Hocking Hills, Ohio: Hiking, Caves & Waterfalls

Arrival & Stay

I’ve made it to Hocking Hills twice now — once on a girls’ weekend and once with my husband for a short getaway.

On the girls’ trip, we stayed in a rustic Airbnb cabin that felt like something out of a Michigan “up north” cottage — cozy, woodsy, and perfect for late-night hot tub chats after long days on the trails.

When I returned with my husband, we stayed at one of the few hotels near Hocking Hills. It wasn’t fancy, but it was clean, included free breakfast, and sat right by a local brewery and BBQ spot. Nothing that stole the show, but it was practical and convenient for hitting the trails.

Either way, lodging here was just a basecamp — the trails were always the real star.

Hiking the Trails

We covered a lot of ground across two trips, from the popular highlights to some less-traveled paths. Here’s how they stacked up:

Rock House Gorge Trail

Inside Rock House — the only true cave in the park, with its towering sandstone walls and ‘windows’.

This one was the standout for my friends. Rock House is the park’s only true cave, with massive sandstone walls and natural “windows.” The hike does require navigating plenty of stairs down into the gorge, but once inside, the payoff is worth it. At the end, the bridge was out, so we had to climb a muddy incline — a bit of a challenge for some in the group.

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail — the views are worth the climb.

A tougher hike compared to the gorge trail option here, but still manageable. The rim offers sweeping views and rocky ledges, and hiking sticks came in handy for our group. If you’re short on time, the gorge trail is easier and still beautiful.

Ash Cave

Ash Cave’s waterfall makes even a short hike feel rewarding.

Ash Cave is a favorite for good reason — a short, flat walk leads to a massive recess cave and a thin waterfall dropping from the rim. You can add the rim trail for a little more challenge, but the highlight is the waterfall itself.

💡 Travel Tip: Go early if you can — Ash Cave gets very busy by mid-day.

Old Man’s Cave

Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave — one of the park’s most photographed spots.

Packed with stone bridges, waterfalls, and winding trails, Old Man’s Cave is the park’s most popular stop. The hike is short but steeper in spots, so take your time. We accidentally continued onto the 3-mile connector trail to Cedar Falls, which made for a longer trek than planned. If you’d rather skip that, you can always drive over to Cedar Falls instead.

💡 Travel Tip: This is one of the busiest spots in the park — go early or later in the day to avoid the peak crowds.

Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls — one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Hocking Hills.

One of the most dramatic waterfalls in the park — framed by sandstone cliffs and surrounded by hemlocks. An easy walk down makes this a quick but rewarding stop.

Saltpetre Cave Nature Preserve

Just steps from our cabin, this preserve has four caves and a rugged trail that’s less traveled. A free online permit is required, though we never saw anyone checking. Our group rated it a favorite thanks to the massive rock formations.

Where to Eat & Drink

Wine flight at Hocking Hills Winery — charcuterie and live music made it a group favorite.

• Hocking Hills Winery – Charcuterie boards, a wide variety of wines, and live music on weekends. A group favorite.

• Le Petit Chevalier Winery – Pretty setting, but the wines weren’t our favorite

• Ale House 1890 (Lancaster) – A solid meal if you’re venturing outside the park.

• The Lodge at Hocking Hills – Make reservations if you want to dine here; walk-ins fill up quickly.

Travel Tips for Hocking Hills

💡 Pack hiking sticks. They can be especially helpful at Conkle’s Hollow and the steeper stair sections.
💡 Go early for the popular spots. Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave get very crowded mid-day.
💡 Check trail conditions. Bridges and stairs can be closed, which may mean muddy or steep detours.
💡 Plan Cedar Falls. Decide if you want the 3-mile connector hike from Old Man’s Cave or to drive straight there.
💡 Make reservations for meals. The lodge fills up fast, and local restaurants can be limited at peak times.

Final Thoughts

In Hocking Hills, your lodging is just a basecamp — the real star is the trail system. With everything from easy waterfall walks to more rugged rim trails, there’s something here for every level of hiker. Add in a winery stop or two, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect Ohio getaway.