In this article I share five Hocking Hills Ohio Hike that I love trekking! I’ve traversed these Hocking Hills State Park trails in Southeast Ohio dozens of times and the list includes some mainstream and off the beaten path options!
Hocking Hills is a state park in Ohio that is located just 45 minutes away from downtown Columbus Ohio. It’s also just a few hours away from the cities of Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Louisville.
Hocking Hills was my most frequented hiking spot when I lived in Columbus Ohio. I went hiking and kayaking there several times per year. It’s stunningly beautiful and a unique area of the country. It could be a National Park in my eyes.
All seasons are great ones to be out on the trails in Hocking County but winter is probably my favorite because of the way the ice forms around the caves.
It’s a privilege to go hiking on public lands. Especially while you are taking a trip, on vacation, or on a holiday somewhere you don’t live. Giving love and respect to the culture is vital and while we are at it…Leave No Trace and Pack Your 10 Essentials :)!
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. It’s called Campbell’s Cove. We have stayed at the Inn at Cedar Falls and camped in the state park as well. I also wrote an article on a dog friendly version of Hocking Hills that includes an airbnb option HERE.
Five Hocking Hills Ohio Hikes:
1. Old Man’s Cave
2. Cedar Falls/Ash Cave
3. Chapel Cave/Airplane Rock
4. Whispering Cave
5. Conkles Hollow
Hocking Hills Ohio Hike:
Old Man’s Cave
You’ll never forget those ice-cycles if you visit in the winter!! This hike is sort of the tourist trap of Hocking Hills but for good reason. It’s the biggest cave in the state park and it’s pretty easy for people to see at least some of it. But it can get VERY CROWDED.
Winter though puts Old Man’s Cave at its best with jaw dropping ice formations. Be careful on those stairs headed down to the cave!
Length: 0.25 to 6 miles depending on how much you want to wander the area.
Elevation: Stairs up and down out of the cave, very minimal.
Parking: Parking lot right off of OH 664.
Hocking Hills Ohio Hike: Cedar Falls/Ash Cave.
This trail takes you to a beautiful waterfall, with an easy trek down to see it. It freezes over in the winter and can go dry in a hot summer.
It’s over 50 feet high and you can combine it with a trip on the Buckeye Trail to Rose Lake/Old Man’s Cave or the Grandma Gatewood Trail up to Ash Cave.
Length: About 1 mile to the falls and back from Cedar Falls parking lot. Six miles on the Grandma Gatewood Trail.
Elevation: A few hundred feet on the way back up.
Parking: Cedar Falls lot.
Hocking Hills Ohio Hike: Chapel Cave/Airplane Rock.
Drive a mile past Conkles Hollow coming from 664 and park on your left at the rock climbing and rappel area. Walk .75 miles to the end of the horse trail (follow the white markers) and some seasons you might see a waterfall trickle. Continue towards Airplane and Balanced Rock.
Then on the way back hang a left up the railing to Chapel Cave and enjoy a quiet afternoon inside this off the beaten path cave. I had this trail all to myself on a chilly New Year’s Day once!
Length: 3 Miles Round trip. OR combine it with a trip to Conkles Hollow (All Trails Details HERE.)
Elevation: Moderate.
Parking: Rock climbing and rappel area lot on 374.
Whispering Cave: A new Hocking Hike.
This is a newer hike in the Hocking Hills system.
It can be combined in loop with the Hemlock Bridge Trail or on its own. I did it for the first time on a New Year’s Eve and the inside of the cave is stunning.
Length: 1.5 Miles RT
Elevation: 400 feet
Parking: Whispering Cave Lot (Formally where the Hocking Hills lodge was located prior to burning down in 2016.)
Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve Hike.
This is number one hike in Hocking Hills. That is because it’s the best hike in Hocking Hills in any season in my opinion.
HOWEVER…be very careful if you venture on the rim trail when icy. It’s very dangerous with ice and I’d recommend sturdy hiking boots, tons of experience on the trail in other seasons, and hiking poles.
It’s an amazing hike combining the rim and gorge trail and it takes my top spot. This trail is technically part of a nature preserve so it’s off limits to your furry friends!
Length: 3.5 Miles for Rim and Gorge
Elevation: 300 feet ish on Rim Trail
Parking: Conkles Hollow Parking Lot
I hope you enjoyed the journey hiking through Hocking Hills Ohio with me. These are just a small snippet of hikes in the area. Plus you can kayak, rock climb, bird watch, and even hike around Ohio on the Buckeye Trail from this area.
Thanks for reading and supporting Happy People Hike, comment below with any questions. If you are planning a hiking trip to Hocking Hills we are happy to help out!
Happy Hiking,
Mike R
