The Hocking Hills region of Ohio is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Many visitors come to this area to explore the magic of Hocking Hills State Park, which is home to seven major hiking areas. Old Man’s Cave is the park’s most popular attraction! Here, you can follow the trail through the cave and explore its surrounding rock structures, cliffs, and waterfalls. Read on for more tips on visiting Old Man’s Cave in the Hocking Hills!
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Your Guide to Visiting Old Man’s Cave in the Hocking Hills
History
You may be wondering how Old Man’s Cave got its name. Particularly, who is the legendary “old man” of Old Man’s Cave? This cave derives its name from Richard Rowe, a hermit who lived under the rock shelter in the early 1800s. Rowe’s family moved to Ohio from the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee He stumbled upon the Hocking Hills region while traveling along the Scioto River. Rowe lived out his life in the area, and legend says he’s buried beneath the ledge of the main recess cave.
Earlier residents of the cave include Nathaniel and Pat Rayon. These brothers came to the area in 1795 and are also buried near the rock formation. Additionally, the cave served as a stopover for the Shawnee Native Americans on their route from West Virginia to villages along the Scioto River.
Areas
Old Man’s Cave is a natural rock formation carved into a gorge by the flow of the Salt Creek and melting glaciers. While the cave is relatively small, the gorge runs for about a half-mile and reaches a depth of roughly 150 feet. It’s marked by five distinct areas: Upper Falls, Upper Gorge, Middle Falls, Lower Falls, and Lower Gorge.
Hiking Trails at Old Man’s Cave
Old Man’s Cave is easy to access from the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls! The Grandma Gatewood Trail begins at the Welcome Center and takes a relatively straight route through the gorge to Old Man’s Cave. The trail then continues to the Sphinx Head and Overlook rock formations. With plenty of manmade steps and bridges along the way, this route is easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels!
Along the way, you can find the famed Devil’s Bathtub, a unique tiered waterfall, between the Upper Falls and Old Man’s Cave. For those interested in hiking through the gorge, the Grandma Gatewood Trail runs five miles further from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave!
Hocking Hills Winter Hike
If you’re planning on visiting Ohio in the winter, don’t miss the annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike. This guided, six-mile trek usually takes place on the third Saturday in January and leads hikers from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls to Ash Cave. The hike features fascinating stories, carolers, hot chocolate, and more!
Stay Nearby at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Searching for a place to stay near Old Man’s Cave in the Hocking Hills? Look no further than the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. Our property is surrounded on three sides by Hocking Hills State Park, so you can explore all the natural wonders on your bucket list! When you’re not out exploring, spend your time relaxing at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. We offer several lodging options including Hocking Hills cabins, yurts, cottages, geodomes, and Hocking Hills lodges. Guests can also enjoy our on-site restaurant, Kindred Spirits, and the Spa at Cedar Falls.
Check our availability to start planning your trip to the Hocking Hills!