State: Ohio
Link: https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park
Days: 2 full days spread across 3 days
Season: Fall
Hotel: Hocking Hills State Park Lodge (Cabins)
Hikes: 12 = 15.9 miles
Ice Cream: Treehouse Treats, Dietsch Brothers
Day 1
First we went to Shallenberger Nature Preserve. The whole time we were there we were the only ones on the trail. We completed all 3 loops as part of this hike, the 0.6 mile “main” loop (easy), the 0.3 mile loop to the top (easy plus as there is a bit of an incline), and the 0.7 mile loop (easy) with some elevation change. This totaled 1.6 miles. This entire hike was very shady as almost the entire path was tree covered.
Next up, Rockbridge Nature Preserve Trail (moderate). This was 0.5 miles from the car to the main part of the trail. The main loop out to the natural rock bridge was 0.8 miles, then we had the hike back to the car which ended up being 1.8 miles total for this trail.
Then we were off to Chapel Cave. We started at the parking lot for the Hocking Hills State Forest Rock Climbing and Rappelling Area. The trail itself was not marked but there was a map across the street where the rock climbing and rappelling area was. This was a 1.75 mile moderate hike that was a bit muddy.
The Gorge Trail at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve was our final hike for the day. This was a 1 mile easy hike that was paved part of the way. At one point you can see the beautiful tree line. This concluded our 4 hikes for the day, totaling 6.15 miles
Day 2
We started our day at Cantwell Cliffs taking the Rim Trail, to the Gorge Trail, back to the Rim Trail. The Gorge Trail has a lot less steps but don’t let that fool you, there are a lot of steps on this difficult 1 mile hike.
Next we went to Rockhouse, parking in lot 2. We took the Gorge Trail, which lead us to the Rockhouse and ended up closer to parking lot 1. There was a small walk back to lot 2. In the end we hiked about 1 mile (moderate).
Then we traveled to the Old Mans Cave Trail, starting by the upper falls. We didn’t start this one until after lunch and there were a ton of people. We traveled Grandmas Gateway Trail, saw Devils Bathtub, the Lower Falls, hiked along the trail to Broken Falls, then took an unofficial path from Z back to E on the map. Finally, we ended up seeing Old Man’s Cave. All in, we hiked about 1.9 miles (moderate).
Rose Lake was our final hike for the day. It was an easy 1/2 mile hike to the lake (1 mile including the hike back). It had a beautiful water view. This concluded our 4 hikes for the day, totaling 4.9 miles.
Our last destination for the day was a trip to Treehouse Treats for ice cream. The ice cream was good, although not a lot of options, there were flavors for everyone.
Day 3
To start our rainy day, we went to Ash Cave via the Gorge Trail out 0.3 miles (easy) then the Rim Trail back 0.3 miles (moderate). The trail was not difficult even being wet. The total for this hike was 0.6 miles.
Next we stopped at the Ash Cave Fire Tower which was a short hike out and back. There were around 80 stairs on this 80 foot tower. We were able to see leaves changing. In total this was about 0.25 miles.
Then we hiked the Cedar Falls Trail which was a 0.4 mile loop (moderate). Unfortunately there was no waterfall this time of the year.
Our final hike for the day was Whispering Cave. We started at the cabins walking 0.4 miles to the trail at the back of the lodge. From there, we hiked 0.3 miles to the Whispering Cave. Next we hiked 0.3 miles to Hemlock Bridge. From there we hiked about 1 mile to the Old Man Cave Visitor Center. Finally, we took the 1.6 mile trail back to the cabin, totaling 3.6 miles for this endeavor. There were only a couple other people on the trail for the entire hike. This concluded our 4 hikes for the day, totaling 4.85 miles.
Day 4
On our way home, we stopped for ice cream at Dietsch Brothers in Findlay, OH. Yummy!
