Uncover the Ancient Underground World Hiding in Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park

Caves are mysterious places. They can be cold and ominous, and can feel like you’re exploring an entirely different world or some far-off planet. While the echoing silence and claustrophobia of caves can be spooky, they can also offer a fascinating glimpse into human history. For a very long time, caves were humanity’s primary source of shelter. They were warmed with toasty fires and decorated with hand-painted petroglyphs depicting stories and histories. So, while they can be dark and seemingly endless, caves can also offer us rich insights into our past. They are a great way to reconnect with feelings and emotions that could otherwise be lost to time. If you’re looking for a cave with somme history, you’ve come to the right place.

Ash Cave in Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park is a stunning find that is easily accessible. Located in Hocking County, the trail is only 0.5 miles long, making it a relatively easy walk that most hikers complete in half an hour. While that might not seem like that much time, you’ll want to reserve a large chunk of your calendar for exploration, as once you see the cave, you’ll likely want to spend a good deal of time here.

Named for the massive pile of ashes settlers found scattered beneath the overhang in the 19th century, the cave is 700 feet long and 90 feet high. While it is not precisely known what the ash piles were for, it’s clear that Native Americans had used the cave as a sanctuary and shelter during long travels. Several theories suggest that Native Americans may have been smelting lead or silver from the rocks, or producing saltpeter, although neither can be confirmed. In 1877, an investigation into the piles found that sticks, arrows, stalks of gorse grasses, a great variety of animal bones, bits of pottery, flints, and corn cobs made up the composition of the ash piles. The largest pile was 100 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 3 feet deep.

The cave itself is known for its fantastic natural acoustics. The quietest whispers can become booming if spoken into the right spaces of the cave. This makes it a perfect space for music and storytelling sessions, which the Native Americans likely also used the cave for. 

Ash Cave is a beautiful spot, no matter the season. Wildflowers grow and populate the floors, and, as icing on the cake, a sparkling waterfall flows off the overhang, giving a great one-two punch of excitement. If you’re looking for a dive into history and are looking for something beautiful to explore, Ash Cave is going to be one of the perfect adventures. Prepare for a journey into the past.

If you plan to do any hiking, download the AllTrails app on your phone so that you can have easy access to maps, trail information, and curated lists on the best hikes in your area.

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