Waterfall Hero Hikes: Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills is a 2,300-acre Ohio State Park in the southeastern part of the state in Hocking County. The park is the centerpiece of the Hocking Hills region, an area of unusual gorges, waterfalls and towering cliffs. Spread out over several access areas, the park provides access to many of the spectacular sights of the Hocking Hills Region. The park has many miles of hiking trails, including part of the statewide Buckeye Trail, mountain biking trails, as well as camping, cabins and opportunities for hunting and fishing.

Contact Information:

19852 State Route 664

Logan, OH 43138

Phone: (740) 385-6842

Directions:

There are several access areas for the park.

Old Man's Cave:

From Logan, head west on US-33 for about 2 miles to the exit for OH-664. At the traffic circles, head south on OH-664 for 1.5 miles and turn left to stay on OH-664 south. Continue for 8.7 miles and turn left into the park at the Old Man's Cave area. This is the largest area in the park and has the Visitor Center and campground.

Cedar Falls:

To access Cedar Falls, follow the directions above, but turn left on OH-374 west after 8.2 miles. Drive 1.8 miles on OH-374 and turn right into the Cedar Falls area.

Map:

Trails:

Cedar Falls Trail:

Length: 0.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Cedar Falls Trail is a one-way trail starting near the restrooms at the Cedar Falls Parking area and descends to Queer Creek and crosses on a bridge. The trail leads upstream to Cedar Falls and then follows a rocky tributary upstream back to the parking lot.

Gorge Overlook Trail:

Length: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Gorge Overlook Trail starts at Cedar Falls and leads up to the north rim of Queer Creek Gorge. The trail follows the rim closely until passing by Rose Lake. There are a few overlooks along the way. The trail then turns north and runs to Old Man's Cave Upper Falls.

Grandma Gatewood Trail:

Length: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Grandma Gatewood Trail starts at Old Man's Cave Upper Falls and leads downstream through the gorge past Devil's Bathtub, Old Man's Cave and Lower Falls. At Queer Creek, Whispering Cave Trail splits to the right. Grandma Gatewood Trail goes left to follow Queer Creek upstream to Cedar Falls.