This Is the Most Claustrophobic Hike in Ohio—Would You Try It?

While corn fields might be all that comes to mind when picturing Ohio’s geography, there are several beautiful regions of the Buckeye State with undulating terrain. These hills and valleys give way to landscapes that are incredible to explore—and some that require a little squeezing to fit through.

Hocking Hills State Park is full of hidden gems and one of the most beautiful preserves in Ohio for hiking, known for its caves and sandstone gorges carved by time. Of the many claustrophobic Ohio hikes you’ll come across in this southeast enclave, the Rock House Gorge Trail is the most spine-tingling for those afraid of tight spaces. The only true cave in the park, Rock House, resembles a grand cathedral and is only 30 feet at its widest and 20 feet at its narrowest. The 25-foot ceilings are the caves' saving grace and why most hikers will have no problem making their way to the other side. 

Visitors can spend their time peering out of the natural stone windows and imagining who might have used the cave as shelter. Native Americans once called Rock House home, carving out hominy holes — recesses where you could build a small fire and cook. The Blackhand sandstone is the perfect medium in which to form these ovens as its easily manipulated. 

The trail begins at either of the Rock House parking lots, with the larger parking lot’s trail leading 0.4 miles to reach the conjunction with the Rim Trail and the smaller parking lot taking just 0.2 miles. If you’re coming for Rock House alone, the smaller parking lot trail will take longer to reach the cave. If you complete the entire trail, without detouring to the Rim Trail, it takes 0.6 miles to connect the two parking areas. 

Visitors can make their way through the forest on a fairly easy path before coming to the stairs that lead up to Rock House. If you decide to brave this tight space, don’t look up. You’ll see a large crack that was actually responsible for the formation of Rock House, allowing water to drip slowly into the cavern over time. Those afraid of bats might also get a shock as a small resident colony calls the cave home.

Technically broken up into two trails, the Gorge Trail and the Rim Trail, those who truly can’t stomach being in close quarters can breathe easy at the overlook. It isn’t difficult to skip the Gorge Trail entirely either. Simply veer right off to the Rim Trail at the start of the trail in the larger parking lot. If you begin in the smaller parking lot, you’ll also veer left when you see the sign, long before Rock House.

For other nearby hikes that are narrow enough to send chills up the spine of someone with claustrophobia, head to the nearby Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve to hike through one of the deepest gorges in Ohio. At 200 feet deep and 100 feet wide, there’s no doubt that you’ll feel a bit like the walls are closing in on you. The Gorge Trail itself is only 0.4 miles long and features highlights such as waterfalls and the Grotto, a narrow section of the pathway. For those afraid of heights, you might want to skip the Rim Trail, which offers views over the gorge and has some of the highest cliffs in the area.

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