Cantwell Cliffs
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Cantwell Cliffs is in a stunning area of Hocking Hills, which is part of the Allegheny Plateau and is situated primarily in Hocking County, Ohio.
About Cantwell Cliffs
Cantwell Cliffs get their name from the Cantwell Family. They were one of the first families to settle in this area. Cantwell Cliffs is located in the northern section of the stunning Hocking Hills State Park.
Cantwell Cliffs are quite remote, so does not tend to attract the large visitor numbers that the other areas of Hocking Hills State Park receive. Even though this is a remote location, it is still well worth the trip.
The Cantwell Cliffs area has had a lot of erosion creating a very deep valley, steep cliffs, and a rock shelter under the cliff. When you walk towards the rock shelter, you will notice some large slump blocks that have fallen away at some point from the main cliff area.
There is a narrow passage when you go toward the rock shelter called ‘Fat Lady’s Squeeze’. There are also a lot of concretions that occur on the cliff face.
The concretions that you can see on the cliff face happen where the iron oxide and cementing agent have been concentrated. In fact, it has been concentrated so much that the sandstone becomes discolored into a lovely red color.
Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!
I think this is an often-overlooked park in Hocking Hills! This is a great hike with lots of steps and cliffs. It is perfect for the adventurer!
Trails at Cantwell Cliffs
There are two trails here.
The two trails are each just over one mile long. The two trails interconnect at the midway point, so it is possible to go around both trails. Please note that there are quite a few steps on this trail.
I also recommend that you either bring a paper map or download a copy onto a device. There are signs on these two trails, but as they interconnect, it can be quite easy to lose your bearings.
If you would like to print a map of the trails at Hocking Hills State Park, you can find one here.
Cantwell Cliffs Trail
This is the main trail in the Cantwell Cliffs area. Where the two trails interconnect, you will want to take a left to stay on this trail. The trail will take you past the large cave that has an overhang. After the snows of winter have melted away, there will be a waterfall here for a few weeks. You will then make a small loop, and you will end up at the start.
Rim Trail Loop
The Rim Trail Loop is the other trail at Cantwell Cliffs. This trail begins at the parking lot, and instead of going left at the trail split, you will need to take a right. After a few meters, the trail splits again. At this split, you will need to take a left, and this takes you down into the gorge.
You will then take a right and follow the gorge. Then, there is the connector trail that takes you to the Cantwell Cliffs Trail. You then continue hiking until you reach the Fat Lady’s Squeeze. You can then either carry on hiking down the steps to the Rock Shelter or you can leave the gorge.
Where Is Cantwell Cliffs Located?
Location Map for Cantwell Cliffs
Let’s Visit Cantwell Cliffs!
Have you found your way to Cantwell Cliffs yet? What is your favorite trail? We’d love to know what you think about the area! Leave a comment below and share your experience!
Did you know that Cantwell Cliffs is just one of seven major hiking areas of Hocking Hills? Make sure you check out our round-up post dedicated to those areas here: 7 Major Hiking Areas Of Hocking Hills!
Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and Conkles Hollow are at the top of my list of favorite places to explore in Hocking Hills! Full of wondrous sights and beautiful wildlife, be sure to let us know if you visit!
If hiking is your passion, have you considered Yellow Springs Hiking?
Make sure you check our round-up of Ohio State Parks, where you can find lots of information about other activities in the great Ohio outdoors!
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