!
Best Time of Year for Hocking Hills Hiking
The best time to visit Hocking Hills is now! The Hocking Hills best hikes are beautiful in their own way during every season. I have been fortunate to have visited in all seasons – and there are pros and cons to each.
Summer
Naturally, summertime is the most popular season. Trails are shaded by the towering trees, the paths are usually dry and the waterfalls are likely still flowing. On the other hand, crowds tend to be thick – so it can be difficult to find solitude.
Autumn
Personally, we like autumn for Hocking Hills, Ohio hiking the best. The temperature is most suitable for long treks and the fall leaves add stunning color to the landscape. However, after a long summer, many of the waterfalls are merely a trickle…or dry altogether.
Winter
An unexpectedly wonderful time to go to HHSP, winter hikers will need to be properly equipped. Trekking to frozen waterfalls are a highlight of taking a Hocking Hills winter hike. Fewer people and cheaper accommodations are other top reasons for a Hocking Hills State Park winter visit. Plus, you can join the annual Old Man’s Cave Winter Hike in January!
Spring
Hikers chasing waterfalls will find that spring is the ideal time of year. Keep in mind that the Hocking Hills walking trails will likely be muddy, and some trails may require stream crossings. Wet paths can elevate the Hocking Hills trail difficulty – and waterproof hiking boots are essential.
How to Hike the Best Trails at Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills State Park is comprised of seven distinct hiking areas (which we will outline in detail) and miles and miles of trails.
In order to make the most of your time, we recommend planning ahead which hikes you intend to take. That said, limited parking and spontaneous adventuring can change your plans quickly, so it is best to be flexible.
On a day trip to Hocking Hills, visitors can easily hike several trails and see a variety of sights. Still, we believe it’s worth extending your stay to a couple of days or a long weekend. There are ample options for overnight accommodations and we offer a few suggestions below.
Get a Map of Hocking Hills, OH Trails
Thankfully, most Hocking Hills, Ohio hiking trails are well-marked and easy to follow. However, it is always a good idea to have a Hocking Hills hiking trails map for your walk through the woods.
A free Hocking Hills Park Map is available at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center in Logan, Ohio and the Old Man’s Cave Visitors Center.
The Hocking Hills Visitor Center is also a great place to get up to date information about trail conditions, park ranger advice and to learn about sponsored events. Additionally, we provide a Hocking Hills Trail Map at the end of this article.
What You Need for the Best Trails Hocking Hills
Before setting off on your trek, be prepared with a few essentials for your hikes in Hocking Hills. Although the trails range in difficulty level, we suggest the following items for all of the best hikes in Hocking Hills State Park.
Durable Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes are a necessity! On our recent hiking trip, I wore lightweight trainers and Kris wore Merrell Trail Gloves. Both worked great for the best places to hike in Hocking Hills and are excellent travel shoes in general.
Those taking longer hikes – or battling wet trails – may need a sturdier shoe, like these Columbia Hiking Boots.
Drinking Water
Bring plenty of water on the trails! There are limited places to refill water bottles, so carry enough drinking water for all of the hikes you plan on taking in one day. When hiking, we bring refillable Kleen Kanteens.
Hiking Poles
While not necessary, they certainly making hiking at Hocking Hills easier! With steep inclines and root- and rock-laden paths, having a pair of hiking poles can help steady you on your trek. We recommend collapsible hiking poles that you can stow in your backpack when not using them on the trail.
Travel Camera
Hocking Hills State Park is one of the most beautiful Places To Visit in Ohio. If you are anything like us, you will be snapping tons of photos during your hikes!
Rather than using our phones, we carry a real camera to fully capture all that beauty. For all our travels, we shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens. Still not sure which camera is right for you? Read all of our Top Reasons to Buy a Travel Camera.
Day Pack
A convenient day bag is essential for Hocking Hills hikes. We like to wear lightweight backpacks, where we can carry water, camera, binoculars and our other everyday travel items.
For all-day treks I also wore a fanny pack, which kept everything at my fingertips. Read all our advice on The Best Day Bags for Travel.
7 Best Trails in Hocking Hills, Ohio
Now that we have covered what you need to know to hike at Hocking, it’s time to lace up and hit the trails! For each hiking area, we highlight the best trails, top sights and pertinent information – like trail length, a link to Hocking Hills map and on-site facilities.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Hocking Hills Hiking Guide for your vacation to Ohio!
#1 Old Man’s Cave Hocking Hills
Regarded as one of the best hikes in Hocking Hills, the trail to Old Man’s Cave is a must-do!
- Directions to Parking
- Old Man’s Cave Trail Map
- Loop Trail Distance: 1.5 miles
- Time: 1-1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate with some stairs and incline
- Bathrooms: Flush toilets at Visitor’s Center
Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills is a massive recess cave that was named for a hermit that lived here in the late 1700s. The Old Man’s Cave trail can be completed in a loop or included as part of a longer trek.
Best Old Man’s Cave Hiking Route
Begin the Old Man’s Cave Loop Trail hike at Hocking Hills Upper Falls. It’s the most photographed waterfall in Hocking Hills. The small cascade streams over a rock ledge under a picturesque bridge into a pool of water.
From the falls, follow the Blue Trail (also called the Gorge Trail, but formally called Grandma Gatewood Trail). Hikers cross a stone bridge over Devil’s Bathtub – a swirling waterfall that churns into a rock basin.
The trail continues through a rock tunnel to the namesake Old Man’s Cave – a Hocking Hills must-see sight. Before crossing over to the cave, continue to the Lower Falls.
Stay on the lower trail to go through Old Man’s Cave (instead of on top of it), where you can explore before heading back toward the parking lot and Hocking Hills Visitor Center.
Optional Spur Trail to Broken Rock Falls
At the Lower Falls, energetic hikers can complete the spur trail to Broken Rock Falls, a moderately strenuous hike (due to the 90-plus stairs required to reach it). The tumbling waterfalls flows through a crevice of broken rocks.
#2 Hemlock Bridge and Whispering Cave
Much less crowded than Old Man’s Cave, Whispering Cave is a 300-foot-wide recess cave that features a trickling 100-foot-long waterfall over the top of the rock cave.
- Directions to Parking
- Whispering Cave Trail Map
- Loop Trail Distance: 5 miles
- Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Bathrooms: Flush toilets at Visitor’s Center
From the inside of the cave looking out, hikers have a fantastic view of the valley and can visibly see how the water has carved the landscape.
Whispering Cave Trail Route
The Whispering Cave loop trail begins at the Upper Falls – just as the Old Man’s Cave Loop does. Trekkers again follow the Blue Trail past Old Man’s Cave and the Lower Falls.
Continue along Old Man’s Creek to Hemlock Bridge. Cross the swinging rope bridge (which will test your balance) over the creek.
Hike through the forest and up a gradual incline (taking note of the honeycomb rock formations) to a sheer cliff rock wall. Follow the trail to the left and around a bend to the Whispering Cave.
To complete the loop, trekkers need to backtrack to the cliff wall – then continue straight on the trail that leads back to the Visitor Center.
#3 Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills
Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills is one of the best areas to explore in the park. The misnamed waterfall (the trees surrounding it are hemlock, not cedar), is the largest waterfall in Hocking Hills by volume.
- Directions to Parking
- Cedar Falls Trail Map
- Loop Trail Distance: 0.5 mile
- Time: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate with stairs
- Bathrooms: Flush Toilets at the parking lot
The waters of Queer Creek have beautifully carved the black hand sandstone rock at the falls, creating a split waterfall where the water slides down the rockface in two streams.
Cedar Falls Trail Hocking Hills Route
The half-mile loop trail at Cedar Falls is a short but moderate hike – mostly due to the numerous steps. From the parking lot, visitors descend into the forest and cross over a bridge. At about the halfway point in the hike, trekkers reach Cedar Falls.
We recommend taking the short detour down to the edge of the pool to admire the waterfall before continuing on the path and climbing back up to the parking area.
Optional Longer Hike
What we love about the hiking trails in Hocking Hills is that many of them are interconnected, which provides the opportunity for adventure.
The Cedar Falls Trail is well-connected with two other Hocking Hills hikes. From the trail at Cedar Falls, hikers can connect to the Grandma Gatewood Trail and the Gorge Overlook Trail (both of which we describe in detail later).
#4 Ash Cave Hocking Hills Ohio
Ash Cave is one of the most popular places to hike in Hocking Hills, and often the most crowded.
- Directions to Parking
- Ash Cave Trail Map
- Loop Trail Distance: 0.5 mile
- Time: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate with some stairs
- Bathrooms: Vault toilets at parking lot
An easy walk leads to the 700-feet-wide and 100-feet-deep Ash Cave Gorge. A trickling waterfall streams down over the top ledge of the cave.
Near the parking lot, the 80-foot-tall Ash Cave Lookout Tower is open for people to climb (when the weather permits). At the top of the historic fire lookout, visitors have incredible 360-degree views of the landscape.
Ash Cave Hiking Trail Loop Route
The Ash Cave Trail begins as a paved ADA accessible route through a gorge surrounded by a forest of hemlock and beech trees. It’s one of the easiest trails in Hocking Hills.
The short, flat path quickly takes visitors past a small recess cave (where there is sometimes a waterfall) to the main sight: Ash Cave.
Spend some time in awe of the gigantic recess cave. There will likely be other hikers around that will help give perspective of the enormity of it.
Continue to the far side of the cave and take the stairs up to the rim trail. Once at the top, it is a gentle, sloping downhill walk back to the parking area.
Bonus Trek: Grandma Gatewood Trail (and Gorge Overlook)
The Grandma Gatewood Trail is one of the best ways to discover the park on a longer hike.
- Directions to Parking
- Grandma Gatewood Trail Map
- One-Way Trail Distance: 6 miles
- O/W Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Bathrooms: Flush toilets at Old Man’s Cave Visitor’s Center and Cedar Falls; vault toilets at Ash Cave
The route is marked in Blue – and is part of the longer 1400-mile Buckeye Trail. This trek connects the first four Hocking Hills trails on our list: Old Man’s Cave, Whispering Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave.
Grandma Gatewood Trail Hocking Hills Route
The Grandma Gatewood hiking trail is an out-and-back trek that begins at Old Man’s Cave and ends at Ash Cave. It is marked on some maps at the Buckeye Trail Hocking Hills Trek.
From Old Man’s Cave, the trail follows Old Man’s Creek. This is the most heavily trafficked section. Once the trail turns away at the Hemlock Swinging Bridge (now following Queer Creek toward Cedar Falls), there are fewer crowds and hikers are immersed in astounding beauty.
That said, it is the most rugged part of the hike. It is sometimes unclear where the path is, so be sure to look for the blue marks on trees. Parts of the trail are strenuous and require climbing over rocks. Past Cedar Falls, the trail flattens out the rest of the way to Ash Cave.
On the return trek, hikers can retrace their footsteps or hop on one of the other trails, like the Whispering Cave return trail or the Gorge Overlook Trail at Cedar Falls.
Grandma Gatewood Trail Loop via Gorge Overlook Trail
Those looking for a shorter, loop trail can connect the Grandma Gatewood Trail to the Gorge Overlook Trail for a looping 6-mile hike. We highly recommend this route as one of the Best of Hocking Hills hikes!
This route starts at Old Man’s Cave and continues to Cedar Falls (which we believe is the best part of the Grandma Gatewood Trail). At Cedar Falls, jump onto the Hocking Hills Gorge Overlook Trail.
This wide, flat trail leads to Rose Lake and crosses Rose Dam. Beyond the lake, the route follows the edge of the cliff, crosses an A-Frame bridge and leads back to the Visitor Center at Old Man’s Cave.
#5 Conkles Hollow Hocking Hills, Ohio
Conkles Hollow is a State Nature Preserve that offers breathtaking scenery and two outstanding treks: the Gorge Trail and the Rim Trail. Top features are rugged terrain, a waterfall and incredible viewpoints.
- Directions for Parking
- Conkles Hollow Trail Map
- Gorge Trail Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
- Time: 45 minutes – 1 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Rim Trail Distance: 2.5 miles
- Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate with stairs and steep cliffs
- Bathrooms: Vault toilets at the Parking Lot Across the Street
- No Dogs Permitted on the Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Trails
Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail Route
The Conkles Hollow trail through the gorge is one of the most beautiful in all of Hocking Hills. The narrow gorge boasts 200-foot-tall cliff walls and thick vegetation.
From the parking lot, the paved trail (which is wheelchair accessible) leads deep into the ravine, passing small caves and slump rocks.
At the end of the paved trail, hikers can continue on a dirt trail through pristine forest to a streaming waterfall. The last section to the waterfall is not to be missed!
Conkles Hollow Rim Trail Route
The Rim Trail at Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve is challenging, but well worth the effort. Highlights are the great scenic viewpoints – both into the gorge and across the treetops.
The route veers off to the right at the beginning of the Gorge Trail. After climbing several flights of stairs, the trail follows the top of the gorge, hugging the rim of the towering cliffs with natural rocky outcrops providing fantastic vistas.
As the path loops around to the opposite side of the gorge, there are fewer views, but hikers feel completely enveloped in the forest.
#6 Rock House Trail Hocking Hills
Rock House is one of the best things to see in Hocking Hills – and it is easily accessible by trail. The natural cave was created by erosion. Throughout the years, it has been used by Native Americans and even robbers (or so the story goes!).
- Directions for Parking
- Rock House Hiking Trail Map
- Loop Trail Distance: 1 mile
- Time: 1 hour (including time for exploring the cave)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Bathrooms: Vault Toilets at both parking lots
The Rock House cave stretches 200 feet and has a 25-foot-tall ceiling. Visitors are free to explore the interior of the cave, which is illuminated by sunlight that filters through the ‘windows’. We still recommend bringing a flashlight, as the ground is uneven in places.
Rock House Hiking Trail Route
There are two trailheads (one at each parking lot) – both of which lead to the Rock House Cave. We prefer the trail that begins at the second parking lot and offers an easy, downward sloping trail.
At the point where the two trails merge, hikers take stairs down into a valley. After just a short walk – and a few more stairs – Rock House will be on your left. The cave is not marked so it is easy to miss. There are just a few paths that lead in through narrow openings.
After exploring the cave, continue in the same direction, across a bridge and back up the inclined path to the parking lot. Hikers that parked at the second parking lot need to pass through the first lot and continue to the second.
#7 Cantwell Cliffs Hocking Hills
Cantwell Cliffs offers the most rugged trails in the Hocking Hills Park system – which is great for hikers who like to explore and discover.
- Directions for Parking
- Cantwell Cliffs Trail Map
- Rim Loop Trail Distance: 1-mile
- Time: 1-1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Bathrooms: Vault toilets at parking lot
Uneven steps, narrow passages, fallen trees and slick spots make this trail more demanding than others at Hocking. While the strenuous trek puts off some, those who hike Cantwell Cliffs are rewarded with some of the best nature in the region.
Cantwell Cliffs Trail Route
We personally like the looping rim hike at Cantwell Cliffs, which partially enters the gorge and then features a steep incline out to the rim.
From the trailhead, you quickly arrive at the area’s signature feature: Fat Woman’s Squeeze. A narrow and steep passage through slump rocks.
Keeping to the right, you pass through rocky terrain – with an option to make it a short hike by using the connector trail to climb out to the rim or continue further and up to the rim via stairs.
Optional Gorge Route
Many hikers opt to take the Gorge Trail at Cantwell Cliffs that descends deeper by taking a left at the split after Fat Woman’s Squeeze. The route can still be completed in a loop by connecting with the Rim Trail. Top features of the gorge hike are a cave and a seasonal waterfall!
More Top Places to Hike in Hocking Hills
We have featured the top hikes in Hocking Hills based on our personal experience. However, there are two trails that we want to mention for those who want to add more hikes to their trip.
Big Spring Hollow Falls
An out-and-back 1.2-mile roundtrip hike, Big Spring Hollow is one of the lesser-visited Hocking Hills hikes. The highlight is one of the tallest waterfalls in the park – but it only flows in the spring and after heavy rain…which also means it can be a muddy trek to get there.
The trailhead is not marked; use this map for parking – then go across the street, cross the bridge and turn right to find the trail. The path is also used by horses and the area is frequently used by rock climbers.
Rockbridge State Nature Preserve
MAP. Rock Bridge – a 100-foot-long natural arch bridge – is one of the cool things to see in Hocking Hills, Ohio. In total, there are about 3 miles of moderately difficult trails at the Rock Bridge Nature Preserve.
Tips for Hiking at Hocking Hills
We have covered everything you need to know for Hocking Hills hiking – but have some last honest advice for your trip to the park.
More Things To Do at Hocking Hills
Hiking is our favorite thing to do in Hocking Hills, but there are numerous ways to spend time in and around the park.
Outdoor adventures, shopping, and family fun activities are just a few of the activities for visitors. Plus, there are opportunities for wildlife spotting and fishing (with a permit) and hunting nearby (but not inside the park).
Top Tip: Read our list for all the Best Things To Do in Hocking Hills!
Where To Stay in Hocking Hills
Visitors have several options when it comes to lodging in and around the park. Use our tips for Booking the Best Accommodations for finding affordable rates on excellent places to stay.
Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls
Situated in the heart of Hocking Hills, the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls has both cozy cottages and comfortable yurts where guests can relax after a long day of hiking in the woods.
The spa offers a full range of luxurious treatments – including couples’ massages for a romantic weekend. The on-site restaurant is one of the best in the region and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check rates!
Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp Hocking Hills Cabins and Camping
Nestled in the rolling hills near top attractions, Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp offers luxury cabins and camping sites, too. Cabins are equipped with modern conveniences, like hot tubs. Check availability!
Hocking Hills Map of Trails
You can use this link for an interactive map of Hocking Hills trailheads and hiking areas. Just note that the actual hiking trails in Hocking Hills are not marked on Google Maps.
More Ohio Trails for Hiking
While Hocking Hills hiking ranks supreme, there are other places for Ohio hiking. Mohican State Park offers a few excellent trails, along with fun water activities and several important points of interest.
We love hitting the trails in the Parks in Columbus – and even smaller towns, like Yellow Springs, offer opportunities for trekking. Ohio’s only national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland, offers more than 100 miles of trails.
The Ohio-to-Erie Trail, which extends from Cincinnati to Cleveland, is a 320 mile multi use trail. It’s one of the fun and challenging Ohio treks to complete.
Start planning your USA trip! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top US Destinations
Looking to visit more Great US Destinations for outdoor adventures and city exploration? We have tons of tips, including some Underrated Spots!
- Best Things To Do in Columbus
- Cross the Ohio River into Kentucky to Newport or Covington
- Plan a Weekend Trip to Chillicothe, Ohio
- Discover Dublin, Ohio
- Take a Trip to Pittsburgh, Visit Indianapolis or spend a Weekend in Chicago
- Top Things To Do in Louisville (including amazing Louisville Craft Beer)
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
