Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To Experience Some Of Ohio’s Most Impressive Caves And Waterfalls

If you enjoy spending time in Ohio nature, it’s worth it to dedicate a weekend road trip to exploring some of the Buckeye State’s most impressive natural wonders. Conveniently, some of Ohio’s best caves and waterfalls are often hiding together. The following road trip leads to some of the tallest waterfalls and deepest caves in Ohio.

Screen shot via Google Maps

The total drive time clocks in at around 2 and a half hours. To view a Google Map of the trip in a separate tab or window, click here.

See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr

Kick your trip off with a visit to one of the most scenic regions in Ohio. (We recommend staying at the Inn at Cedar Falls or booking a cabin for a night to tackle all there is to see and do in Hocking Hills.) Within the Hocking Hills State Park area in Logan is the beloved Rock House, where visitors can freely explore this unique cave with a 25 ft. high ceiling and window-like openings. Evidence shows that the homey Rock House was often used for shelter by past visitors, Native Americans and even bootleggers, robbers and horse thieves. Today, it's a peaceful refuge for Ohio hikers to explore.

April Dray/Only In Your State

Chapel Cave, which is also known as 21 Horses Cave, is a hidden gem in the Hocking State Forest that you won’t find on any park or nature preserve maps. You can find the trailhead less than 5 minutes away from the Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve entrance in Rockbridge. (Note: The trail can be muddy and it's common to spot horseback riders as this trail is a bridle trail.)

Vasenka Photography/Flickr

See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr

Waterfalls, caves, and unique rock formations abound along the Grandma Gatewood Trail in Hocking Hills State Park. Also part of the Buckeye Trail, this trail leads to Old Man's Cave, which has an interesting history and origin to its name. 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.

GmanViz/Flickr

Cedar Falls is the largest waterfall in Hocking Hills in terms of volume. It flows from Queer Creek over Blackhand sandstone. The easiest way to find this waterfall is to park at the Cedar Falls Trailhead, which is right by the Suspension Bridge. You can also reach Cedar Falls via the Buckeye Trail, which connects to the lower gorge portion of the Grandma Gatewood Trail and Old Man's Cave.

J Todd Poling/Flickr

The next stop features a stunning waterfall and cave combination. The Ash Cave Trail within Hiking Hills State Park features a .25-mile long Gorge Trail that is wheelchair accessible, as well as a .5-mile long Rim Trail. Most days, the falls that flow from the top of Ash Cave are fairly narrow but being able to walk behind them is a magical experience.

Michael B/Trip Advisor

On your way to your final destination, take a break from driving in central Ohio and visit Hayden Falls. Hayden Falls Park in Dublin features a truly unique natural ecosystem, rare plants and animals and a 35-foot waterfall along the western shore of the Scioto River. The gorge where the falls are located features a boardwalk and overlook area, making the waterfall easily accessible to visitors.

Brian Timmermeister/Flickr

End your adventure with a trip to the deepest caves in Ohio. The Ohio Caverns were formed thousands of years ago when an underground river cut through ancient limestone and created vast rooms and passageways. Today, they're filled with crystal stalactites, stalagmites and other fascinating formations. There are several different tours you can take at Ohio Caverns, including a Natural Wonder Tour, Historic Tour, Limestone Tour and Tree Tour.

What do you think? Would you take this trip? How many of these caves and waterfalls have you visited? Share your thoughts, photos and experiences with us!

For more waterfall adventures in Ohio, check out our previous article: The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Ohio Who Loves Waterfall Hikes.