*as published in North Canton Living Magazine
Hocking Hills State Park is the crown jewel of the Ohio State Park system. Located south of Logan, Ohio this park has experienced a tremendous growth of visitors. On a recent trip to nearby Ohio University, I stopped for a few days to visit the park that my family traveled to every summer.
The new Visitor Center opened early in 2020 just before the pandemic. This two-story picturesque building features excellent educational exhibits. For kids, a mock cave is built into the underside of the stairs with light-up displays. Of course, the center is located near the entrance to Old Man’s Cave making it an easy day trip in itself.
Old Man’s Cave is a recess cave located along a moderately difficult gorge hike. To accommodate the rise in visitors, the trails are now one way due to the narrow steps needed to access the gorge trail. My memories of past hikes bring back slow and lazy winding stairs with upper and lower waterfalls that are perfect for skipping stones. Old Man’s Cave is a recess cave and rather boring after experiencing Devil’s Bathtub.
This trip I decided to forgo this hike and opt for more handicapped-accessible trails. I first hiked the easy, flat Conkles Hollow. Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve is maintained by the state park system and a short distance from Old Man’s Cave. The trail winds along a babbling brook as you enter the widest part of a gorge. By the end of the concrete path, you have the option of continuing on which does require a little surefootedness. The path ends in a small yet tall recess cave with a trickling waterfall. The trees reach overhead giving a sense of otherworldliness. It was here that I paused and perched on a jutting rock to have my lunch – pack in and pack out of course. Small multi-generational families came and went as the little ones peered for tadpoles and older children took selfies.
Ash Cave is perfect for those with disabilities. Its handicapped, paved accessible trail is only a quarter mile long. The trail ends directly underneath the largest recess cave in Ohio measuring 700 feet from end to end. From the trail end, you can walk on the sand with the sun streaming into the cave and a small waterfall overhead. While there, I stopped and watched many families shovel sand and build castles like you would on a beach. Most visitors continued on through the cave to the end to take the stairs up and back out of the rim trail. I just meandered back the handicapped trail pausing frequently on the comfortable benches to enjoy the sounds and smells of the deep forest.
I am partial to the Hocking Hills State Park campground. There has been a significant investment into this public reservations-only campground with electricity and water available for a majority of the sites. Of course, Wilbur the Campervan, and I opted for a quieter spot away from the larger RVs. We enjoyed several quiet and peaceful nights under magnificent stars. A word of caution, from the check-in building, the campground road is narrow and winds up a steep hill. There are plenty of big rigs there but this is not a drive you want to make daily.
Speaking of which, if you like to star watch, John Glenn Astronomy Park is close by and they host many star parties throughout the week and weekend. If you can stay up past dark, this is the place to party.
For the more adventurous and sure-footed, check out Rock House – the only true cave in the park. It is a moderate hike but the fanciful ending in what truly feels like a rock house is worth the effort. If you are an athletic person, Cantwell Cliffs is worth the time and energy. Be careful though, the steps down have not been tended since the Army Corp placed them in the 1930s.
Hocking Hills State Park opened a new lodge and conference center in October 2022. The lodge features 81 guest rooms and 40 cabins. There is an indoor and outdoor pool and the lodge is located a short walk from the popular Old Man’s Cave.
What I Learned
Black Hand Sandstone is the type of rock that comprises the majority of the area. It’s this sandstone that leaves the sand beach and honeycomb textured walls.
Eastern Hemlock is the tree that clings to the sandstone.
The Hocking Hills environment is delicate and fragile. Stay on the trail and try to keep from climbing on the Slump Boulders that dot the gorges.
Before You Go
For detailed information on camping or the lodge, visit ohiodnr.gov and search for Hocking Hills State Park. Reservations can be made online.
If you have a Golden Buckeye Card, you can receive a discount on camping!
Cell coverage is spotty. Hiking the gorges, down among the rocks, the cell coverage drops regardless of carrier. Take a map.
Additional lodging can be found at hockinghills.com. Cabins dot the region in all price ranges.
The roads are narrow and windy so pack some dramamine.
This is picnic country so pack accordingly.
Like a good winter hike? For the past 58 years people gather and hike from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave for a total of six miles in January. The event is free and happens regardless of the weather.