The Hocking Hills

05/25/2026

Take it from a local guide: If you ever get the chance, hike the Hocking Hills on a rainy day—trust me, the views are unreal. I started at Ash Cave, made my way to Cedar Falls, and followed the rough blue-blazed Gorge Trail to Old Man’s Cave.
On the way back, because of flooding, I took the higher ground along the Rim Trail (red blazes) past Rose Lake and Cedar Falls, looping back to Ash Cave.

With all the detours to chase waterfalls, it ended up being about 11 miles, and every step was worth it. But hiking that far isn’t for everybody. There are also shorter trails to Ash Cave, about a quarter mile. Cedar Falls is about a half mile. Both are loop trails. Old Man’s Cave Loop is 1-1.5 miles, depending on the spur trails you choose. Check out more info on the trails: thehockinghills.org

05/20/2026

I'm stuck on waterfalls this week, I suppose. But right before the rain this morning, I passed Big Springs Hollow and turned around to take the hike. Ended up running out to beat the storm. Something you may not have known: this waterfall is the tallest in the state. It's easy to get to by parking in the gravel rock climbing and rappelling lot just past the parking area for Conkle's Hollow on the left-hand side. Just hike across Big Pine Road and follow the trail across the sketchy metal bridge. Then make a right. Some really beautiful rock formations here. My Garmin mapped it at about 1.2 miles total out and back.

05/12/2026

I know they say, "Don’t go chasing waterfalls," but I couldn’t help myself this weekend! Sometimes it’s more fun to explore new paths. 🌊💙

Hiked the incredible Hocking Hills and found more breathtaking waterfalls—each one more stunning than the last.

04/29/2026

This is the one place people regret skipping.

Rock House isn’t a true cave—it’s a walk-through carved right into the cliff, with natural openings along the rock walls that let the light pour in as you move through it.

Technically, a true cave extends beyond the zone of light and forms underground, usually in limestone. What you’ll find here—and throughout this region—are recess caves, formed in sandstone with wide, open fronts.

Still…this one is different.

Once you walk through it, you’ll understand why it belongs on every bucket list.

I’ve been guiding folks through this region for over 30 years, and this is still one I tell people not to miss.

👉 Full guide:
https://thehockinghills.org/Rockhouse.htm

Don’t skip this one. Trust me. 👉 “Be honest—have you actually been through Rock House, or did you skip it on your first trip?”

04/22/2026

With its cascading waterfall, Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park is one of the most visited trails in the region—and it’s easy to see why. A smooth, paved path makes the journey accessible to nearly everyone, guiding visitors through a scenic gorge to the stunning recess cave.

But beyond its natural beauty, Ash Cave holds a fascinating piece of history. In the early 1900s, it served as an open-air church. Just to the right, atop a small ridge, lies the flat stone known as Preacher’s Rock, where local ministers once delivered sermons. Nearby, choirs would gather, their voices amplified by the cave’s remarkable acoustics, filling the space with rich, echoing harmony. https://thehockinghills.org/ash_cave.htm

04/12/2026

There is a unique and captivating rock formation at Hocking Hills State Park in Old Man's Cave, known as Devil's Bathtub. This smooth, swirling basin carved into the sandstone by centuries of rushing water looks almost otherworldly, its surface glistening with constant motion.
As rocks and water tumble through the narrow chute and drop into the tub below, the resulting echoes and splashes seem to come alive. Early hikers, awed and unsettled by these strange, reverberating sounds, often described them as devilish whispers or distant, eerie laughter—almost as if the formation were a gateway to another realm. Stories spread of a mysterious portal lurking beneath the churning waters, fueling legends that the Devil himself might emerge when the conditions were just right.

04/10/2026

Night hike...for those who dare.

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04/07/2026

Off the Beaten Path: Ash Cave to Cedar Falls. Hocking Hills is a magnet for families and hiking lovers alike—and best of all, it’s FREE! Of course, with a price tag like that, don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing the trails with half of the Midwest, especially when it feels like everything—from gas to groceries—costs an arm and a leg.

While I could recommend getting up early to beat the crowds, I understand from having my own kids that getting out the door with family and friends often means you won’t arrive before ten. Instead of just hitting the main trails, go a little farther, like taking Ash Cave to Cedar Falls. Once past the Ash Cave waterfall, the crowds thin, and there are more beautiful areas to explore in the Hocking State Forest.

This hike starts at Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park and goes to Cedar Falls, passing the Hocking State Forest fire tower along the way, where hikers can climb to the top for a beautiful vista. The trail is one-way, out-and-back, which means hikers turn around at Cedar Falls and return on the same path. (Or you can continue to Old Man’s Cave for an even longer trip)

It is about ¼ mile through Ash Cave, then up the metal steps to Cedar Falls, 2.3 miles away, for a total out-and-back of about 5 miles. There are hills and steps. It can be considered strenuous for some. Yep, you can bring your leashed dog! There are restrooms at Ash Cave and Cedar Falls. You can find more Hocking Hills info: https://thehockinghills.org/Ash_Cave_To_Cedar_Falls_Trail.htm in my book with Hocking Hills Trails https://www.amazon.com/Hocking-Hills-Hiking-Trails-Guide/dp/1940087589/

04/06/2026

Another cool hike!

02/23/2026

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