Tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is one of the Midwest’s most stunning natural playgrounds. Located about an hour from Columbus, two hours from Cincinnati, and 2.5 hours from Cleveland, it’s an easy weekend escape for anyone craving scenic trails, rugged cliffs, deep gorges, and dramatic waterfalls. The park spans over 2,300 acres and is divided into distinct areas, each with its own must-see features like caves, rock bridges, and cascading falls that feel more like something out of a national park than the Buckeye State.
While Hocking Hills is beautiful year-round, the best times to visit are in the spring, when waterfalls are at their strongest, and in the fall, when colorful foliage transforms the entire landscape. Summer is the busiest season, so plan weekday visits or early morning hikes to avoid crowds. With well-maintained trails, accessible viewpoints, and jaw-dropping scenery around every bend, it’s no wonder Hocking Hills has become one of Ohio’s most beloved hiking destinations.
Old Man’s Cave
Middle Falls at Old Man’s Cave
Trail Overview
Old Man’s Cave is the most iconic hike in Hocking Hills, known for its layered rock formations, waterfalls, and picturesque stone bridges. The trail surface includes a mix of paved paths, natural rock, and staircases carved into the sandstone cliffs. This trail includes a lot of steps, which can be especially slippery when it is wet or when it snows. There are 3 iconic waterfalls along this trail – Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls; but if you visit after a heavy rainfall, you will notice plenty more waterfalls cascading from the cliffs above!
Details
- Type: Loop
- Distance: ~1.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Parking
Hocking Hills Visitor Center — 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138
Includes restrooms, maps, a gift shop, and water bottle fill stations.
Tips
Avoid climbing on rocks near the water – this area is closely monitored for safety.
Arrive before 10 AM for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Look for signs marking Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls to complete the full loop.
Upper Falls
Lower Falls
Ash Cave
Trail Overview
Ash Cave features a massive horseshoe-shaped recess cave with a seasonal waterfall that flows from its rim. The trail surface is paved and level for the first portion, with an optional gravel return path for a short loop. I say “optional” because a lot of people with accessibility issues visit this trail, so if you are able, make sure to do the entire loop so you are not causing traffic jams for people walking in! Ash Cave is also the largest recess cave in Ohio spanning about 700 feet wide, 100 feet deep and 90 feet tall. If you want to feel small, this is place for you!
Details
- Type: Out and back or short loop
- Distance: ~0.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Parking
Ash Cave Parking Area — 26400 OH-56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152
Vault toilets and picnic tables available.
Tips
Try visiting in winter when the falls freeze into a stunning ice column.
This is one of the most accessible hikes in the park and is ideal for strollers and wheelchairs.
The best time to see the waterfall flowing is spring or after recent rain.
Ash Cave in Winter
Cedar Falls
Trail Overview
Cedar Falls is home to the largest volume waterfall in Hocking Hills. Surrounded by mossy boulders and old-growth hemlocks, the trail descends steep stone steps into a shaded gorge. The surface includes dirt and stone with some uneven footing. Personally, this is one of our favorite waterfalls in the state of Ohio. It has a unique flow where the waterfall splits halfway down its path and meets back together before it hits the ground!
Details
- Type: Loop
- Distance: ~0.75 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Parking
Cedar Falls Trailhead — 21190 OH-374, Logan, OH 43138
Vault toilets and trail signage available.
Tips
Stick around after your hike for a peaceful picnic at one of the nearby shaded tables.
The area can get muddy after rain, so wear good hiking shoes.
Rock House
Trail Overview
Rock House is the only true cave in Hocking Hills, tunneled through a sandstone cliff and featuring gothic “windows.” The trail is rocky and steep in places, with uneven footing and natural rock steps. This is one of few trails throughout the state park that is not a waterfall, so when the park dries up in the Summer months, this is easily one of the more popular places to visit, but for good reason!
Details
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Parking
Rock House Parking Lot — 16526 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135
Includes restrooms and a scenic picnic area.
Tips
The trail does have a decent amount of elevation, so be prepared for a workout!
Bring a flashlight or headlamp because parts of the cave are pretty dark
Best lighting inside is around midday when the sun hits the cave openings.
Conkle’s Hollow
Gorge Trail
Rim Trail
Trail Overview
Conkle’s Hollow offers two experiences: a lush paved Gorge Trail that feels like a rainforest, and a rugged Rim Trail with steep cliffs and sweeping views. Surfaces vary from smooth pavement to rugged, rocky paths depending on your route. We highly recommend visiting the Rim Trail for sunrise or sunset, and then hiking the Gorge Trail midday so you have nice lighting of the waterfall!
Details
- Type: Gorge: Out and back | Rim: Loop
- Distance: Gorge: ~1 mile | Rim: ~2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Gorge: Easy | Rim: Moderate/Strenuous
Parking
Conkle’s Hollow Nature Preserve — 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149
Vault toilets and interpretive signs on-site.
Tips
Only attempt the rim trail in dry conditions because the cliffs have limited barriers and it gets very slippery.
No pets allowed on the gorge trail (State Nature Preserve rule), but they are allowed on the rim.
The gorge is shaded and cooler in the summer, great for a midday break from the sun.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wandering through sandstone caves, or soaking in sweeping gorge views, Hocking Hills State Park delivers some of the best hiking in the Midwest. These five trails: Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Rock House, and Conkle’s Hollow showcase the park’s dramatic beauty and diverse terrain, all within a short drive from major Ohio cities.
No matter the season, there’s something unforgettable waiting in these woods. Just remember to pack sturdy shoes, start your hikes early, and leave no trace so others can enjoy these trails too. If you’re ready to plan your next adventure, this guide is the perfect starting point for a weekend in one of Ohio’s most treasured landscapes.
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