Best Hiking Trails in Hocking Hills: A Hiker’s Guide 🥾🌲
The Hocking Hills region in southeastern Ohio is a hiker’s paradise, offering stunning landscapes, cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and unique rock formations. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a leisurely stroll or an experienced hiker seeking a challenging trek, Hocking Hills has a trail for everyone.
This guide covers the best hiking trails in the region, highlighting their features, difficulty levels, and must-see landmarks.
🏞️ Top Hiking Trails in Hocking Hills
1. Old Man’s Cave Trail 🌊
📍 Address: 19852 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH 43138
🛤️ Distance: 1 mile (round trip)
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate
✔️ Old Man’s Cave: Named after a hermit who lived here in the 1800s, this cave features dramatic rock formations and waterfalls.
✔️ Lower Falls: A picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
✔️ Devil’s Bathtub: A unique rock formation where water swirls into a natural whirlpool-like basin.
📌 Why Hike Here? This iconic trail takes you through a scenic gorge with waterfalls, caves, and bridges, making it one of the most popular hikes in Hocking Hills.
2. Cedar Falls Trail 🌊🏞️
📍 Address: 21724 State Route 374, Logan, OH 43138
🛤️ Distance: 1 mile (round trip)
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate
✔️ Cedar Falls: The largest waterfall by volume in Hocking Hills, offering a stunning natural spectacle.
✔️ Rock Formations: Towering sandstone cliffs surround the trail, adding to the scenic beauty.
📌 Why Hike Here? This short but rewarding trail leads to one of the most powerful waterfalls in the region, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
3. Ash Cave Trail 🌿
📍 Address: 26400 State Route 56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152
🛤️ Distance: 0.5 miles (round trip)
⚠️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Ash Cave: The largest recessed cave in Ohio, featuring a massive rock overhang and a seasonal waterfall.
✔️ Accessible Trail: A paved, wheelchair-friendly path, making it ideal for families and all abilities.
📌 Why Hike Here? One of the most breathtaking spots in Hocking Hills, Ash Cave offers awe-inspiring views and an easy walk for visitors of all ages.
4. Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail 🌄
📍 Address: 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149
🛤️ Distance: 2.5 miles (round trip)
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
✔️ Panoramic Views: The rim trail offers breathtaking overlooks of dense forests and deep gorges.
✔️ Hemlock-Lined Path: Tall hemlock trees create an enchanting atmosphere.
📌 Why Hike Here? For those who enjoy challenging hikes, Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail provides stunning views from above the cliffs.
5. Whispering Cave Trail 🌊🪨
📍 Address: 19852 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH 43138
🛤️ Distance: 4.5 miles (round trip)
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate
✔️ Whispering Cave: A large, recessed cave with a cascading waterfall, creating a peaceful retreat.
✔️ Hemlock Bridge: A picturesque wooden bridge surrounded by a dense forest.
📌 Why Hike Here? This longer trail blends impressive rock formations with a tranquil forest setting, making it a great option for nature lovers.
6. Rock House Trail 🏚️
📍 Address: 16350 State Route 374, Laurelville, OH 43135
🛤️ Distance: 1 mile (round trip)
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate
✔️ Rock House: The only true cave in Hocking Hills, featuring arched openings and a cool, dimly lit interior.
✔️ Unique Geological Features: The cave’s sandstone formations make it one of the most fascinating hikes in the area.
📌 Why Hike Here? The Rock House’s eerie yet beautiful structure makes it a one-of-a-kind hiking destination.
🌲 More Hiking Trails in the Hocking Hills Region
Lake Hope State Park Trails 🌊
📍 Address: 27331 State Route 278, McArthur, OH 45651
✔️ Diverse trail options, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
✔️ Beautiful lake views and historic Hope Furnace ruins.
Zaleski State Forest Trails 🌿
📍 Address: 11772 State Route 278, Zaleski, OH 45698
✔️ Home to Ohio’s premier backpacking trail.
✔️ Features rugged terrain, ridges, and peaceful forested hollows.
Moonville Rail Trail 🚂
📍 Address: Moonville Tunnel, Vinton & Athens Counties, OH
✔️ Follows an abandoned rail line with spooky Moonville Tunnel.
✔️ Flat and easy trail, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Vinton Furnace State Forest Trails 🌲
📍 Address: Vinton Furnace State Forest, OH
✔️ A biodiversity hotspot with wildlife-rich forests.
✔️ Educational trails featuring Ohio’s diverse tree species.
Tar Hollow State Park Trails 🏞️
📍 Address: 16396 Tar Hollow Rd, Laurelville, OH 43135
✔️ Challenging hikes with rugged terrain and scenic overlooks.
✔️ Logan Trail (16 miles) and Homestead Trail (shorter, easier option).
🛠️ Tips for Hiking in Hocking Hills
✔️ Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots – Trails can be rocky and slippery, so good footwear is essential.
✔️ Bring Plenty of Water – Even short hikes can be strenuous in warm weather.
✔️ Check Weather Conditions – Rain can make trails muddy and waterfalls stronger.
✔️ Use Trail Maps – Pick up a trail map at the visitor center or download one in advance.
✔️ Respect Nature – Stay on designated trails and leave no trace to help preserve the ecosystem.
🏡 Stay in Comfort at Hocking Vacations Cabins
After a day of hiking and exploring, relax and recharge in a cozy cabin at Hocking Vacations.
✔️ Close to Top Hiking Trails – Stay near Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and other major attractions.
✔️ Rustic & Modern Amenities – Enjoy hot tubs, fireplaces, and private decks.
✔️ Perfect for Any Group – Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family and friends, Hocking Vacations has the perfect cabin for your stay.
Book your cabin today and experience the best of Hocking Hills hiking with a comfortable retreat waiting for you!
🥾 Discover the Best Trails in Hocking Hills
From majestic caves and towering waterfalls to hidden tunnels and peaceful forest paths, the Hocking Hills region offers unforgettable hiking experiences. Whether you’re a casual hiker or a seasoned trekker, these trails showcase some of Ohio’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Pack your gear, hit the trails, and experience the natural beauty of Hocking Hills! 🌿🥾✨