This Underrated Park Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Place In Ohio
It’s no secret that Ohio is full of beautiful places just waiting to be explored. There is one place, however, that offers an unforgettable hiking experience, breathtaking views and photo opportunities you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world. If you live in Ohio and have yet to experience Hocking Hills State Park for yourself, you aren’t really living. It’s arguably the most beautiful, jaw-dropping place in the whole state of Ohio.
Waterfalls, caves, unique rock formations and hiking trails abound at this breathtaking state park. Popular, must-see landmarks within the Hocking Hills State Park include Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, The Rock House, Conkle’s Hollow, Upper and Lower Falls, the Sphinx Head, Ash Cave and the Devil’s Bathtub. Here are some of our favorite areas in the park:
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Legend has it, a 19th-century hermit who once lived in the cave, (named Richard Rowe) is buried under a cave ledge in the area. The overlooking view from inside Old Man's Cave is simply stunning.
2. Cedar Falls:
Ryan Maloney
This breathtaking waterfall is a popular spot for kids (and adventurous adults) to cool off during a hike to Old Man's Cave. (It's best seen after a heavy rainfall.)
This rugged, rocky gorge is often considered to be one of the deepest in Ohio, according to the state park's website. The Rim Trail at the top of the 200-foot cliff features breathtaking views.
4. The Devil's Bathtub:
April Dray/Only In Your State
This unique tiered waterfall is located between the Upper Falls and Old Man’s Cave. It flows into a bowl-shaped basin, forming a captivating whirlpool. While legend has it that the pool extends deep into the depths of Hades, it's actually no more than a few feet deep.
The Ash Cave Trail features a .25 mile long Gorge Trail that is wheelchair accessible, as well as a .5 mile long Rim Trail. After heavy rainfall, a small stream of water flows over the cave.
Also located in the Hocking Hills State Park, the .5 mile Rock House Trail is a fairly strenuous hike that takes you to an incredible cave with a 25-foot- high ceiling and window-like openings.
To view specific hiking trail maps with exact distances and estimated times of completion, click here.
Have you explored this beautiful state park for yourself? If so, please share your experiences and any photos you may have with us via our Facebook page!
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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