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If you are planning a trip to Hocking Hills, Ohio, you are probably thinking about doing some hiking near Hocking Hills State Park. There are numerous hiking trails from which to choose, and many of them will treat you to some amazing views, gorgeous trees, and unparalleled waterfalls.
The best part is that hikers of all skill levels and ability levels will be able to take advantage of the trails in the local area. By taking a look at a trail map, you can easily find the trailhead for countless hiking paths, and many of them have a public parking lot or parking area that makes it easier for you to get started.
If you are ready to check out some Hocking Hills hiking trails in the Midwest, take a look at a few of the top options from which to choose.
1. Ash Cave Gorge Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Without a doubt, Ash Cave is one of the most popular trails in the entire area, and it is ideal for families with children. Ash Cave can get popular, so make sure you plan accordingly, but it does give you access to a beautiful recess cave. This creates an unparalleled natural feature that you will have a difficult time finding anywhere else. The trail is named Ash Cave because there was a bunch of ashes once found within the cave itself.
It is also relatively close to the East Fork of Clear Creek. This creates a small waterfall that cascades into a small pool along the trail. This is absolutely the highlight of the hiking trail, so be sure to check this out along the way. During the winter, it will freeze over, creating a beautiful picture.
2. Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, Gorge Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve is another great hike for families with children because it has a wide variety of cliffs, waterfalls, and grottos. The trail is also paved and handicap-accessible, making it one of the easiest trails in the area. Even though it can certainly be done by people with a significant amount of experience, it is also ideal for people who have never hiked before. There is also a nice, peaceful stream or you can relax before checking out the rest of the rock formations.
There is a rumor that there is a very large amount of hidden money somewhere in the hollow gorge. The story goes that Native Americans robbed settlers during the 19th century near the Ohio River, so if you are up for a treasure hunt, be sure to keep your eyes open!
3. Old Man’s Cave Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
The hike to Old Man’s Cave is definitely not one that you want to miss. It is home to the Hocking Hills Visitor Center, and there is a trailhead that allows you to access a wide variety of paths, including Grandma Gatewood Trail. You can also access Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Buckeye Trail, and Old Man’s Cave from the same locations. The hike can be as short or as long, and as easy or as difficult as you would like.
Because there are so many options available, it is smart to get a map from the Visitors Center. That way, you will have an easier time navigating the area. It is also the most popular trail in the park, so it will get crowded later in the day. You must make sure that you bring proper footwear, because there is a good chance that you will be out all day. The ice can make this path more challenging during the winter. The bridges can freeze over, ice can form on the stairs, and the inside of the caves can turn into ice skating rinks. Therefore, you need to be careful.
That being said, it is a fantastic hike, there are beautiful sights to see, and you will probably not be alone, so you can ask people for help if you are unsure of where to go next. This is not a trail that you want to miss.
4. The Upper and Lower Falls
Difficulty: Moderate
This is a 1.2 mile loop trail that is typically considered a portion of the Old Man’s Cave. There are a lot of paths to get to the cave, and this is one of them. If you are looking for some beautiful waterfalls, this is probably the option for you.
The Lower Falls and the Upper Falls are absolutely beautiful, but if you want to see plenty of water, you could go during the spring. This is a lot of fun because the snow begins to melt, adding a lot of extra water to the waterfalls themselves. Be sure to bring your camera with you so that you can snap a few amazing pictures.
5. The Cantwell Cliffs
Difficulty: Moderate
If you are looking for something that is a bit more challenging, you may want to explore the Cantwell Cliffs. Even though this hike is only one mile, it does have a wide variety of challenges. For example, there are going to be some portions where the hike is a bit narrow. There are also going to be some very quick elevation changes, so you need to be prepared for this. You may want to bring a good hiking stick with you, and you must make sure you wear proper footwear.
If you are up for the challenge, you will be treated to some amazing scenery. The view from the cliffs is unparalleled, and it is definitely something you do not want to miss out on as long as you feel like you are up for a bit of a challenge.
6. Cedar Falls To Hidden Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Cedar Falls is one of the many trails that you can access from the main trailhead. It is a fun hike that is not overly challenging. There are narrow passageways that can present a bit of an obstacle, and you may encounter a few fallen trees along the way, but overall, this is a relatively easy hike.
Even though the Cedar Falls are absolutely gorgeous, do not forget to check out the Hidden Falls as well. It is only fifty yards from the main waterfall area, but it is concealed by a relatively large boulder. Therefore, it is easy to overlook. If you decide to tackle the Cedar Falls hike, make sure you do not miss out on the Hidden Falls as well. It tends to be most active during the spring.
7. Rock House
Difficulty: Moderate
If you are looking for a hiking trail that will give you access to a bit more shade, then you may want to check out the Rock House trail. This is a trail that is completely made out of dirt and it has a large parking area in front of it. You will be treated to a wide variety of interesting scenes and rock formations, and you can see some creative trees. You can take a look at the striations on the rock, which are areas where water once flowed.
This is a moderate hike with some significant elevation changes, and there are some narrow passageways as well. Therefore, make sure you bring plenty of water and do not forget to wear the right shoes as well.
8. The Naturalist Cabin Loop
Difficulty: Easy
If you are looking for another easy hike, you may want to check out the Naturalist Cabin Loop. It is a part of the larger Old Man’s Cave trailhead, but it is a good option if you find yourself in a bit of a time crunch. It only takes about 15 minutes to complete, and it is a popular area for both walking and hiking. There is a good chance that you will see other people on this loop, and you might even see some people walking their dogs as well.
You can also use this hike as a way to warm up if you are getting ready to tackle some of the more challenging hikes in the area. This is also a great option for families with children. You will be treated to some interesting scenes along the way, so do not forget to bring a camera with you.
Get Ready for Fun Hikes in the Hocking Hills Region Near Columbus
Hocking County has numerous hiking trails available, and you need to find the right trails in the state forest to meet your needs. The trail system operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will treat you to some amazing rock climbing opportunities, some towering cliffs, and even a beautiful gorge overlook, but you need to think carefully about which trails you and your party can handle.
Regardless of which trail you choose, make sure you stay hydrated, wear plenty of sunscreen, and remember to bring a camera during your outdoor adventure! You should take some pictures of the rock walls and wildflowers along the way.
