Old Man’s Cave Is An Easy Hike In Ohio That Takes You To An Unforgettable View
Hiking is one of our state’s most beloved past times. Ohio’s beautiful landscape lends itself to spectacularly scenic trails, all ranging in length and difficulty. However, if you’re looking for a short and sweet trail with loads of scenery, we have the perfect one in mind. Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills State Park is a short-and-sweet hike in Ohio that leads to an unforgettable waterfall view. Old Man’s Cave is one of the easiest, most accessible, and best all-around hikes in Ohio, a trail every Ohioan ought to tackle at least once.
Legend has it, a 19th-century hermit who once lived in the cave, (named Richard Rowe,) is buried under a cave ledge in the area.
On one side trip up Salt Creek, he found the Hocking Region. Rowe lived out his life in the area and is buried beneath the ledge of the main recess cave.
Today, the area continues to captivate and inspire, with some 4 million visitors flocking to the hills each year. And really, how could it not? Old Man's Cave is truly a masterpiece of Mother Nature.
The Hike To Old Man’s Cave
Your adventure to Old Man's Cave in Ohio will start at the Hocking Hills State Park Welcome Center. It's here you'll find maps and helpful tips for your adventure to Old Man's Cave.
The Old Man's Cave hike is just 0.6 miles out-and-back; however, you'll be climbing stairs and encountering a few inclines, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring along hiking poles if you have them -- especially if it's rained recently.
What the trail lacks in length, it more than makes up for in the way of scenery. Bridge crossings, waterfalls, caves... this splendid outdoor adventure is a microcosm of Hocking Hills State Park, all in an accessible little half-mile package.
Old Man's Cave is a popular hiking destination year-round, especially during the height of fall foliage. During the winter, the chances of seeing a frozen waterfall are high, but the trail's terrain can be quite treacherous. So use extra care and take your time walking.
Waterfall Chasing Detours Along Old Man’s Cave Trail
Although there are several trails that intertwine at Old Man's Cave (which make it easy to detour and see everything), you'll mainly want to stay on the Buckeye Trail, also known as the Grandma Gatewood Trail, to see all the waterfalls.
Although it's not a waterfall, Devil's Bathtub is an interesting stop just a stone's throw from Old Man's Cave. Devil's Bathtub flows into a bowl-shaped basin, forming a captivating whirlpool. (While legend has it that the pool extends deep into the depths of Hades, it's actually no more than a few feet deep.)
Another waterfall in the neighborhood is Lower Falls. On a hot summer day, it's the perfect place to stop and splash for a minute or two. You'll pass Old Man's Cave to get to this waterfall, so if you don't take a detour to see the cave along the Exit Trail, be sure to do so on your way back.
Best seen after a heavy rainfall (a common theme with the waterfalls of Hocking Hills!), this little-known waterfall requires a short detour from the Buckeye Trail via the Exit Trail. There's a 0.1-mile loop trail off the Exit Trail that allows you to stop and take in this hidden gem.
Once you've made it back to the Buckeye Trail, it will lead you straight to Cedar Falls. As the area's most powerful and easily accessible waterfall, it's an ideal place to stop and rest for awhile, especially if you plan on looping back around to the Visitor's Center.
Located no more than 50 yards from Cedar Falls, a little-known, seasonal (and off the map) waterfall is hidden behind a boulder. Just follow the short, beaten path off the dirt staircase and look for the large boulder. Like many waterfalls, these falls are best seen after a heavy rainfall and may only feature a trickle of water if it's been awhile since rainfall.
While it is possible to keep this hike short and sweet, I highly recommend exploring the area's neighboring trails, caves, and waterfalls -- they're worth it!
Have you ever hiked Old Man’s Cave in Ohio? What was your experience there like? We’d love to hear from you — leave us a comment below! You can learn more by visiting the official Hocking Hills State Park website.
While you’re exploring the area, you might be tempted to stop and stay awhile. There are lots of places to stay in Hocking Hills, from the eponymous Ohio State Park lodge to VRBO rentals like this charming cabin in the woods!
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I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.