A journey to the Hocking Hills in Ohio is one destined to be filled with natural delights and healthy benefits, especially when you spend your days exploring the trails that run through the area. Offering panoramic views, glimpses of waterfalls and hidden caves, and enough of a challenge physically that you won’t have any guilt about indulging in calorie-laden meals and rich desserts, we can’t recommend enough that every visitor get out and experience all the beauty firsthand. This guide to the best trails in the Hocking Hills will point you in the right direction and remember; all trails lead home to the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls where your vacation experiences will be brought to the most comfortable levels.
For more ideas on what to do during your trip, access our Hocking Hills Vacation Guide! This free resource is filled with local insight on how to spend your time before, during, and after your experience on the best trails in the Hocking Hills.
Our Favorite Trails to Explore in the Hocking Hills
Grandma’s Gatewood Trail
Named after Emma “Grandma” Rowena Caldwell Gatewood, the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail alone, this 6-mile trail covers three of the Hocking Hills' five areas. Starting at the Upper Falls and passing by a variety of waterfalls that are destined to provide the best photo opportunities, the moderately difficult hike on the Grandma Gatewood Trail ends at Ash Cave, but hikers can continue on another three miles to explore the area in depth.
Hemlock Bridge Trail
The Hemlock Bridge Trail may be a little more strenuous than other trails in the Hocking Hills area, but the views will make you forget all about any discomfort you may be feeling. The trail is not very long, lasting just 1.5 miles, but it offers a brief diversion to another trail, the Whispering Cave Trail, and the opportunity to explore the Whispering Cave and its accompanying waterfall. Want to see another iconic attraction at the end of this trail? Continue on about a half mile and you will find yourself at Old Man’s Cave.
Hiking Trails In the Hocking Hills State Park
The trails at Hocking Hills State Park are open year-round from dawn until dusk, each of which offers a unique experience in every season. From the rugged landscape for experienced hikers to paved, accessible, shorter trails, adventures abound on our favorite trails throughout the area. Some of our favorite hiking trails in the Hocking Hills include:
Dog Friendly Trails in Hocking Hills
There is no greater joy in your fur baby’s life than being able to accompany his or her “parents” during their hikes, and because the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls does offer pet-friendly vacation rentals, you may want to bring your sweet pooch along for the ride, taking the little darling on these wonderful dog-friendly trails. There are quite a few in the area, but the ones we love best include:
- The Buckeye Trail that takes hikers to Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave.
- Cedar Falls, reached by the Buckeye and Gorge Overlook Trail.
- The Cedar Falls Loop at Whispering Cave.
Not in the Mood to Hike?
Many of the trails that traverse the Hocking Hills area are also utilized by ATV riders, allowing them to save their energy while enjoying the beautiful countryside. As you're searching for the best places to go full throttle, the Wayne National Forest offers a variety of trails to choose your next adventure on. Those trails include:
Other trails such as the Three Creeks Trail, Rocky Ridge Trail, and Turkey Trot Trail will satisfy your need for speed, your desire for beauty, and your wish NOT to hike, but they are closed from November through April, so plan accordingly.
What to Experience After Your Hike
The Road Home to the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Spending your days hiking along any of these Hocking Hills trails will bring you peace and fun and when your tired feet bring you back to your Ohio sanctuary, our spaces will bring you comfort and joy. Reserve your favorite today!