Outbound Collective logo

Details

Distance

1.7 miles

Elevation Gain

480 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

This is a new adventure! Be the first to share your experience.

Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights.

Added by Dan Barr

As the newest trail system within Hocking Hills State Park, Whispering Cave is a short hike to another of the region's famous recess caves with its 105 ft tall waterfall, but lacks the overwhelming crowds that its neighbors see.

The trailhead begins at the base of the parking lot of the old Hocking Hills Lodge that sadly burnt down in 2016. While plans are underway for a new lodge to be built, it means parking for this particular trail is plentiful for the moment, since the massive parking lot is only being used for the trail. 

The first 1/4 mile of the trail winds alongside a disc golf course before swinging behind the old lodge site and then dropping down steep set of stairs to a main trail at the top of the cliffs. Follow the trail to the right to head towards Whispering Cave, as the other direction will take you along the rim of the cliffs to Old Man's Cave a couple miles away. 

From there, the trail drops once more and you follow the base of the cliffs the last 0.3 of a mile to Whispering Cave, a large recess cave with a 105 ft ephemeral waterfall flowing over the top of it. The cave marks the end of the trail, so simply retrace your steps to get back to the trailhead.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Old Man's Cave Loop

Hike to Rose Lake

Hike & Camp in Hocking Hills, Ohio

Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave via Buckeye Trail

Cedar Falls

Explore Ash Cave