The Hocking Hills State Park is full of incredible rock formations, waterfalls, and hiking trails. During your stay at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, you’ll have complete access to this enchanting forest. Inside, there are countless sights to see. We recommend heading to one of the most popular spots in the park: Ash Cave in the Hocking Hills. As the largest recess cave in Ohio, it is sure to impress any adventurer.
Get a copy of our complimentary State Park Guide for even more things to do and see in the area!
Experience Ash Cave In the Hocking Hills
This comprehensive guide to Ash Cave in Hocking Hills delves a little deeper into the activities you can enjoy, the experiences you will have, and the memories you will treasure, including the ones that take you back home to our Logan retreats!
Where Is Ash Cave Located?
Situated in the Hocking Hills State Park, Ash Cave is one of the biggest attractions in the area. In comparison with a standard cave (also known as a karst), Ash Cave in Hocking Hills is a recess cave, or rock shelter, formed over many years of erosion keeping it smaller in size, ensuring it won’t take you long to explore its interior.
- Map Location: 26400 OH-56 in South Bloomingville, Ohio.
- Trailhead Information: Check out the park map.
History of Ash Cave
Ash Cave, located in the Hocking Hills State Park, is named for large amounts of ash that early settlers discovered in the cave. No one knows exactly where the ashes came from, but many believe that Native Americans used Ash Cave for their shelter hundreds of years ago. The largest pile of ashes found here was thirty feet wide and three feet deep and is thought to come from their campfires.
When it was first found by early settlers, Ash Cave was used as a temporary church. Keep an eye out for the Pulpit Rock at the opening of the enormous cave!
Visiting The Cave
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate; One-way.
- Fun Fact: The cave has great natural acoustics!
The trail leading to Ash Cave is paved, so it is easily accessible for everyone — including those in wheelchairs and strollers. This hike is fun for all ages, and there is even a picnic area by the parking lot for you to enjoy. However, we recommend getting one of our brown bag lunches from Kindred Spirits and eating it by the cave itself so you can take in its beauty as you relax.
Attend an Event At Ash Cave
Ash Cave is a staple in our community, and there are always events going on here! Visitors and locals gather for events in the Hocking Hills State Park throughout the year. Our favorites include the Sweethearts Hike and Christmas in Ash Cave, which both take place during the winter. Picture this: the leaves have fallen from the trees and quite possibly there will be a blanket of snow covering the ground during your winter getaway.
1. Christmas in Ash Cave
- Dates: December 13th and 14th
- Time: 5-7 PM
As the small towns in the Hocking Hills areas are “dressed” in their finest holiday apparel, Christmas in Ash Cave offers two days holiday fun with a natural slant, featuring a lighted walk along the trail that leads to the cave and the opportunity to warm yourself in front of the flames of a roaring fire as Christmas music fills the air around you and Santa of old visits with your kids. And because nature’s creatures deserve to enjoy the beauty of the holiday, visitors can help decorate the Christmas tree, filling its boughs with handmade ornaments that shine bright.
2. The Sweetheart Hike
- Date: February 14th
The annual Sweetheart Hike is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Every February, couples take a guided stroll to the cave and enjoy several short stops along the way. A campfire, free cookies, and hot chocolate await your arrival.
Other Facts About Ash Cave
Ash Cave measures nearly 700 feet from end to end and is 100 feet deep. At the center, there is a stunning waterfall that rains over the recess. If you want to see the waterfall, we recommend heading over in the spring when the snow is melting. During this time, you can also see the colorful wildflowers that blanket the forest floor! Or, you can see the falls turn into an incredible ice formation in the winter.
Are There Any Other Attractions Around Ash Cave?
Yes! Other area attractions in the State Park include:
- Cantwell Cliffs.
- Rockbridge State Nature Preserve.
- Rose Lake.
- Whispering Cave.
- Old Man’s Cave.
- Cedar Falls.
Book Your Stay One of Our Cabins Near Ash Cave
Your adventures in and around Ash Cave in Hocking Hills will be enhanced by the comforts and relaxation you will enjoy in our Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls Ash Cave cabins. These cabins invite guests in with a warmth that extends to fireplaces in the living areas, thick and colorful bedding in the bedrooms, and hot tubs on the deck! Coming home to our Ash Cave cabins will be the highlight of a day filled with wondrous adventures, so reserve these charming escapes today!