Hocking Hills Region: 5 Spots You Can't Miss on Your First Visit
Post Summary: Some quick tips for visiting the region, as well as the top must-see spots when exploring.
Visiting any new park can be intimidating if you don’t know where to go or where to start, especially with the larger State Parks. Hocking Hills State Park and the surrounding region are no exception, and considering it’s one of the most popular parks in the state of Ohio, figuring out where to go can be tough.
I’ve lived in Ohio my whole life and until a few years ago hadn’t even heard of this region. Now I go all the time! It’s by far one of my favorite places to visit in the state. I live about 3.5 hours away from the park, so I usually just do day trips when visiting. Here are the top five spots you can’t miss and can easily explore in one day.
Upper Falls
An important thing to note is the park (and the surrounding area) has zero cell service so you’ll want to have a downloaded map or a printout to be safe. Luckily the trails are well marked so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. I printed tons of maps just in case and ended up not needing them. Better safe than sorry though! Another thing to note is that the park is very against you going off-trail so keep that in mind. Most of the falls and the river you are prohibited from swimming or wading in as well.
Old Man’s Cave
Old Man’s Cave area
Probably the most visited spot in the park, and once you start on the trail you’ll see why. The Old Man’s Cave area consists of many spots along the trail. Starting on the trail you’ll head down into the gorge and find yourself looking at Upper Falls, one of the more famous falls in the park due to the bridge above it and the little stump on the beach in front of it. Walking through the gorge you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Hocking Hills is a State Forest as well so you’ll feel the serenity of the wilderness. Shortly after you’ll walk past the Devil’s Bathtub; a whirlpool-like falls that you’ll walk across on your way down the gorge. You’ll come across some hidden gems and beautiful rock formations and more along the way before reaching the next big stop: Old Man’s Cave. Here you can continue up through the cave and onto the trail before heading down a long tunnel of stairs or continue on the trail before the cave; either way, you’ll reach Lower Falls.
>> Related: Hiking The Old Man's Cave Area In Hocking Hills State Park <<
Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls
Easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen in Ohio. There’s two lots you can park in, a small one that’s a bit closer to the falls or the larger one with the shelter and bathrooms with a short hike down. I went when it was in full flow, but apparently, it’s the type of falls that flows better after a rainfall. But what makes it beautiful is the area around it; it’s almost like an oasis. You won’t even feel like you’re in Ohio. The rest of the trail is amazing just like Old Man’s trail, but there is less to see here though. All of the Hocking River is this stunning turquoise-like color, but I find it’s even more beautiful here at Cedar Falls.
Ash Cave
Ash Cave
A quick hike from the large parking lot and shelters, you’ll find yourself at the largest recess cave east of the Mississippi, Ash Cave. Best part? There’s a small waterfall (well, it’s thin but it’s cascading over the cave so it’s actually quite tall as pictured above). The cave will tower over you more than the other caves. You’ll probably find little kids playing at the bottom of it in the small pool. After walking to the cave you can walk up through and head back to the lot or go on another trail.
Rock House
Rock House
Easily one of the coolest spots in the park. Rock House is the only true cave in the area, getting its name from the cave resembling a house in the rocks. You can even explore the cave, and the rest of the trail is worth checking out as well for some hidden gems. You’ll come close to the edge on most of the trail and definitely when you get to the house, so be careful since there’s no railing to prevent falling. While the house is a fairly decent sized cave to explore, since everyone is in close quarters, you’ll want to choose a good time to go because it can get very busy.
Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail
Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
The 87-acre area of Conkle’s Hollow is not a part of the state park, but is located in the region and shouldn’t be overlooked. Starting at the parking lot, you’ll enter the gorge and watch as it narrows the further you go in. Take the rim trail for a more interesting hike for those adventurous souls seeing a thrill. While only 2 miles, the trail is narrow and steep and can get close to the edge in some areas, with a stunning overlook at the top. But no worries, the gorge trail below is a short out and back trail where you’ll find the waterfalls and other natural features on the floor, including a small grotto. I was amazed at how beautiful this nature preserve was. I actually forgot I was in Ohio while exploring through here.
