The Old Man’s Cave Trail, Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
If you’re just getting started with hiking or want an easy win in one of Ohio’s most stunning parks, Old Man’s Cave Trail is a no-brainer. Located in Hocking Hills State Park, this short loop delivers dramatic beauty, a touch of folklore and plenty of spots to pause and soak in the surroundings. With waterfalls, curved bridges and weathered stone steps guiding you through forested ravines, the trail feels more like a natural theme park than a workout.
🌲 A Trail That Tells a Story
From the moment you descend the first staircase, you’re stepping into an environment that feels ancient and enchanted. The trail is named after a hermit who once lived in the recess cave. Yes, really. And the entire path feels infused with that kind of quiet mystery.
What makes this trail beginner-friendly? It’s well-maintained, clearly marked and thoughtfully designed with stone bridges, safety railings and carved steps that make navigation smooth. Even for those brand new to hiking.
Whether you’re hiking solo, with kids or bringing along someone who’s still warming up to the idea of the outdoors, Old Man’s Cave delivers a balanced, comfortable experience.
🌟 What You’ll See Along the Way
💦 Upper & Lower Falls: These bookend the loop beautifully. Upper Falls greets you near the start, cascading beneath a natural bridge, while Lower Falls creates a peaceful finale especially lovely after rainfall.
🪨 Sandstone Cliffs & Gorges: The trail winds through tall, narrow rock passages and sculpted ledges, carved by centuries of water and wind.
🏞️ Old Man’s Cave Itself: A large rock shelter under an overhang: a unique photo op and the centerpiece of the trail’s legend.
🌳 Shaded Forest Walks: Even in summer, the dense canopy keeps temperatures down and adds a layer of tranquility to the hike.
📍 Trail Essentials
- Location: Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
- Trail Type: Loop
- Distance: ~1 mile
- Elevation Gain: ~100 ft
- Estimated Time: 30–60 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.4329° N, 82.5396° W
- Parking: Free, located at Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center
- Restrooms: Available at the visitor center
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (for waterfalls), Fall (for foliage)
🎒 What to Pack for Your Visit
While this is an approachable hike, having a few essentials on hand and choosing the right layers of clothes can turn a good experience into a great one:
- Supportive walking or trail shoes with grip (you’ll be on stone steps and near water)
- 1L water bottle per person (there are fountains at the visitor center)
- A compact daypack to carry water, snacks, and a light jacket
- Phone or camera (this place was made for photos!)
- Bug spray (especially in summer)
- Optional: lightweight trekking pole for stability on
💡 Why It Should Be on Your Beginner Hiking List
Old Man’s Cave Trail is an accessible slice of adventure that offers way more than its short distance suggests. It’s a place where first-time hikers can get swept up in the scenery, feel a sense of accomplishment and walk away excited for the next trail.
With its safe design, epic views and close-by amenities, it’s the kind of trail that turns “maybe hiking isn’t for me” into “when are we going again?”