7 Major Hiking Areas of Hocking Hills

Last Updated on August 6, 2023 by Cindy

The Hocking Hills area has 7 major hiking spots! All of which are super unique! Read on to learn more about Hocking Hills Hiking!

1. Ash Cave

Ash Cave is one of the 7 major hiking trails in this park. This trail is around half a mile long and for the average walker, it will take around 40 minutes to complete. Hikers are required to go one way and hikers who have to use Wheelchairs can also go along this route. This is an asphalt trail through a lovely gorge that is lined with cliff walls. Halfway along the trail there is a recess cave and a fantastic seasonal waterfall. After reaching this area, Hikers (not in Wheelchairs) must continue along the one way system and up a flight of steps to the rim trail.This trail leads back to the parking lot. This path is clearly marked with signs.

It is imperative that hikers stay on the marked trail. Well behaved pets are permitted on this trail, providing that they stay on their leashes. No wading or swimming is allowed in the waterfall or the creeks.

Ash Cave: 27291 State Route 56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152  | GPS Tracking: (39.395993,-82.545927)

2. Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls is one of the major hiking trails of the Hocking Hills State Park that is based in Southern Ohio. This path is around ½ miles long. This is a strenuous walk and it has plenty of steps. It is for this reason that it is recommended that you are physically fit to partake on this walk. It is a one-way trail system and it has a waterfall, bridges and an interesting rock system. Halfway along the trail, there is a seasonal waterfall. This can be reached by going down some steps and going along a dirt track. When hikers get to this area, you can continue along the one-way system through the rock formations and up a series of stairs. This hike has a moderate incline, steps and steeper terrain.

It is imperative that hikers stay on the marked trail. Well behaved pets are permitted on this trail, providing that they stay on their leashes. No wading or swimming is allowed in the waterfall.

Cedar Falls - Hocking Hills State Park: 21724 Ohio 374 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138 | GPS Tracking: (39.418265, -82.526295)

3. Old Man's Cave

Old Man's Cave is a one-way loop trail that is approximately 1 to 1.5 miles long. This trail begins at the kiosk at Upper Falls.

Hikers can choose from two exits:

Exit 1 — At Old Man’s Cave, which ends at the Naturalist Cabin and Visitor Center. The trail is 1 mile and takes about 60 minutes.

Exit 2 — Past Old Man’s Cave to Lower Falls, following a steep incline with an elevation change at the winding stairway, which ends at the Naturalist Cabin and Visitor Center. Exit 2 is 1.5 miles and takes about 1.5 hours.

Hikers are also able to take a spur trail to Broken Rock Falls. This is about ¼ in and ¼ out is a two-way trail (less crowded).

Hikers can also access a trail close to the A-Frame Bridge by the Naturalist Cabin to head to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave. This is a one-way 6 mile hike to Ash Cave.  It must also be noted that there is no bus service for return hikers.

A Wheelchair accessible trail runs from the Park/Camp Office past the visitor center to Lodge Road. This is just over a half-mile in length and it includes a ramp and observation points at Upper Falls.

For a more strenuous walk, hikers can take the blue trail to Lower Falls. Hikers will go past Rose Lake, Cedar Falls A-Frame bridge and then to Cedar Falls.  This is three more miles on a one-way system.

This is considered to be a strenuous hike. It is not recommended for people who are not physically fit or have health issues. Involves a steep incline, cliff edges and steeper terrain.  It is also not suitable for young children and pets.

Hikers should always stay on the marked trail. Well-behaved pets are allowed, providing that they are on a leash at all times. No wading or swimming is allowed in the waterfall or creeks.

See our Old Man's Cave article.

Old Man's Cave: State Route 664, Logan OH 43138  | GPS Tracking: (39.437176, -82.539667)

4. Whispering Cave

Whispering Caves is a major hiking trail within the Hocking Hills State Park in Southern Ohio. This trail comprises of a five mile hike and it is in a loop. It has a swinging bridge and a Waterfall. There are two places when you will be able to go onto the trail.

1 - You can start at the visitor Center. There are some steps at the Center near the kiosk. Halfway to Cedar Falls, you can follow the purple Trail and this is marked by a sign.

2 - You can also start at Upper Falls near the kiosk. Follow the blue trail markers and signs 1 ½ miles to the Whispering Cave (Purple Trail - it is marked with a sign).  It will then loop one-way to Whispering Cave and then back to the visitor center.

This is considered to be a strenuous hike. It's not recommended for people who are not physically fit or have health issues. The trail involves a steep incline, cliff edges and steeper terrain.  Not suitable for young children and pets.

Hikers must stay on the marked trail. Well-behaved pets are allowed, providing that they are on a leash at all times. No wading or swimming is allowed in the waterfall or creeks.

Whispering Cave: State Route 664, Logan OH 43138| GPS Tracking: (39.424856, -82.552077) Location of Cave and Trail, but parking is at Old Man's Cave parking lot.

Parking at Old Man's Cave to access the 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): GPS Tracking to Old Man's Cave Lot for access: (39.437176, -82.539667).

5. Conkle's Hollow

Conkles Hollow is a major hiking trail in Hocking Hills State Park.

There are 2 trails to hike, the Upper trail and the Lower Trail.

1 - Lower Trail is a ¾ mile long, wheelchair-accessible trail. It takes about 1 hour to hike the trail.

2 - Upper trail is a one-way trail that is 2 miles along. This is considered to be a strenuous hike. It's not recommended for people who are not physically fit or have health issues. Involves a steep incline, cliff edges and steeper terrain.  Also it is not suitable for young children and pets.

It's vital that Hikers stay on the marked trail. Well-behaved pets are allowed, providing that they are on a leash at all times. No wading or swimming is allowed in the waterfall or creeks.

READ MORE about Conkle's Hollow HERE

Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve: 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149  | GPS Tracking: (39.452935, -82.572075).

6. Cantwell Cliffs

Cantwell Cliffs is one of the major hiking trails in the Hocking Hills area. This is the most rugged path within the park. It is a remote hike and it is a one-way in and out loop. There are over two miles of trail with two loops, with each loop being a mile long. It takes between 60 and 80 minutes to do this hike. 

Hikers must stay on the marked trail. Well-behaved pets are allowed, providing that they are on a leash at all times. No wading or swimming is allowed in the waterfall or creeks.

Cantwell Cliffs: OH-374, Rockbridge, OH 43149 | GPS Tracking: (39.539874, -82.575814)

7. Rock House

Rock House is incredibly unique within the Hocking Hills Region. It is unique as it is the only true cave in the park. It has a tunnel-like corridor and it is situated up a 15-foot cliff. This House of Rock has a 25 foot ceiling and the main corridor is 200 feet long and it is around 20-30 feet wide.

Rock House Loop Trail is around a mile long. Hikers can enter from either the upper or the lower parking lots. Depending on your desired level of walking, you may want to check both parking lots beforehand. PRO TIP: If you park at the first lot, you walk down on that trail, and it is where the trail comes out at. 

The Rock House Caves: 19852 OH-664 S Logan, OH 43138 | GPS Tracking: (35.1218° N, 92.9365° W).

Hocking Hills Hiking

Let's go and have some fun hiking in Hocking Hills! Have you been hiking in Hocking Hills? We would love to hear your favorite place to hike!

If you are adventurous and active, you might also enjoy Hocking Hills Kayaking