Hike & Camp in Hocking Hills, Ohio
Logan, Ohio
Details
Distance
3 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Shanon Wise
Hocking Hills offers prime hiking trails for all levels. Explore caves and rock formations on this dog-friendly hike. Want to stay longer? Spend the night with local camping and cabins.
If you find yourself in Ohio, you must stop in Logan and visit the Hocking Hills. This place seems to consistently find itself on lists for the best hiking in the country - and for good reason. The forest and state park is vast, and it includes Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Rock House, the list goes on. Visit the Hocking Hills and Parks websites to plan out where you want to hit, and grab some maps at the visitor's center when you arrive.
Two favorites of returning visitors and locals are often Old Man's Cave and the Rock House. Check out the Rock House on your way to Old Man's Cave. It's a short, but somewhat uneven trail that takes you to the only "official" cave in the hills. Bring a flashlight or use your phone to illuminate where you step inside the cave. It can get quite dark in the center and it's easy to slip on the sandstone if you don't look where you're going. Inside, though, is an awesome example of natural beauty. The colors and formations of the rocks are breathtaking.
You'll spend most of your day hiking at Old Man's Cave. Another spot you'll definitely want to take photos at - the open air "cave" is one of the coolest spots in the park. Make sure to also check out the Upper and Lower Falls (especially after a hard rainfall).
Make sure you have a road map or the state park's app downloaded before you get too far out of range so you know where you're going. And prepare for a hilly , curvy drive on the way. Your last true stop for snacks or cell phone service is in the town of Logan.
Whether you spend just a day here, or a whole weekend camping, you can't really go wrong. The hills are waiting!
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Reviews
If you’re in Columbus. This is a must go place. This a a beautiful and naturally made trial. This is the combination of caves, deep woods, big rocks and lot of falls. Definitely coming back
4.0
Easy access, beautiful falls, activities and clean campsites! What more can you ask for? I've been going here since I was a child and now take my daughters at least once a year. We've been in all seasons but prefer the warmer months as they love to get wet.
5.0
Good trail with a cave, waterfall and dam.
5.0
You honestly can't find a better place to camp than hocking hills. This is THE place for everything outdoors in the state. If you are camping in Ohio, go here.
5.0
If you're going to stay at the state park campground, I suggest reserving a campsite in the primitive/family hike-in. It's closer to real camping than the campsites in the main campground. People aren't obnoxiously loud and you don't have those people who bring their trailers and RVs who are "camping". Most people who camp in the primitive campground are very courteous of others, and you shouldn't have any trouble with them stealing or being disruptive.
5.0
Went over spring break, hiked eight miles, beautiful, challenging at some places, but ultimately breath taking
5.0
Having grown up in Ohio this is my favorite place in the state, especially in the spring when all the waterfalls are flowing. The Buckeye trail is superb and stocked full of beautiful colors in the fall.
5.0
Hocking Hills is definitely the go-to spot for outdoors in Ohio. Plenty of waterfalls, caves and ledges to explore to fill up your days. Also in Logan there are canoe liveries offering trips on the Hocking River, and although going during the day it may be a little rowdy on the river, they offer torchlight trips that are much more relaxed and calm. At the end of the trip there is free live music and s'mores so can't really beat that!
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Hike to Rose Lake
Old Man's Cave Loop
Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave via Buckeye Trail
Hike to Whispering Cave
Cedar Falls
Conkle's Hollow Gorge Trail
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