Wait, Ohio Has Caves & Waterfalls? Visit Hocking Hills to See for Yourself!
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Head to Hocking Hills Ohio for Waterfalls & Wonderful Hikes
Hey Michigan! Southeast Ohio might not be on your radar for great hiking spots yet, but after reading this, we think you’ll want to pencil it into your calendar.
Here’s the thing: Hocking Hills is low-key stunning, packed with waterfalls, moss-covered caves, and trails that wind through sandstone gorges like something out of The Goonies. It’s a favorite with locals, but still flying under the radar for many Michiganders. And yes, it’s worth the drive.
Only about five hours from Detroit or Grand Rapids, it makes for a perfect long weekend. Once you’re there, it’s all hiking, exploring, and getting back to nature at its best.
Most of the natural attractions are free, the trails are super well-marked, and you can shape the trip to fit the energy and ability level of your group.
Stick around because we’re going to break down this neat destination and show you how to build your own customized Hocking Hills adventure.
*Article content and images contributed by Crystal Vriezema and Tiffany Kamphuis.
in this article
See the Best of Hocking Hills
Before we get into the full breakdown, we put together a quick-hit highlight reel. If you’re short on time (or just want the highlights without the full deep dive), check off this list and you’ll leave feeling like you really saw the best of Hocking Hills, even if you only had a weekend.
For those with a bit more time to spare, or who want to customize your visit, read on.
hocking hills must-see list
Cedar Falls
big, bold, and surrounded by
butterflies if you are lucky
Ash Cave
the scale of this place is unreal,
and you can walk behind the waterfall.
from a Fairytale:
Conkles Hollow Gorge
magical and full of boulders to climb
Rock House
bring a flashlight and prepare
for echoes and bird flurries.
Visitor Center Loop
Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, Lower Falls,
Old Man’s Cave (shown) & more
Cantwell Cliffs
more challenging and less crowded,
with incredible views
Nature Mystique Retreat
hobbit homes, Moroccan tile,
and cedar hot tubs
Build Your Visit Around Your Hiking Style
One of the nice things about Hocking Hills is that you get to mix and match your hikes based on what kind of day you’re having or your hiking partners. On our visit, we saw everyone from babies in backpacks to 75 year-olds.
Go all-in with steep trails, keep it casual with a paved stroll, or split the difference with a short-but-packed scenic loop. They offer handicap accessible trails that are paved which is helpful if you are in a wheelchair or have a stroller.
Start Your Visit: Hike the Visitor Center Loop (aka Old Man’s Cave)
*top pick
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: moderate
You’ll want to start your trip at the Visitor Center, not only to access a great hike, but to pick up maps, ask questions, and check out the fake cave they have inside.
The trail is a 1.5-mile hike that’s basically a greatest-hits reel: waterfalls, bridges, tunnels, a swirling “Devil’s Bathtub,” Old Man’s Cave. It’s all there, and it’s all within walking distance of maps, snacks and bathrooms. Win-win.
This ‘sampler platter’ hike is really popular. See more on the Visitor Center Hiking Loop.
Once you’ve got this hike under your belt, mix and match from the hikes listed below.
Ash Cave Hike
*short & scenic
Length: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: easy
Head to Ash Cave, where you can inside of a super tall waterfall that pours into a cave. Because you can take the paved trail right up to the cave, this is a great option for strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone who wants big scenery without a big hike. (*trail is paved right up to the cave, but not into the cave or beyond)
Pictures do not do justice to how large this Hocking Hills cave is!
Conkles Hollow – Gorge Trail
*short & scenic
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: easy (*paved path doesn’t extend all the way to the back of the gorge)
This is another paved trail with a magical feel: mossy cliffs, gentle streams, and boulders that kids love to climb. When the pavement runs out, you scramble over rocks to a waterfall.
Crystal says: It was my ABSOLUTE favorite hike. Seriously, just stunning. You walk through a giant gorge surrounded by moss covered boulders, streams, and waterfalls. It felt like entering another world – it’s giving Pacific Northwest vibes. I was just in awe the entire time.
When the pavement runs out, there’s an option to keep going further into the gorge which leads to a waterfall. It’s the closest you can get to a waterfall in the park. My kids had a blast climbing the rocks here and playing in the water. They were able to get close enough to the waterfall to touch it.
There are some MASSIVE boulders in here. My kids were in their glory climbing them and sliding down. Lots of jumping from one rock to another to get across the streams.
Cantwell Cliffs Trail Hike
*earn the views
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: difficult
Cantwell Cliffs brings steep climbs, tight ledges, and dramatic drop-offs, including the notorious “Fat Woman’s Squeeze.” We did the Gorge & Rim trail here. This was a more challenging trail, lots of roots, rocks and uneven paths to traverse.
Rock House Trail Hike
*earn the views
Length: 1 miles
Difficulty: moderate; If you don’t like heights or ledges, this hike might not be your favorite.
The only true cave in Hocking Hills park. The entire way to Rock House is down lots of tricky boulder steps and slippery stairs. It’s a bit challenging to navigate.
The cave itself is stunning. It’s a massive rock playground. There are lots of different crevices you can enter through, but there is also a main area that most people use. It’s pretty dark inside the cave.
It’s hard to see the ground and what you are walking on. Having a flashlight or using your phone light is helpful. There are also lots of birds in this cave. It was a bit surprising when they started flying around!
Conkles Hollow – Rim Trail Hike
*good for adults
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: difficult
You are hiking right along the edge of the cliffs on this trail. It is definitely a more challenging trail and can very dangerous if you do not stay on the trail. (It is illegal to go off trail, $250 fine if caught)
Hike to Whispering Cave
*good for adults
Length: varies
Difficulty: moderate
Extend the Visitor Center Hiking Loop by hopping onto the Buckeye Trail toward Whispering Cave. Take the Whispering Cave trail to wind your way through stunning landscapes, crossing over a swinging bridge and passing by Whispering Falls (it’ll be flowing if there is enough water).
Though it’s moderately challenging, the trail’s terrain can be steep and uneven, making it a good choice for those with some hiking experience. With cliff edges and rugged sections, it’s not recommended for young children or pets.
For a more extended experience, consider taking the Gorge Overlook Trail back to the visitor’s center, which gives you more sweeping views of the gorge and passes by Rose Lake along the way.
Park Trail Maps
*click a map image for a higher resolution version that you can download
Waterfall Hikes
If waterfalls are your thing (they’re definitely mine!), you’re in luck. Hocking Hills has some real showstoppers.
Timing Note: Spring is the best time to see the Hocking Hills waterfalls at full force, when the flow is strongest, but that also means the trails can be muddy. Walking sticks, hiking boots, and a change of shoes for the car might be a good idea.
Conkles Hollow Falls: At the Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, follow the Gorge Trail til the pavement ends and then go a bit further into the gorge. That’s where you’ll find the Conklin Hollow Falls waterfall. Details
Cedar Falls: This one’s the biggest waterfall in Hocking Hills State Park, and it lives up to the hype. And we were so lucky to see hundreds, if not thousands of swallowtail butterflies here! There’s a fun section on this trail where you go over a boardwalk and into the rocks. You have to squeeze through some tight rock formations. Lots of stairs. Details
Ash Cave: Mentioned above in the hiking section. A dramatic sheet of water falls into a massive rock amphitheater. Follow the fully paved path right to enjoy this waterfall. Details
Upper & Lower Falls at Old Man’s Cave: Mentioned above in the hiking section. Start from the Visitor Center for this quick-hit loop with turquoise pools, swirling eddies, and fun rock bridges. Details
Bring the Kids or Don’t—It Works Either Way
Hocking Hills is super flexible. While it’s very family-friendly, it’s also a fantastic adult escape.
With kids? Stick to the easier trails and bring a carrier for the little ones. Conkles Hollow and Ash Cave are both stroller/wheelchair accessible up to a point. Older kids will love all the climbing, caves, and “secret” spots to explore.
Just adults? If you’re looking to get away for some quiet time, there are plenty of peaceful trails to explore, or you can unwind with a glass of wine at the local wineries. For a little more adventure, try zip-lining, canopy tours, or even a round of golf. And if you want to relax, a visit to the spa or some stargazing at the John Glenn Astronomy Park could be just what you need. Hocking Hills is a great place to unplug.
Where to Stay in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills is far away from the hustle and bustle of life, which means you won’t find a Holiday Inn nearby. Instead, if you’re going to spend the night (and we think you should stay for at least one) you’ll be looking at cabin rentals and campgrounds as your options.
Nature Mystique Retreat
This lovely collection of vacation rentals not only has hobbit houses and Moroccan Style Cabins, but you’ll also find a sauna, a walking trail, and a pond with a little meditation space in front of it. They host yoga classes out there, which feels very “connect with nature.”
Crystal’s family recently stayed stayed at this lovely retreat in Tangier, the biggest house on the property. It has three bedrooms and two full baths, two queens, and a bunk room where the bottom bunk is a full. Sleeps up to seven. Full kitchen with a fridge, microwave, stove, and an outdoor grill.
Nature Mystique Retreat
What: Unique Hobbit Style Homes or Moroccan Style Cabins
Where: 64237 Woodgeard Rd, Creola, OH 45622
True to its name, this place feels like something out of a storybook. Like most retreats in the area, it’s in the middle of nowhere in the best way. Set in the rolling hills just three miles from Ash Cave, it’s quiet, peaceful, and still close to everything you want to explore.
The whole place has otherworldly energy. There are four hobbit-style homes and three Moroccan-inspired ones, each with its own cedar hot tub, electric fireplace, kitchenette, smart TV, and fire pit.
Campbell Cove Campground
What: Family Campground with Swimming Hole and Arcade
Where: 64237 Woodgeard Rd, Creola, OH 45622
Campbell Cove Campground is a more classic camping option, right on Lake Logan with full hookups, a jump pad, game room, and plenty of space for kids to run wild.
More Things to Do in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills has way more than just awesome hiking trails. You an add a theme to your visit, like following the Hocking Hills Butterfly Trail, for example.
Or, you can enjoy local refreshments at a place like Hocking Hills Winery. Grab a wine flight or wine slushie here, snack on charcuterie, and kick back in the indoor or outdoor seating. It’s a chill vibe, and they’ve got drinks for the kids, too.
Activities
If you’re looking for more adventure, consider climbing and rappelling on the rock formations, or getting some thrills with a zip line or canopy tour. You can also explore the area on horseback or hit up a local golf course to play a round.
| Canopy Tour | Ziplines and skybridges suspended high above the forest floor, overlooking a cave, rock cliffs, the Hocking River. 2.5 – 3 hours |
| Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove | Mini golf in the Hocking Hills |
| Butterfly Ridge | Butterfly garden and business focusing on the health and well-being of butterflies native to southeastern Ohio |
| Hocking Hills Canoe Livery | Personalized canoe, kayak, tubing, and raft experiences |
| Adventure Pro Outdoors UTV tour | Guided Off-Road Tours on Wayne National Forest |
| High Rock Adventures | Petting Zoo & Gem Mine |
| Hocking Hills Children’s Museum | Children’s STEAM-based science museum |
| Paddling & Fishing | Rose Lake |
| Stargazing | John Glenn Astronomy Park |
Or, if you want something quirky to do, check out the Pencil Sharpener Museum, where 5,000 devices are on display.
For those wanting to relax, there are even spas in the area where you can totally unwind after a day of exploring.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
- Many trails are one-way loops. Follow the signs—they’re everywhere and super clear.
- Cell service is spotty. Grab maps at the Visitor Center (which is worth a visit on its own).
- The roads are no joke—twisty, hilly, and full of hairpin turns. If your crew is prone to motion sickness, come prepared.
- Wear hiking boots, especially if it’s been rainy. Most trails involve rock steps, mud, and steep sections.
- Pack food and snacks. No restaurants or gas stations in the park, and it’s a 30-minute drive to town.
- Bathrooms are only at the trailheads. Plan accordingly.
There You Have It!
Hocking Hills might not be a name you hear thrown around much in your friend groups, but it’s starting to pop up in Michigan Instagram feeds. It’s gaining traction because it has personality. We don’t have many places in Michigan that have trails with underground tunnels and weird rock formations to squeeze through, either.
Once you’ve climbed into a cave, splashed through a gorge, and kicked back under the stars in your cedar hot tub, you’ll get why Hocking Hills Ohio is worth the drive.
