The Best (Our Favorite) Hikes in Hocking Hills
Shh. Don't tell the hikes that didn't make the favorite list.
Rock House
4 minutes from cabin | low effort, allows dogs
So close, we consider it a neighbor. A short hike (less than a mile), but you can work up a sweat.
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Clearcreek Hemlock Trail
25 minutes from cabin | high effort, no dogs
Great for trail running - good uphill climbs and the path is usually empty.
Old Man's Cave, Grandma Gatewood + Gorge Exit Trails
18 minutes from cabin | moderate effort, allows dogs
The busiest, but with good reason. Stunning rock formations, nice welcome center, water features. Don't miss the devil's bathtub!
Hocking Hills Region Hiking
HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK
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ASH CAVE | Natural horseshoe-shaped recess cave with a tall waterfall from the cliff above. Has a short, paved trailed making it accessible for all ages.
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CANTWELL CLIFFS | Dramatic sandstone cliffs and a challenging (but rewarding!) trail that winds through narrow passages and picturesque rock formations. It's a less traveled path, and features a more untamed beauty you don't find at the other parks.
CEDAR FALLS | A short hike and a wooden boardwalk leads to a waterfall in a serene gorge. A popular spot for photographers.
CONKLE'S HOLLOW | A nature preserve with two diverse hikes. The gorge trail is an out-and-back that is largely paved and goes into the lush vegetation of the deep gorge. The rim trail follows the cliff edge around the gorge, it has great views of the gorge below, the rock cliff faces, and the surrounding forest.
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OLD MAN'S CAVE | The trails here are well-maintained and well traveled. It's popular for a reason -- the grandeur of the rock formations and the scenic waterfalls are worth looking for parking.
ROCK HOUSE | A narrow passageway through a sandstone cliff that has "windows" and high ceilings makes for a unique natural formation. The only true cave of the park.
HEMLOCK BRIDGE & WHISPERING CAVE | The newest hiking trail, it features some rugged terrain and a suspension bridge on the way to Whispering Cave. It can be muddy - dress accordingly!
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OTHER SCENIC SPOTS NEARBY
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Clear Creek Metro Park
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Lake Logan State Park
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Rockbridge State Nature Preserve
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Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve
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Wahkeena Memorial State Nature Preserve (Fairfield County)
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Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve (Fairfield County)
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Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve (Fairfield County)
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Shallenberger State Nature Preserve in (Fairfield County)
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Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve (permit only)