This Scenic Ohio Trail Is Even Better in the Winter

If you’re looking for the ultimate winter hike in Hocking Hills, look no further than Ash Cave. This short and sweet 0.5-mile trail highlights one of the most beautiful features of Hocking Hills State Park, a natural stone amphitheater that’s been used as a shelter by humans for thousands of years. 

Already one of the more popular treks in the park, the Ash Cave Trail transforms in the deep winter. Giant icicles form off the cave's upper cliffs, eventually forming a giant ice pillar that can grow to be up to 100 feet tall. Surrounded by sand at its base, this natural formation is the star of the show, drawing in thousands of hikers every winter season. 

Hikers begin at the Ash Cave parking lot, before choosing to go left or right at the fork, as the trail is a loop that culminates at the cave itself. You’ll trek through dense forest along the way before descending to the base of the cave. 

Be sure to hike beneath the caves' huge, 90-foot overhang for some of the best views and photo opportunities—made even more stunning if it has recently snowed, as the contrast of the white snow against the sand is breathtaking. If you decide to hike here during the winter months, most visitors recommend wearing slip-resistant shoes and, depending on trail conditions, even crampons. It’s also a good idea to bring hiking sticks for better stability. 

Hocking Hills is one of the most beautiful regions in Ohio, and there are plenty of other trails to add to your snowy hiking experience. The nearby Old Man’s Cave is another popular winter hike. If you want to combine the two, it also features incredible ice formations. 

It’s thought that Native Americans, including the Shawnee, Delaware, and Wyandot tribes, once used the cave for its natural protection against the elements and for its acoustics. In fact, the cave got its name from European settlers who discovered huge piles of ash inside the cave, left over from burning fires. In fact, some of the ash piles were 100 feet long and over 3 feet deep, suggesting consistent use over a long period of time.

Up the ante by doing the Hocking Hills Annual Winter Hike, which combines the Ash Cave trail with Old Man’s Cave, another spot to seek out after a good snow. This guided group adventure takes place on a Saturday in mid-January. Hikers can set out at any time between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to follow the trail that winds its way 6 miles through the park from the campground to Old Man’s Cave. There are several goodies along the way, including a piping hot bowl of bean soup and cornbread at Cedar Falls, the halfway point. Those who reach the end can indulge in piping hot sassafras tea, fun activities, and a ride back to the trailhead.

Other seasonal celebrations also take place at Ash Cave, such as the annual Christmas at Ash Cave, a candlelit hike in mid-December with appearances by Santa Claus.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Hocking Hills State Park using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.