Hocking Hills is home to some of Ohio’s most breathtaking trails, carved over millions of years through Blackhand sandstone. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or looking for a peaceful stroll through nature, there’s a trail waiting for you.
Before you hit the trails, here are a few things that apply to all Hocking Hills hikes:
- Hours: All trails are open daily, dawn to dusk.
- Parking: A state park parking pass is required. Check the Ohio DNR website for current daily and annual rates.
- Pets: Allowed on most state park trails on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Owners must clean up after pets. Exception: Pets are not allowed at Conkle’s Hollow (see below).
- General rules: No alcohol, no drones, no rock climbing or rappelling, and no swimming or wading in pools below waterfalls. Stay on marked trails.
- Cell service: Limited throughout the park. Some trailheads have emergency call boxes.
- Best time to visit: Spring (after snowmelt) for the best waterfall flow. Arrive early on weekends and during fall foliage season to avoid crowds.
1. Old Man’s Cave — The Must-See Classic
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: ~0.5 miles (gorge loop) | Connects to Cedar Falls: ~2.5 miles one-way
The most iconic trail in Hocking Hills — and for good reason. Old Man’s Cave features a deep Blackhand sandstone gorge, the Upper and Lower Falls, the famous “Devil’s Bathtub” pool, and “The Sphinx” rock formation. The Hocking Hills Visitor Center is located here with restrooms and information.
Accessibility: The Upper Falls overlook has an ADA-accessible paved path from the visitor center parking lot with accessible parking spaces available. However, the gorge trail itself involves extensive stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Good to know:
- This is the busiest trail in the park — arrive early on weekends and holidays.
- Stairs can be very slippery when wet.
- You can connect to Cedar Falls via the Gorge Trail / Buckeye Trail for a longer adventure.
2. Ash Cave — Best for Accessibility
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: ~0.25 miles one-way (paved)
Ohio’s largest recess cave — approximately 700 feet wide, 100 feet deep, with a 90-foot rim. A seasonal waterfall cascades over the lip of this massive horseshoe-shaped cave. It’s an awe-inspiring sight no matter the season.
Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible. The entire trail is a flat, paved walkway from the parking lot to the cave with accessible parking spaces. This is the most accessible major feature in all of Hocking Hills — perfect for wheelchair users, strollers, and visitors with mobility limitations.
Good to know:
- The waterfall is most impressive in spring or after heavy rain.
- The cave stays cool even on hot summer days — great for a shaded escape.
- Typically less crowded than Old Man’s Cave.
3. Cedar Falls — The Photographer’s Favorite
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: ~0.5 miles round-trip
One of the most voluminous waterfalls in the Hocking Hills region. Despite the name, the surrounding trees are actually hemlocks — early settlers misidentified them as cedars. The falls are stunning year-round and freeze into a spectacular ice formation in winter.
Accessibility: Not ADA accessible. The trail involves a significant number of stairs descending into the gorge. There is an overlook area that is more accessible, but reaching the base of the falls requires navigating stairs.
Good to know:
- Can also be reached via the 2.5-mile connecting trail from Old Man’s Cave — a popular combo hike.
- Stairs can be very slippery when wet or icy.
- Fun fact: Those aren’t cedars — they’re hemlocks!
4. Conkle’s Hollow — Ohio’s Deepest Gorge
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (gorge floor) / Difficult (rim trail) | Distance: Gorge floor ~1 mile round-trip / Rim trail ~2.5-mile loop
Home to the deepest gorge in Ohio, with sandstone cliffs rising approximately 200 feet. Choose between two very different experiences: the gorge floor trail is a peaceful box canyon walk between towering walls, while the rim trail is a thrilling cliff-edge loop with dramatic views.
Accessibility: Neither trail is ADA accessible. The gorge floor has a natural, unimproved surface with rocks and roots. The rim trail has steep climbs, narrow passages, and unguarded cliff edges.
Special requirements:
- ⚠️ Pets are NOT allowed. Conkle’s Hollow is a State Nature Preserve, not part of the main State Park, so stricter rules apply.
- No picnicking is permitted.
- Going off-trail is prohibited.
- The gorge floor trail dead-ends — you must turn around and retrace your steps.
Good to know:
- The rim trail has fatal fall potential — multiple fatalities have occurred from cliff falls. It is not recommended for young children.
- The small parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early.
- One of the most “wild” feeling trails in the area.
5. Cantwell Cliffs — The Hidden Gem
Difficulty: Difficult | Distance: ~1 mile loop
The most physically demanding of the main Hocking Hills trails — and also the most peaceful. Located about 15–20 minutes north of Old Man’s Cave, Cantwell Cliffs rewards hikers with dramatic cliff formations, deep rock overhangs, and narrow rock passages to squeeze through.
Accessibility: Not ADA accessible. The trail involves very steep stairs, narrow rock squeezes, and significant elevation changes. Not suitable for visitors with mobility limitations.
Good to know:
- Features the famous “Fat Woman’s Squeeze” passage — you’ll need to duck and squeeze through narrow rock openings.
- Not recommended for those with knee problems or claustrophobia.
- Its more remote location means far fewer crowds — a more peaceful, immersive experience.
- The small parking lot rarely fills up like the others.
Accessibility Quick Reference
| Trail | ADA Accessible | Wheelchair Friendly | Stroller Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Man’s Cave | Partial (overlook only) | Overlook only | Overlook only |
| Ash Cave | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cedar Falls | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Conkle’s Hollow | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Cantwell Cliffs | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
After a day on the trails, there’s nothing better than returning to your luxury lodge for a soak in the hot tub. Both Speakeasy Lodge and Luxe Haus Lodge are located in the heart of Hocking Hills — just minutes from every trail on this list.