Hike Hocking Hills’ “Best in the U.S.” Trail in Ohio for an Unforgettable Adventure

My out-of-state friends have teasingly asked, "Why would I want to go to Ohio?" And, boy, do I have a whole list of reasons to visit Ohio! For my more nature-oriented friends, I just have two words: Hocking Hills. While many use the term to refer to Hocking Hills State Park, the entire Hocking Hills region is covered in magnificent structures. And, lately, it's been getting the national recognition it deserves.

Earlier this year, USA Today rated its Whispering Cave hike the best in the U.S. While it's one of many incredible features in the state park, it's absolutely deserving of this recognition. AllTrails has a map to Whispering Cave that's perfect for planning an in-person visit, but in the meantime, let's take a virtual visit to this magnificent Ohio landmark.

If you haven't heard of Whispering Cave, you're not alone! This trail only opened in 2017, and it's still something of a hidden gem... the long-standing and more popular attractions in the region simply beat it out in the average conversation. But once you experience it, you'll know why in-the-know hikers love it so much. With a 300 foot wide recess cave that overlooks a richly forested landscape, stepping inside it is like stepping into a fairytale world.

If the massive cave isn't enough to wow you, a trickle of water that's over 100 feet tall just might do the trick. Like the rest of the Hocking Hills region, Blackhand Sandstone makes up this magnificently massive cave, and its waterfall is seasonal and best observed after a decent rain.

If you're heading out into Hocking Hills, you should expect something of an arduous hike. The landscape here is anything but flat, and many of the trails are rather wild. Wear reliable hiking boots and bring a buddy, and since cell phone serve is spotty in the region, make sure you bring everything you might need. To get to Whispering Cave, you'll take Hemlock Bridge Trail until it forks at the 0.6-mile mark. From there, Whispering Cave Trail will take you another 0.2 miles to your destination. After you take in the splendor of this "best in the U.S." trail, head back toward Hemlock Bridge Trail. This route can take you to Cedar Falls and Old Man's Cave, two magnificent spots that belong on any nature lover's bucket list.

The overhanging cliff above Whispering Cave is truly a sight to behold, and it creates a veil between your private view and the rest of the state park that feels intimate. As this is one of the newer hikes in the park, you might just have the place all to yourself while less-informed hikers hit up the massively popular local landmarks. If that's the case, absolutely take the time to soak up the views. Whispering Cave serves up a dose of pure majesty.

This unique hike in Ohio isn't for the faint of heart, as changing elevations and rocky terrain make it a bit of a challenge. Nevertheless, it's an incredible hiking spot that every nature lover should experience at least once. Whether you're a native Ohioan or an out-of-towner stopping by to experience the best of The Buckeye State, you're in for an absolute treat at Whispering Cave.

After your hike, you'll probably work up an appetite. Capt. Ron's Pirate Pizza is the perfect addition to your itinerary, and its customizable pizzas are piled high with toppings to help you fuel up for another day of hiking.