Spelunking is such an unusual word, one that makes us giggle every time we hear it and for some reason it is one of those words that never looks as if it is spelled correctly when written on a page. And although you wouldn’t think of it to see it, the word holds a vast amount of adventures just waiting to occur, especially when you choose to perform its function, exploring natural caves, in Hocking Hills. This region of Ohio is known for its natural beauty, its friendly people, our welcoming and comfortable Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls accommodations, and yes, for the variety of caves hidden in the most interesting nooks and today we are going to take current and future guests on a tour of the most popular ones located near the inn.
Ash Cave
The first cave we are going to explore today, Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park, is also the largest recess cave in the state of Ohio, giving spelunkers plenty of area to examine in detail, while also providing many photo opportunities that will ensure that the memories of your adventures will always remain crystal clear. Enjoy an easy spring hike through wildflowers and mature trees, finding your way to the entrance and taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the waterfalls that cascade over its rim. Inside, the horseshoe shaped cave stretches out about 700 feet in total and if you were wondering where the name Ash Cave came from, it is from the pile of ashes that offered a peek into how the cave was used by early settlers.
Rock House Cave
Although Ash Cave is the largest cave in the state, Rock House Cave is the closest thing we have to a real cave in the area. True caves are described as extending beyond the zone of light and are created in limestone while eroding from below. Hocking Hills caves are all made of sandstone and are referred to as recess caves but Rock House has many qualities that make it seem as if it extends beyond that light zone, offering 25 foot high ceilings, a 200 foot long corridor and much more. Used as shelter food was often baked here by the early settlers and many times was used as a hideout for the bad guys, including robbers, horse thieves, murderers, and bootleggers, giving the cave a colorful history.
Old Man’s Cave
As you continue your Hocking Hills spelunking, the final cave on our tour will be the one that is most famous, Old Man’s Cave, located on State Route 664. Named for the hermit, Richard Rowe, who made the cave his home in the late 18th century, the Old Man’s Cave area is a large one, divided into 5 sections that include gorges and falls. The trail that leads to the cave has been named a part of the Buckeye Trail, and the landscape that explorers will witness as they make their way to this interesting natural structure will never cease to amaze.
Unwind After Your Adventures At the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Hiking and spelunking are both wonderful ways to explore the Hocking Hills region, but we are sure you will be relieved to discover that there is nothing at all cave-like in our Ohio hideaways! Comfortable, welcoming, and oh so luxurious, they provide the perfect spots to retreat to at the end of a long day of Hocking Hills adventures. Reserve your favorite Hocking Hills lodging today!