Hocking Hills State Park is the top-rated attraction in southeastern Ohio and one of the state’s top spots in general. People visit the park at all times of year and for many reasons—to see the stunning ice structures created by water running off the region’s natural rock formations, to spot local wildlife, and to catch glimpses of rare wildflowers, to name just a few. But the number one reason visitors flock to the park, and the reason that underlies all of the other activities, is to hike.
Hocking Hills State Park is divided into six major areas with their own hiking trails. Cedar Falls, Old Man’s Cave, Rock House, and Cantwell Cliffs have one trail each, while Ash Cave and Conkle’s Hollow each have two. Altogether, these represent 7 ¼ miles worth of hiking. There is also a six-mile stretch (divided into two loops) of the Buckeye Trail that runs through the park. Here’s a pdf map of the Hocking Hills State Park hiking trails.
Where to hike depends on what you want to see, how much you want to spend, and your hiking ability.
Sights to See
The park’s most popular area is Old Man’s Cave. This trail is usually the most populated, but the view is certainly worth encountering a few fellow hikers. Ash Cave is famous for its waterfall, which freezes top to bottom in winter. Cedar Falls is full of hemlock trees, Conkle’s Hollow is one of the states deepest gorges, Rock House is a more remote area, and from Cantwell Cliffs you can catch some of the area’s best hilltop views. When it comes to choosing a beautiful trail to hike, you really can’t go wrong.
Hike Duration
For shorter jaunts, the Ash Cave Gorge, Ash Cave Rim, Cedar Falls, and Rock House trails are all ½ mile or under. Other than the Buckeye Trail loops, the longest trail is Conkle’s Hollow rim, coming in at 2 ½ miles. The other trails are roughly 1 mile.
Hiking Ability
Ash Cave Gorge and Conkle’s Hollow are the easiest hikes in the park, and they are also wheelchair accessible. Cedar Falls, Rock House, and Conkle’s Hollow Rim are appropriate for beginning to intermediate hikers, while Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave Rim, and Cantwell Cliffs are the most challenging trails. However, they are not grueling, and none should take more than about an hour and a half, so even the toughest trails are appropriate for most hikers.
Looking for an organized hike? There are excellent naturalist walks hosted throughout the week, as well as some special events. Here are two you won’t want to miss:
- Sweethearts Hike. On February 15, from 5 to 7, take your Valentine for a romantic walk to Ash Cave followed by refreshments around a campfire.
- Wildflowers and Waterfalls Hike. Springtime brings an abundance of wildflowers to Hocking Hills State Park. Learn about them at this April 19 event. Meet at the Ash Cave parking lot at 10 am.
This year, put a hiking trip to Hocking Hills State Park at the top of your list. You are guaranteed to be amazed by the beauty of Ohio’s Scenic Wonderland.
