The 10 Best Hocking Hills (Easy, Moderate & Hard Hikes)

If you’re looking for the best hiking trails in Hocking Hills, this guide covers everything from easy, family-friendly paths to the most challenging hikes in Hocking Hills State Park. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring caves, or searching for scenic overlooks, Hocking Hills hiking trails offer some of the most diverse and beautiful hikes in Ohio.

After hiking these trails multiple times, I’ve put together this Hocking Hills hiking trail guide with honest reviews, trail difficulty, and what makes each hike worth your time. From easy, family-friendly paths like Ash Cave to more rugged trails like Cantwell Cliffs, this guide breaks down exactly what expect before you go.

If you’re planning a weekend getaway or just want to know which Hocking Hills hikes are actually worth it, this post will help you choose the best trails for your travel style.

Deemed one of the most scenic state parks in Ohio, Hocking Hills is full of cascading waterfalls, rugged gorges, sheer rock walls, and towering cliffs. Whether it is a kid-friendly trail or a more thrilling hike, our list of the best hikes in Hocking Hills has something for every type of hiker.

As always, please check the state park website for updates on trail closures and construction before venturing on your Hocking Hills getaway.

Where Is Hocking Hills Located

Tucked away in the southeastern portion of Ohio, in Logan County, is Hocking Hills State Park. The park is relatively central, making it a wonderful stop on an Ohio road trip.

Distance To Hocking Hills 

• Cincinnati to Hocking Hills: 2 hours and 15 minutes; roughly 135 miles
• Cleveland to Hocking Hills: 3 hours; roughly 200 miles
• Athens to Hocking Hills: 42 minutes; roughly 29 miles
• Columbus to Hocking Hills: 1 hour, roughly 57 miles

Address: 19852 State Route 664 S Logan, Ohio 43138

Hocking Hills is about a half-hour drive from Athens, Ohio. Making this small town a great spot to rent cabins, venture for a day trip, and explore.

Best Hocking Hills Trails (Reviews & What to Expect)

Best Hiking Trails in Hocking Hills by Type

• Best easy hikes: Ash Cave, Conkle’s Hollow Gorge
• Best waterfall hikes: Cedar Falls, Old Man’s Cave
• Best for adventure: Cantwell Cliffs
• Best for families: Ash Cave, Lower Falls
• Best hidden gems: Big Spring Hollow Falls

Ash Cave Hiking Trail

• Distance: .25-.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy – the first .25 miles are paved
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Why it’s worth it: See the most impressive recess cave in the state.
• What to expect: One of the busier trails, but worth the stop.

Our absolute favorite Hocking Hills Trail is the Ash Cave hiking trail. Ash Cave is one of the park’s most popular trails, and for good reason. Ash Cave is the most impressive recessed cave in the state. The cave got its name from the bushels of ashes that were found within. A small waterfall is created from the tributary of the East Fork of Queer Creek, cascading over the rim into a small pool below. During the winter months, it is known to freeze, creating a spectacular sight.

There is a good-sized parking lot located across the street from the trailhead. Restrooms and picnic tables are available. What makes this hike ideal for kids is that the trail leading to the cave is paved. Parents could even bring a stroller if they wanted.

Pets are also welcome along the route so long as they are leashed.

The Ash Cave Gorge Trail is handicap accessible and 1/4 mile long, taking visitors directly to the cave. Guests then return the way they came or can venture on to the Ash Cave Rim Trail.

The Ash Cave Rim Trail is 1/2 mile long, includes some hazardous cliffs, but is relatively easy.

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve – Gorge Trail

• Distance: 1 mile in and out
• Difficulty: Easy -paved
• Dog-friendly: No
• Why it’s worth it: Beautiful cliffs, grottos, and waterfalls
• What to expect: Perfect for families and easy to navigate.

Another great kid-friendly trail is the Gorge Trail at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. This majestic gorge is full of grottos, waterfalls, and cliffs. The Gorge Trail is a paved, handicap-accessible trail that takes guests through the heart of the gorge. Stop in to explore the grotto, enjoy a quiet moment by the stream while taking in the rocky formations.

Fun Fact: Rumor has it that there is a large sum of hidden money in the gorge from a small band of Native Americans who robbed settlers near the Ohio River.

Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve offers an ample parking lot and restrooms. Keep in mind this trail is NOT pet-friendly.

The Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail is roughly a mile out-and-back. Highlights along the trails include Slump Rock, The Grotto, and two beautiful waterfalls. At the end of the trail, before turning back, guests can choose to continue on a more rugged path to see a waterfall.

Conkles Hollow Rim Trail – This is a more adventurous trail; use extreme caution as it circles the tops of the gorge’s cliffs. While the trail rewards hikers with outstanding views, this 2.5-mile hike is quite strenuous. I do not recommend this trail for young children or children known to wander, as there are steep drop-offs.

Rock House Trail

• Distance: 0.5 to 1.3 miles, depending on loop route
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Why it’s worth it: The cave corridor with large windows
• What to expect: Steep, uneven terrain and steep drop-offs.

Feel like an explorer as you venture into the 200 ft long cavern with a 25 ft ceiling eroded out of Blackhand sandstone. Throughout the recessed cave, some openings let in natural light and offer beautiful views.

Check out our complete guide to the Rock House Trail.

Be sure to bring a flashlight or use your phone’s light to explore the cave’s recessed areas. This trail has several stairs and a few hazardous sections along the cliffs.

The Rock House Trail is 1/4 mile long. The entrance to the Rock House is not far from the parking lot. There are restrooms at the beginning of the trail. There is a shorter trail that takes you directly to the Rock House, or a longer one that loops around and still ends at the Rock House. There are two parking lots, a shelter, and a picnic area. The first parking lot you see is close to the end of the trail.

Tip: This hike can be particularly harrowing with small children. With steep drop-offs, lots of steps, and dark spaces in the rock house, be sure to keep them close at all times.

Best Hocking Hills Waterfall Trails

Old Man’s Cave Trail: Upper and Lower Falls

• Distance: 1-1.5 miles, depending on the loop
• Difficulty: Easy, however, Lower Falls I would consider moderate
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Why it’s worth it: One of the prettiest hikes in the state park with waterfalls, cliffs, and a recessed cave.
• What to expect: It can get very crowded during peak times, and it feels like you are part of a parade making its way through the trail.

The most popular hike in Hocking Hills is to Old Man’s Cave. Many hikers choose to begin their Hocking Hills quest here because it is home to the Hocking Hills Visitor Center and a trailhead to various trails, including the Grandma Gatewood Trail. This trail connects three popular areas of the park: Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave.

Quick Tips For Old Man’s Cave

• I recommend getting a map from the Visitors Center or downloading the maps before hiking these trails. Even take a photo of the map on your phone to reference later if you lose service. The trails are fairly well labeled, but better safe than sorry.
• Arrive early, as crowds tend to build up throughout the day. There are times when the parking lot is full and overflowing. If this happens, you can always circle till your find a spot, or I recommend heading to a different trail and coming back later.
• Many of the trails in the area will connect with the Old Man’s Cave Trail.
• Wear proper footwear.
• During the winter months, ice will make these trails challenging to hike. Bridges freeze over, icy forms on the stairwells, and the inside of caverns becomes an ice skating rink.

Old Man’s Cave Trail is a 0.6-mile out-and-back trail. It can be very crowded at times. The trail will take hikers to the cave through the gorge and along Old Man’s Creek.

Hemlock Bridge and Whispering Cave Trail is a 1.9-mile out-and-back. This trail is located off the Old Man Cave Trail on your way to Lower Falls. Whispering Falls is located along this trail.

The Upper and Lower Falls is a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail that will take hikers to both falls, including a visit to Old Man’s Cave. Lower Falls has many stairs and is more strenuous than the Upper Falls and Old Man’s Cave loops.

Broken Rock Falls is a 1-mile loop with beautiful scenery and plenty of rock formations. The trail can be accessed off the Old Man’s Trail for a great addition.

These trails are pet-friendly and offer parking, picnic shelters, and restrooms.

The Grandma Gatewood Trail is six miles long. A return hike to your car will bring the total to 12 miles. The Grandma Gatewood Trail has been designated a part of the Buckeye Trail.

Cedar Falls In Hocking Hills, Ohio

• Distance: 0.5-mile loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Why it’s worth it: The largest waterfall in the park
• What to expect: Towering cliffs, steps, and some uneven terrain

A beautiful waterfall hike is to Cedar Falls. The trail is relatively easy, which increases its popularity. Narrow passageways and uneven terrain can make this out-and-back trail a little challenging, especially during peak season, when more hikers try to navigate these challenging sections.

The waterfalls are beautiful, with the flow varying depending on recent rainfall. During the winter months, the trail does get icy, so use caution. Cedar Falls is a pet-friendly trail, so long as dogs are on a leash.

The Cedar Falls Trails is a relatively easy half-mile trail, except for a few narrow passageways and some rock climbing. Restrooms and picnic areas are located near the parking lot.

The Cedar Falls Trail also connects to the Buckeye Trail/ Grandma Gatewood Trail, leading to Ash Cave, and the Grandma Gatewood Trail, leading to Old Man’s Cave.

Hidden Falls

Don’t miss out on this lovely waterfall during your visit to Cedar Falls. This seasonal waterfall can be found behind a large boulder, making it “hidden.” It is only 50 yards from Cedar Falls.

Located no more than 50 yards from Cedar Falls, Hidden Falls is a nice bonus while visiting that waterfall. The somewhat seasonal waterfall is tucked away behind a large boulder, making it “hidden” from view. You can find the waterfall by venturing on the well-traveled dirt path by a marked tree stump. Visit after a rainstorm or in spring for a beautiful hidden waterfall.

Big Spring Hollow Falls

• Distance: 1.2-mile round trip
• Difficulty: Easy, moderate
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Why it’s worth it: One of the tallest waterfalls in the state
• What to expect: It can get very crowded during peak times, and it feels like you are part of a parade making its way through the

Deemed the highest waterfall in Hocking Hills, Big Spring Hollow Falls can be tricky to access. The trailhead is located on Big Pine Road and east of Route 374. A pull-off is located on the south side of the road. There is a path for the trailhead and a trail for the rappelling area! Ensure you are on the correct way.

Once on the trail, head towards the hills, cross a small footbridge, and there will be a trail on your right. Keep in mind that the trail follows the base of the cliffs, with lots of ups and downs. You will quickly pass a seasonal waterfall, which may be dry. After about a 1/2 mile, you will reach the big falls.

More Great Hocking Hills Hiking Trails

Cantwell Cliffs

• Distance: 1.8-2 miles, depending on the loop
• Difficulty: Hard
• Dog-friendly: Yes- But not for all dogs
• Why it’s worth it: Fat Woman’s Squeeze, 150-ft cliffs
• What to expect: Not as crowded, steep terrain, and steps

Travelers who take the drive to Cantwell Cliffs will be rewarded with incredible rock formations, massive slump rocks, and the notorious “fat woman’s squeeze,” the narrowest passage along the trail.

Cantwell Cliffs Rim Trail is a 1.8-mile loop that many consider difficult. There is a fair amount of stairs and cliffs. There was a portion of this trail where it felt like I was climbing on the side of a cliff.

Cantwell Cliffs Gorge Trail is a heavily trafficked 1-mile loop. The hike does involve a fair amount of stairs.

These trails are pet-friendly and provide a parking area and restroom. In my personal opinion, this wasn’t my favorite hike outside of the fat woman’s squeeze. This will be a rough hike for little kids or kids who don’t hike frequently, as it involves a lot of up-and-down. Not to mention the harrowing cliffs.

Still wondering if Cantwell Cliffs is for you? Check out our detailed Cantwell Cliffs Hiking Guide!

Rockbridge Nature Preserve

• Distance: 2.75-mile loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dog-friendly: No
• Why it’s worth it: See Ohio’s largest natural bridge
• What to expect: Lots of roots on the trail, the best part is the bridge

See Ohio’s largest natural bridge at the Rockbridge Nature Preserve. The arch bridge is more than 100 feet long and 10 to 20 feet wide, and yes, you can walk across it. The trail does not offer restrooms or a picnic area.

While the Rockbridge Nature Preserve offers 2.8 miles of hiking trails, only a small portion delivers the dramatic cliffs and scenic views for which the Hocking Hills are known. The rest of the trail meanders peacefully through the wooded forest.

This is an easy-to-moderate hike with plenty of ups and downs and tree roots to navigate.

Tip: If you have limited time, this would not be one of the hikes to prioritize. While the rockbridge was neat, the rest of the hike was just okay.

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Hocking Hills

Exploring Hocking Hills with your dog is a delightful experience, offering scenic trails, pet-friendly accommodations, and welcoming spots to relax. Here’s a guide to making the most of your dog-friendly adventure in this beautiful Ohio region.

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Hocking Hills

• Ash Cave
• Cedar Falls
• Cantwell Cliffs- this is a difficult trail, not appropriate for all dogs.
• Old Man’s Cave

Helpful Tips For Visiting The Hocking Hills Hiking Trails

The Hocking Hills region’s deep gorges, narrow passages, and recessed caves keep many hikers returning year after year. Enjoy an overnight stay at a cabin before tackling more Hocking Hills hikes the next day. We have a few useful tips to help you plan your visit.

• The park is open year-round; however, check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for trail closures.
• Rock climbing and rappelling are available in designated park areas. High Rock Adventures also offers guided tours and adventures.
• The Old Man’s Cave Trail is the most popular in the park. On peak days, the parking lot is full. If the parking lot is full, I recommend checking out other Hocking Hills trails or arriving early to beat the rush.
• The Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium is a great stop to grab coffee before going into the park.
• Logan is where you will find a Walmart, restaurants, and the Hocking Hills Winery.

Need an Itinerary? We have a free one we can send to your inbox below:

What To Pack For Hiking In Hocking Hills, Ohio

The Hocking Hills trail system has trails for all skill levels. Whether you want to tackle steep inclines or enjoy one of the easier trails, it is always best to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Here is a list of things to pack for hiking in Hocking Hills.

• Proper Hiking Shoes or Boots. Especially if you plan on tackling more difficult trails such as the Gorge Overlook trail.
• A lightweight, quality backpack. Throw in your water bottle, a first aid kit, snacks, and a hand towel!
• An insulated water bottle to keep your water cold!
• Snacks! Our favorite is creating a trail mix or bringing protein bars.
• Dress for the weather. If hiking in the winter, be sure to pack snow pants, weatherproof coats, hats, gloves, etc. If hiking during warmer months, I would still recommend hiking in pants but with a short-sleeved shirt or tank.
• Many hikers use trekking poles to improve stability and balance.
• Mosquito Repellent!! They are bad in these parts, so come prepared.
• Sunscreen is always a must.
• A first aid kit. Keep plenty of bandages for blistered feet, unexpected falls, or scrapes.

Where To Stay While Visiting Hocking Hills, Ohio

Over the past few years, lodging options in the Hocking Hills have expanded to include unique accommodations, such as hobbit houses, tree houses, and beautiful cabins. We share a few of our favorite spots below:

The Manor at Meadowrise is a great retreat for large or multiple families. With 4 bedrooms, a game room, a hot tub, and plenty of space, it will be hard to leave!

Stay underground in a hobbit-inspired home at Nature’s Mystique Retreat. These unique retreats are ideal for couples or small families.

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Check out the new Hocking Hills Children’s Museum if you have young kids!

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Best Hocking Hills Hiking Trails