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Hocking Hills — Your escape from Columbus, OH
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Follow sandstone gorges, wooded trails and waterfalls through the Hocking Hills.
About 83 minutes · 60 miles one way
Estimated from Columbus, OH. Town origins are approximate; this does not include live traffic.
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Where to stay near Hocking Hills
For an overnight escape. Check dates and availability with the operator.
Find cabin options ↗
Cabin · Area search link
Things to do at Hocking Hills
Old Man's Cave ↗
Explore the upper and lower sections of a sandstone gorge, with forest paths and waterfall views.
Marked routes include steps and uneven surfaces. No swimming or wading.
Ash Cave ↗
Walk toward an open-sided recess cave beneath a broad sandstone overhang.
The park map marks an accessible approach to the cave. The rim trail is a separate route; waterfall flow varies.
Cedar Falls ↗
Follow a wooded gorge trail to the waterfall at Cedar Falls.
The state map grades the Cedar Falls Trail moderate. Stay on marked paths; no swimming or wading.
Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve ↗
Choose between the lower gorge approach and the more exposed rim route through this sandstone preserve.
No pets in the nature preserve. The accessible sidewalk ends before the entire gorge route does; do not describe the whole walk as accessible.
Rock House ↗
Walk to a tunnel-like sandstone passage with natural window openings in the cliff.
Expect steps and uneven footing; stay on the marked route.
Cantwell Cliffs ↗
Explore cliff scenery on the rim and valley paths in the northern Hocking Hills.
The map shows steps and one-way trail sections. Allow time to return before dark.
Getting there
Start at the public Old Man’s Cave parking area off State Route 664, beside the visitor-center and gorge trail area. This is a day-use arrival, separate from the campground and lodge. Other Hocking Hills trailheads require separate drives. Follow posted signs, stay on marked trails and finish hikes before dark.
Arrival coordinates: 39.436214966762, -82.540354149423