What Are The 7 Best Trails at Hocking Hills You Can’t Miss?

Welcome to the Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio.

 

It’s a hiker’s paradise with waterfalls, caves, and cliffs.

 

Let’s explore the best trails at Hocking Hills, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• 🥾 Top-rated hikes: The best trails at Hocking Hills include seven unique routes like Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cantwell Cliffs.

 

• 🌲 Diverse landscapes: Expect waterfalls, caves, sandstone cliffs, swinging bridges, and lush gorges.

 

• 📍 Plan smart: All trails are free to access, many are dog-friendly, and most operate on a one-way system.

 

KEEP IN MIND: Hocking Hills State Park and its trails even rank among “The 50 Most Beautiful Places in America,” according to Condé Nast Traveler, joining places like the Grand Canyon, the Badlands in South Dakota, the Everglades in Florida, Crater Lake in Oregon, and many more.

 

What are the best trails at Hocking Hills

Take a look below at our overview of all the different hiking trails at Hocking Hills!

Hiking trails	Distance (mi / km)	Difficulty
Ash Cave – Gorge & Rim Loop	0.5 mi (0.8 km)	Easy (gorge); Moderate (rim)
Cedar Falls Loop	0.5 mi (0.8 km)	Easy–Moderate
Old Man’s Cave Loop	0.9 mi (1.4 km)	Moderate
Hemlock Bridge & Whispering Cave Loop	1.7 mi (2.7 km)	Moderate
Conkles Hollow Rim Trail	2.0 mi (3.2 km)	Difficult
Rock House Loop	1.0 mi (1.6 km)	Moderate
Cantwell Cliffs Loop	2.0 mi (3.2 km)	Difficult

 

IMPORTANT: All trailheads are within Hocking Hills State Park or the Hocking Hills region. All hikes are FREE (no entry or parking fees). Most trails are pet-friendly (leash required) except Conkle’s Hollow, where no pets are allowed. As of now, all main trails are one-way loops, so you must follow the marked route from start to finish. Below is a quick overview, followed by detailed tips for each trail.

 

Take a look at the map below of all the best accommodations near the Hocking Hills! 

Ash Cave Trail

Ash Cave is a perfect first stop, offering a huge cave with a waterfall tumbling from its rim.

 

It’s the largest recessed cave in Ohio (actually a huge rock amphitheater).

 

The approach is a short, flat walk through a hemlock-lined gorge that opens up to the cave’s sandy floor and a thin ribbon of water dropping 90 feet from above (in wet seasons).

 

Early settlers named it “Ash Cave” after finding huge piles of ASHED UNDER THE SHELTER!

 

Ash Cave‘s trail is beginner-friendly and wheelchair-accessible (to the cave’s base).

 

If you are a family with strollers, you can easily enjoy the Lower Gorge Trail.

 

The upper rim trail involves a climb up wooden stairs to loop back, giving a bird’s-eye view of the cave from above.

 

KEEP IN MIND: The waterfall is seasonal; it gushes in spring or after heavy rains, but slows to a drip in mid-summer.

 

Many hikers rank Ash Cave among the best trails at Hocking Hills for its accessibility and jaw-dropping payoff!

 

Practical details:

• Trail type: One-way loop (gorge out & rim back), 0.5 mi (0.8 km) total. The lower gorge trail is a flat asphalt path; the upper rim trail is dirt with stairs.
• Difficulty: Easy (gorge trail is wheelchair-accessible); Moderate on the rim (steep stairs up).
• Time needed: 30–45 minutes for the loop. If you only do the out-and-back gorge portion, it’s 20 minutes.
• Trailhead: Ash Cave parking area on OH-56 (south end of the park). Restrooms and a picnic area are available at the parking lot.
• Dog-friendly? Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.
• Best time: Spring, after snowmelt or rain, when the waterfall is fullest. Winter is also magical; the falls freeze into an ice column! In drier summer months, the falls are just a trickle.

 

DID YOU KNOW: The Hocking Hills are located around the 2,300-acre Hocking Hills State Park (with another 9,200 acres of state forest)? The area draws over 5 million (!) visitors each year, according to ohiostateparks.gov?

 

Cedar Falls Trail

 

Cedar Falls features the LARGEST WATERFALL by volume in Hocking Hills and is definitely one of the best trails at Hocking Hills. This is also one of our 17 best things to do in the Hocking Hills! 

 

FUN FACT: 19th-century settlers misnamed the falls; the “cedars” around the falls are actually hemlock trees!

 

This hike is a short loop that packs in a lot of scenery for low effort. You’ll descend stone steps (the famed “Democracy Steps,” designed for a pleasant walk) into the rocky gorge.

 

The trail follows Queer Creek under cliffs until it reaches Cedar Falls, which plunges ~50 feet over a Blackhand sandstone ledge into a pool below.

 

Despite the terrain, the Cedar Falls loop is easy. The main challenge is the initial set of stairs down (and back up at the end).

 

The trail at the gorge bottom is well-maintained and mostly flat. In about half a mile, you’ll cross scenic footbridges and come right up to the base of the waterfall (PREPARE FOR A COOLING MIST)!

 

Many visitors rank Cedar Falls as one of the best trails at Hocking Hills for its combination of ease and payoff.

 

Practical details:

• Trail type: 0.5 mi (0.8 km) loop. You’ll go down & up stairs with a level path in between (trail is one-way).
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Short distance, but the 100+ steps each way add a moderate exertion.
• Time needed: ~30 minutes (plus time to linger at the falls).
• Trailhead: Cedar Falls parking area off Cedar Falls Rd (off OH-374). There are restrooms and a picnic shelter by the parking. Parking is free.
• Dog-friendly? Yes, leashed dogs welcome. The trail has rock steps and some rocky footing, so keep your dog close for safety.
• Best time: Spring and after heavy rain for maximum waterfall flow. The falls run year-round but can slow in mid-summer droughts. Winter ice formations here are stunning, too.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Skip the upper “overflow” lot and drive down to the lower parking area near the trailhead if space is available. It’s closer to the start and has better restrooms.

 

A map of the 17 best activities in Hocking Hills, of which the Cedar Falls is one of the best! 

Old Man’s Cave Trail

Old Man’s Cave isn’t just a trail; we find that it’s the heart of Hocking Hills. This is also one of our 17 best things to do in the Hocking Hills! 

 

This area’s trail network takes you through an amazing postcard-perfect landscape of mossy gorges, stone bridges, caves, and waterfalls. A walk here is Instagram-perfect!

 

It’s named after a 19th-century hermit who lived in the main recess cave here (legend says he’s even buried beneath it).

 

Today, Old Man’s Cave is the most popular hike in the park, and for good reason.

 

In a short hike, you’ll see the Upper Falls, the swirling pothole of the Devil’s Bathtub, the main cavern, Middle and Lower Falls, and many unique rock formations (keep an eye out for the ones that are nicknamed Whale Rock and Sphinx Head along the way).

 

The standard loop from the visitor center is often called the Gorge Loop or simply the Old Man’s Cave loop.

 

It’s well-marked and includes sections of the Grandma Gatewood Trail (which continues on to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave).

 

Expect to go down and up lots of steps, through carved tunnels, and along cliff edges with a railing.

 

The trail surface varies from dirt and rock to man-made stone staircases.

 

It’s rated moderate because of the elevation changes and some narrow passages, but thousands of casual hikers (kids and leashed dogs included) complete it every week.

 

If you only have time for one hike, many would argue that this is one of the best trails at Hocking Hills.

 

Practical details:

• Trail type: 1 to 1.5 mi loop (varies depending on the exact route). It’s a one-way loop starting at the Visitor Center on SR-664 and looping through the gorge and back along the rim.
• Difficulty: Moderate. The trail has many stone stairs, uneven rock steps, and some tight spots. Elevation change is about 150 feet from rim to gorge. Take your time on the climbs.
• Time needed: ~1 hour for the basic loop, or 1.5 hours if you stop for lots of photos. (It’s easy to spend longer exploring each waterfall and cave nook.)
• Trailhead: Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center, on State Route 664. Large parking lot, full facilities (modern restrooms, water, maps) at the visitor center. On busy weekends, the lot fills by late morning.
• Dog-friendly? Yes, dogs on leash are allowed. They need to be OK with stairs and crowds. Watch their footing on slick rocks near falls.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Start your loop clockwise from the Visitor Center, heading towards the Upper Falls first. This way, you will descend the long staircases near the cave and Lower Falls rather than having to climb up them. It makes the hike a bit easier on the legs (and feels cooler as you walk down into the canyon).

 

Hemlock Bridge & Whispering Cave Trail

One of the newest trails in Hocking Hills is the Hemlock Bridge & Whispering Cave loop, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite for those seeking a quieter hike.

 

FOX8 even said it’s one of the best hikes in the United States!

 

Opened in 2017, this trail branches off from the Old Man’s Cave area and forms a loop to the  Whispering Cave, a huge 300-foot wide recess cave with a 105-foot seasonal waterfall draping its edge.

 

Unlike Old Man’s Cave, Whispering Cave was off-limits for YEARS and thus feels more secluded and “wild.”

 

The hike features a bit of everything: a swinging suspension bridge over a ravine, forest paths, stairs, and an overlook of the treetops.

 

From the trailhead near the new Hocking Hills Lodge, you’ll hike about 0.6 miles through dense woods to a fork.

 

A short spur to the right (0.2 mi) leads down to Whispering Cave itself.

 

After exploring the cave, you’ll backtrack to the main trail and continue across Hemlock Bridge (a wooden footbridge among towering hemlocks) to a viewpoint.

 

The loop then circles back toward the start.

 

In total, it’s roughly 1.5–2 miles. It’s considered moderately challenging due to some steep sections and stairs, but it’s well-marked and doable for most hikers in decent shape.

 

If you’re looking to escape the bigger crowds and see a newer part of the park, put Whispering Cave on your list of best trails at Hocking Hills.

 

Practical details:

• Trail type: Loop (one-way). From the trailhead to the cave and back via loop is about 1.7 mi total. Includes a short spur to the cave (remember to return from the cave spur the way you came).
• Difficulty: Moderate. There are long staircases and some steep grades, but also flat stretches. The trail has a mix of dirt, gravel, boardwalks, and some muddy spots after rain.
• Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours. Allow extra time at Whispering Cave, it’s a great spot to relax and listen to the “whisper” of the falling water.
• Trailhead: Hocking Hills Lodge parking area (on Chapel Ridge Rd off SR-664, near the old campground). The trail starts by the kiosk at the Upper Falls parking/Lodge trailhead. Note: The new lodge opened in 2022 and now has a restaurant and restrooms if you need a pit stop before or after hiking.
• Dog-friendly? Yes – dogs on leash are permitted. However, the park notes that due to cliffs, it may not be ideal for all pets. Use your judgment; the narrow stairs could be tough for large or anxious dogs.
• Best time: Spring for the fullest waterfall at Whispering Cave (it dries to a trickle in summer). Fall is lovely with colorful foliage viewed from the overlook. Winter is quiet, but sections may close if dangerously icy.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: This loop connects to other trails. You can actually continue onward to Cedar Falls or Old Man’s Cave from the far end of Hemlock Bridge Trail. If you want a big adventure, you can make it a 5+ mile one-way hike (known as the Whispering Cave Day Hike Loop) that links multiple sites. But if you’re just doing the short loop, don’t worry, it does loop back.

 

Conkle’s Hollow Trails

Technically a state nature preserve next to Hocking Hills State Park, Conkle’s Hollow  offers two very different trail experiences, both among the most beautiful and best trails at Hocking Hills in the region.

 

The Gorge Trail is a super-easy, paved stroll into a canyon draped in ferns and wildflowers.

 

The Conkles Hollow Rim Trail, by contrast, is a rugged hike skirting the top of 200-foot cliffs, with some of the best panoramic views in Hocking Hills (especially in autumn).

 

Many hikers (including us) consider Conkle’s Hollow a hidden gem as it’s off the main park circuit, but it’s absolutely worth it for the unique scenery.

 

Practical details:

• Trail type: Two separate trails. Gorge Trail: 0.75 mi (1.2 km) one-way (1.5 mi round-trip). Rim Trail: 2.0 mi (3.2 km) loop (one-way direction). You can do just one or both.
• Difficulty: Gorge, easy (paved, flat). Rim: difficult: strenuous due to steep sections and very narrow, high ledges. Not suitable for small children or anyone unsteady with heights.
• Time needed: Gorge, 1 hour round-trip. Rim, 1 to 1.5 hours. If doing both, plan 2+ hours total (perhaps do the rim in the morning, gorge in the cooler afternoon shade).
• Trailhead: Conkle’s Hollow parking area on Big Pine Road (off OH-374). Small lot fills up on busy weekends. Pit toilets are available at the trailhead. No entry fee, but you must sign in at the self-registration station since it’s a State Nature Preserve.
• Dog-friendly? No. Pets are not allowed on any trails at Conkle’s Hollow Nature Preserve (to protect its delicate ecosystem).

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: If you’re unsure about tackling the rim trail, consider doing the easy gorge trail first, then hiking up to the first overlook on the rim trail (go counter-clockwise). That gives you a taste of the views without committing to the full loop along the cliffs. And never stray off the marked path on the rim, as the drops are deadly.

 

Rock House Trail

If you’re craving a TRUE CAVE ADVENTURE, Rock House is the trail to hit.

 

Unlike the other Hocking Hills “caves” (which are open shelter caves), Rock House is a tunnel-like cavern set inside a cliff, the park’s ONLY REAL CAVE.

 

In fact, it was historically a hideout for bandits and even housed a 16-room hotel on the clifftop in the 1800s!

 

Today, hikers come here to experience the cave: a 200-foot-long, 30-foot-wide corridor with a ceiling up to 25 feet high and seven Gothic windows naturally carved into the rock.

 

The trail to Rock House is a short loop (about 1 mile) but is rated moderate because of the steep terrain.

 

You’ll descend a rugged path with rock steps from either the upper or lower parking lot. Both paths converge below and then climb up to the cave entrance via a set of stone stairs.

 

It’s a decent workout, so you should expect a steep climb out after exploring the cave.

 

The path is rocky and often muddy in spots.

 

Once inside Rock House, you can walk the length of the cavern and peer out its “windows” over the gorge.

 

After exiting the cave, the trail loops back up to the trailhead. Given its short length, Rock House is absolutely worth the effort.

 

It’s one of the most unique and best hiking trails at Hocking Hills for its geology alone.

 

Practical details:

• Trail type: 1 mi (1.6 km) loop. It’s one-way; two short approaches (0.2 mi each) lead from two parking areas and join into a loop around the cave. No matter where you start, you’ll finish at the opposite parking lot and can walk a connector back to your car.
• Difficulty: Moderate. The trail is steep and rocky; you’ll navigate uneven stone steps and inclines of 100+ feet. Sturdy shoes are a must.
• Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour, not counting time spent inside the cave. The cave itself can occupy 15+ minutes as you explore its length and take photos.
• Trailhead: Rock House has two parking lots along OH-374 (about 4 miles from Cantwell Cliffs, or 9 miles from Old Man’s Cave). Both lots have restrooms and converge to the same trail loop.
• Dog-friendly? Yes, dogs on leash are allowed. However, the steep stairs and narrow cave passages can be challenging for dogs.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Bring a flashlight for Rock House. Even on a bright day, parts of the cave interior are pitch dark, and the floor is uneven. A headlamp or phone light will help you navigate to the far end and spot features like the carving-like troughs in the floor (used by Native Americans to collect water).

 

Cantwell Cliffs Trail

Cantwell Cliffs is the most remote trail in Hocking Hills State Park, about 17 miles from the Old Man’s Cave area, which means it’s often the least crowded.

 

But many who make the drive claim Cantwell Cliffs as the most picturesque spot in the park.

 

The trail forms a 2-mile figure-eight loop that takes you through a tight winding crevice, along a cliff rim with overlooks, and down into a lush valley with imposing rock walls.

 

It’s a more strenuous hike and gives a true sense of adventure. One notable feature is the aptly named “Fat Woman’s Squeeze,” a very narrow rock passage you must squeeze through near the beginning of the trail.

 

Beyond that, you’ll descend a long set of stairs into the gorge, where a stream has carved cliffs and overhangs similar to a mini Old Man’s Cave area, minus the crowds.

 

Hiking at Cantwell Cliffs feels like backcountry exploring.

 

The gorge loop and rim loop intersect, allowing you to choose an order. Many hike down through the gorge first, then up to the rim and back (following the one-way arrows).

 

The gorge section features rock shelters and a dense forest vibe, while the rim rewards you with views from the highest cliffs in the park.

 

Look for the Lookout Point spur on the east rim, which gives a nice view of the gorge below.

 

Practical details:

• Trail type: Loop with two interconnecting loops (upper rim and lower gorge). Total 2.0 mi (3.2 km) for both loops. It is a one-way system, so you’ll end up doing the full figure-eight.
• Difficulty: Difficult. This trail has steep staircases, including a long descent at the start and a climb at the end. Trails can be uneven with roots and rocks. The narrow “squeeze” passage and cliff edges demand careful footing.
• Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours. Maybe longer if you take breaks. Start earlier in the day, as Cantwell is a bit isolated, and you’ll want ample daylight (the park area closes at dusk).
• Trailhead: Cantwell Cliffs parking area, off OH-374 in the northern section of Hocking Hills State Park. Vault toilet available. Because it’s farther out, come prepared with water and snacks (no shops close by). The drive is about 30 minutes from the main park areas.
• Dog-friendly? Yes, leashed dogs are allowed. However, only bring your dog if it’s sure-footed and fit; you’ll be lifting them up stairs or over rocks in spots. Also, be mindful of the tight squeeze!

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Make sure you experience the Fat Woman’s Squeeze near the trail’s start; it’s a slim gap in the rock that every hiker must pass through. (Take off your backpack to fit, and watch your elbows.) It’s a nice Instagram-worthy photo-op.

 

Other Hocking Hills attractions include rock climbing, rappelling, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, fishing (at Lake Logan and Rose Lake), disc golf, archery, and bird watching.

 

When visiting Hocking Hills, you’ll have options for campgrounds (both in the state park and nearby), cabins, Airbnb’s, and hotels. Our old favorite place was to tent camp at Lake Logan to be able to also kayak; the campground has since been sold and turned into more of an RV Resort.

 

Camping and cabin stays in Hocking Hills State Park.

Staying overnight in the park is one of the most adventurous things to do in Hocking Hills.

 

We have even listed this park as one of the best places to stay in Ohio!

 

You’ll find a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and fully equipped cabins throughout the park.

 

Practical details:

• Locations: Hocking Hills State Park Campground, Cedar Grove Lodging, Getaway Cabins
• Options: Primitive camping, electric RV sites, cabins with kitchens, and hot tubs
• Cost: $30–USD 50 (€28–€47) per night for campsites, $150–USD 250 (€141–€236) for cabins
• Booking: Required via ohiostateparks.gov or individual cabin websites
• Amenities: Restrooms, showers, fire rings, picnic tables
• Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather

 

If you need a break from hiking boots and trail dust, then we recommend the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls to relax at a wellness retreat or spa.

 

Practical details:

• Location: Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls (Logan)
• Services: Massages, facials, body treatments, infrared sauna
• Cost: $90–USD 150 (€85–€141) per session
• Duration: 60–90 minutes
• Booking: Required, weekends fill up fast
• Best time to visit: Late afternoon after a morning hike
• Couples welcome: Yes ( booking recommended)

 

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