Nestled near the edge of the Allegheny Plateau, Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio has many outdoor activities and may very well be the most interesting part of the state for nature lovers. Kayaking, ziplining, horseback riding and hiking are all fair game here. Waterfalls, gorges, rock shelters and cliffs abound. The park is free to enter and has no parking fees. The main attractions are all relatively close to each other and short hikes, making it an excellent choice for a day trip or overnighter.
Upper and Lower Falls.
Undoubtedly the most popular spot in the area, Old Man's Cave is only a short mile long trail to two of the best waterfalls in Hocking Hills. Expect large crowds, but the parking lot and overflow area along the road at the trailhead are fairly large, so you should be able to find parking most hours. There are also numerous large rock formations and rock staircases which may become slippery in winter.
The flow of the waterfall varies heavily from season to season.
The largest rock shelter in Ohio can be reached via a half mile loop trail taking only about 15 minutes to complete. The waterfall is more active in the spring and autumn months when there's greater rainfall, and is known to be greatly reduced or even dry up in summer. Don't miss this trail.
Cedar Falls is the largest waterfall by volume in the park.
This picturesque 50 foot waterfall is another one of the most popular spots in Hocking Hills, so expect crowds. Like many of the other trails in the park, it is only a short walk of about half a mile.
The staircase at the end of the rim trail.
Located within Hocking Hills, this nature preserve has two main trails— the East and West Rim Trail, leading above the outer rim of the gorge, and the Gorge Trail, traveling through the center of the gorge to a waterfall. Combined, seeing both trails will take about an hour and a half over 3 miles.
The arch spans over 100 feet.
This is the largest rock arch in Ohio. Being nearly 3 miles long it is one of the longer trails in the area, but is still manageable in a little over an hour, especially if you skip the rock shelter part of the trail, which doesn't have much to see. The hillside near the beginning is a little strenuous to ascend on the return journey back.
A view of the rock shelter.
Another large rock shelter in the park, the view at Cantwell Cliffs isn't quite as impressive as Ash Cave. The hike itself is enjoyable, with enough climbing and descending around the rim of the cliffs to keep things interesting. This is one of the lesser frequented trails in the area, so if you're seeking solitude, look no further.