Ohio's Hidden Gorges, 345 Million Years in the Making

The Hocking Hills Scenic Drive follows State Route 374 through a landscape that defies every expectation of Ohio. Southeastern Ohio is flat farmland in the popular imagination, but here the road dips through deep gorges, past 200-foot sandstone cliffs, and beneath hemlock canopies that block out the sky. The formations are carved from Blackhand sandstone, a quartz-rich rock laid down roughly 345 million years ago when this region lay beneath a shallow inland sea. Glacial meltwater pouring across the plateau 10,000 years ago did the sculpting, carving recess caves, waterfalls, and gorges into the softer middle layer of stone while the harder caprock held firm above. The result is six distinct areas, each named for a landmark formation: Cantwell Cliffs, Rock House, Conkle's Hollow, Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. The byway connects them all on a purpose-built road through 2,000 acres of state park forest, with more than 100 bird species, red and gray foxes, and rare wildflowers thriving in the moist, wooded hollows. In winter, the waterfalls freeze into towering blue-white ice columns; in spring, the falls roar with snowmelt; in October, the hardwood canopy ignites above the dark hemlock gorges.

Key Stops

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours Near Rockbridge at the drive's northern starting point, this zipline course sends riders through the treetops on 11 lines with suspended bridges above the forest floor. The X-Tour ($109–$129 per person) runs 2.5 to 3 hours. Shorter Discovery Tours and a children's DragonFly course are also available. Advance booking recommended.

Cantwell Cliffs The most remote and least crowded of the six areas, 17 miles from Old Man's Cave at the drive's northern end. Cliffs tower over 150 feet above Buck Run creek, with a waterfall spilling over one section. Two loop trails of roughly a mile each explore the gorge and rim. The Gorge Trail passes through "Fat Woman's Squeeze," an extremely narrow rock passage. Lookout Point on the Rim Trail offers commanding views.

Rock House The only true cave in the park: a tunnel-like corridor carved into a sandstone cliff roughly 150 feet above the forest floor. Window-like openings in the rock wall look out over the canopy below. A short but steep trail through the woods leads to the entrance. Historically used as shelter by Native Americans and, according to local legend, by outlaws.

Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve One of the deepest gorges in Ohio, plunging over 200 feet with walls as narrow as 100 feet apart. The Gorge Trail (1.1 miles, easy) traverses the valley floor to a box canyon with towering cliffs and seasonal waterfalls. The Rim Trail (2.5-mile loop, strenuous) follows the cliff edge past the highest overlooks in the area. Named for W.J. Conkle, who carved his name into the sandstone in 1797. No pets allowed.

John Glenn Astronomy Park Located 0.9 miles west of Old Man's Cave on Route 664, with 12 telescopes including one of Ohio's largest. Astronomers are on hand to interpret the night sky on program evenings. Free admission, but reservations are required in advance online. Named for Ohio's most famous astronaut.

Old Man's Cave The drive's crown jewel, named after Richard Rowe, a hermit who lived beneath the overhang in the late 1700s. A trail descends into a deep sandstone gorge past the 20-foot Upper Falls, crosses a stone bridge, and continues to the 25-foot Lower Falls before reaching the massive cave recess. The gorge trail continues 3 miles south to Cedar Falls through hemlock-shaded valleys. The visitor center at Old Man's Cave is the park's main hub, with restrooms, information, and Wi-Fi. Free parking and free entry.

Cedar Falls The highest-volume waterfall in Hocking Hills, thundering over a wide ledge of blackened sandstone after heavy rain. The mist at the base creates its own microclimate of ferns and moss on the gorge walls. The trail includes numerous stairs and a short rock scramble near the base; sturdy footwear is essential. The name is a misnomer: early settlers mistook the surrounding hemlock trees for cedars.

Ash Cave The largest recess cave in Ohio: 700 feet wide, 100 feet deep, and 90 feet high. A seasonal waterfall cascades over the enormous sandstone ledge into the amphitheater below. Early settlers found a massive ash heap beneath the overhang, left by centuries of Native American campfires. The 0.5-mile gorge trail is partially paved and the most accessible hike in the park, though a series of steps on the return loop adds difficulty. A fitting finale to the drive near South Bloomingville.

Driving Tips

• SR 374 is a narrow, winding two-lane road with blind curves. Drive slowly and use the designated pull-offs for safe stopping.
• Cell coverage is limited to nonexistent across most of Hocking County. Download offline maps before the drive and do not rely on phone navigation in the gorges.
• All trails, parking, and hiking areas are completely free, every day of the year. No entrance fee or parking fee.
• Start early (before 9 a.m.) on weekends and holidays to secure parking at Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave, which fill quickly.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes on all trails. The gorges are damp year-round, and stone steps can be slippery after rain or in winter.
• Spring (March through May) brings the waterfalls to their fullest flow and carpets the gorges with wildflowers. Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-to-late October.
• In winter, frozen waterfalls create dramatic ice formations, but trails can be icy and treacherous. Traction devices for boots are recommended.
• Fuel up in Logan before entering the byway. Services within the park area are minimal.
• The new Hocking Hills State Park Lodge offers 81 rooms and 40 cabins with dining, pools, and full amenities. Hundreds of privately owned cabins throughout the region range from couples' retreats to large family lodges. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is a well-regarded upscale option.
• For more information visit: Explore Hocking Hills