Easy Hikes in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills is a very popular destination in Ohio. It does get crowded so pack your patience and you might even see a proposal or two while you’re there. Read on to learn about my favorite three hikes in Hocking Hills.
The best way to combat crowds is to get there early. It can also be difficult to get a parking spot at the trail heads, so getting there as soon as the park opens is a great choice — even if you aren’t an early riser.
Don’t know where to stay? There are a lot of cabins in the area to rent. Click here to learn about the cabin I stayed in.
Old Man’s Cave
It is the most popular trail in Hocking Hills but it isn’t considered the easiest. However, in my opinion, it was easy — even for the more inexperienced hiker. Its’ trail connects to many other trails in the park including Ash Cave. But, unless you’re an avid hiker I wouldn’t use it to get to other trails. I recommend going back to your vehicle and driving to the other trail heads.
It’s a loop trail that is about 1.5 miles long. There are many things to see along the loop aside from the cave, such as gorges and waterfalls. The upper and lower falls are two things you don’t want to miss.
The upper falls is very popular so it can get crowded around it. It is absolutely beautiful and is loved by many because of the bridge above the waterfall. As you continue the loop you will see the devil’s bathtub and gorges. Continue on and if you don’t want to go to the lower falls you can take exit 1. To get to exit 1 you take the bridge across the creek into Old Man’s Cave.
If you choose to go on to the lower falls, the trail becomes more difficult. You must climb up steep steps, then when you reach the top you have to start going back down the other side. It is hard, but it is worth it. The lower falls is absolutely beautiful!
Ash Cave
It’s my favorite out of these three hikes in Hocking Hills and it is known as the easiest. It’s also a loop trail and is about.5 miles long. The cave is huge and is about 700 feet wide. There is a waterfall here too with a small pool around it.
The waterfall is about 90ft tall and reminded me of a shower. The water wasn’t gushing when I was there but the stream was much more steady than a drip. I was in awe of how beautiful this place was.
To continue the loop out, you walk behind the waterfall. There are steps on your way out. They’re not very steep and you are led back out to the parking lot.
Rock House
It is a loop trail that’s about a mile long. However, half the loop was closed when I was here. So, it was an out and back trail for me. A lot of places list it as the only true cave in Hocking Hills. But, there are arguments against that and some articles claim it isn’t a true cave.
Either way, it’s gorgeous! You can walk around inside of it and get up close with the rock. It’s a popular trail so expect to see crowds when you visit. The trail itself is not difficult. To me, the trail to the lower falls at Old Man’s Cave was a lot harder than this one.
