Spend The Day Exploring Dozens Of Caves And Waterfalls In Ohio's Hocking Hills
By Sarah McCosham|Published January 27, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Hocking Hills is one of the most resplendent regions of the Buckeye State and home to the greatest natural wonders in the US. The region offers some of the most sublime scenery and bucket-list-worthy outdoor recreation: the hiking here is second to none, especially if you’re a hopeless waterfall chaser like us. You can literally spend days exploring dozens of caves and waterfalls in Hocking Hills, and that’s an outdoor adventure we’re all too happy to embark upon!
Hocking Hills is a treasure trove of trails. These hikes within this 2,356-acre Ohio State Park feature incredible natural wonders like waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and rock formations.
Waterfall chasers have a lot to choose from in Hocking Hills State Park. Old Man’s Cave is a must-do hike. It's only about a mile long, and ventures to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ohio.
Old Man's Cave parking lot, 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Despite this trail being short, there are many incredible features to enjoy along the way. You'll encounter Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, and Lower Falls en route to the headlining Old Man’s Cave.
This, for example, is Devil's Bathtub, and I was blown away by how unique and cool this water feature was! It's a powerful, picturesque rush of water that swirls through a basin that's impossibly deep and blue.
While the hike itself can be done in about an hour, you'll want to factor in extra time to stop and take in all the beautiful sights -- the caverns are particularly awe-inspiring on this trail!
Another beginner-level hike with an amazing payoff is the Ash Cave Trail. It's just a half-mile long, well-paved, and even suitable for kids! This trek leads to the waterfall at Ash Cave, one of the best-known and beloved in Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park.
Ash Cave, 26400 OH-56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152, USA
But these waterfall and cave hikes are just the tip of the iceberg. Cedar Falls is another perennial favorite, with this trek coming in at just a mile, round trip!
Other must-take hikes include Conkle’s Hollow and The Rock House, the latter of which leads to a grand, 200-foot long cave situated about half-way up a 150-foot-tall cliff!
Rock House Trail, 16360 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135, USA
Hocking Hills is one of the best hiking destinations in the country, period. Whether you're looking to chase waterfalls, journey through caves, or simply surround yourself in sublime scenery, there's no better place than this Ohio State Park!
