Old Man's Cave
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The most popular of all the Hocking areas is Old Man's Cave, located on State Route 664. Here at the Upper Falls, the Grandma Gatewood Trail begins its six-mile course connecting three of the park's areas: Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls to Ash Cave. This same trail has been designated as part of Ohio's Buckeye Trail as well as part of two national systems - the North Country Scenic Trail and America's Discovery Trail.

Old Man's Cave derives its name from the hermit Richard Rowe who lived in...
Highlights
Upper Falls

The Upper Falls is a picturesque waterfall that cascades into a clear pool below. Whether in the summer, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged sandstone cliffs, or in the winter, surrounded by snow and frozen in mid-fall, the falls create a tranquil and scenic spot perfect for nature lovers and photographers. The trail can be viewed from above via the Gorge Entrance and Exit Trail. The Grandma Gatewood trail will take you to the pool below.

Devil's Bathtub

It's a smooth, swirling basin carved out of the Blackhand sandstone by the constant flow of water over thousands of years. The bathtub is fed by a small waterfall, and the water spirals down through the narrow, cylindrical formation before continuing its journey downstream. The name "Devil's Bathtub" comes from the eerie, otherworldly appearance of the swirling water and the deep, mysterious pool it creates. Hike down the Grandma Gatewood Trail to view it.

Whale in the Wall

This natural sculpture is characterized by its smooth, curving lines that mimic the shape of a whale's body and head. The formation appears as though the whale is partially embedded in the rock face. Hike down the Grandma Gatewood Trail to view it.

Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock is an outcropping of sandstone rock eroded over time to resemble the head of an eagle poking out into the gorge. Eagle Rock can be reached via Grandma Gatewood Trail.

A-Frame Bridge

The A-Frame Bridge is a charming and rustic structure that spans a scenic section of the gorge. Its name comes from the distinctive A-frame shape of the supports that hold up the bridge. Made primarily of wood, the bridge blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings, providing a picturesque crossing point over the flowing stream below. The bridge is accessed via the Gorge Entrance/Exit Trails.

Old Man's Cave

The cave is actually a recess cave, a large overhanging cliff carved out by erosion, creating a sheltered space beneath. This natural shelter is named after Richard Rowe, a hermit who lived in the cave in the 19th century. The cave can be accessed via the Gorge Entrance/Exit Trails.

Turtle Rock

Turtle Rock is a distinctive rock formation that resembles the shape of a turtle. This natural sculpture is characterized by its rounded, dome-like top and flatter base, mimicking the appearance of a turtle's shell. The formation is composed of the region's characteristic Blackhand sandstone, which has been sculpted by years of erosion. Hike down the Grandma Gatewood Trail to view it.

Sphinx Head

The Sphinx Head resembles the profile of an Egyptian Sphinx, with distinct features that have been shaped over time by natural erosion. This formation is part of the diverse sandstone landscape in the Hocking Hills, known for its unique and striking rock structures. Take the Grandma Gatewood Trail to view it.

Lower Falls

The Lower Falls is a beautiful and serene waterfall that cascades into a clear, shallow pool below. This waterfall is smaller and more intimate compared to the Upper Falls, but it is equally picturesque. The water flows over a rocky ledge, creating a gentle curtain of water that splashes into the pool surrounded by smooth sandstone rocks. Can be viewed from above via the Gorge Entrance and Exit Trail. The Grandma Gatewood trail will take you to the pool below.

Broken Rock Falls

Broken Rock Falls is a hidden gem within the park, known for its secluded and tranquil setting. This waterfall features a graceful cascade of water that flows down a series of rocky steps and ledges, creating a tiered effect as it descends. Access the Falls via the Broken Rock Trail.

Trail Map
Photos of Old Mans Cave
Photos of Broken Rock Trail
Photos of Buckeye Trail
Photos of Gorge Entrance/Exit Trails
Photos of Gorge Overlook Trail
Photos of Grandma Gatewood trail
Nearby Activities and Attractions
Campgrounds
Old Man's Cave
State
Ash Cave
Highlights
Upper Falls

The Upper Falls is a picturesque waterfall that cascades into a clear pool below. Whether in the summer, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged sandstone cliffs, or in the winter, surrounded by snow and frozen in mid-fall, the falls create a tranquil and scenic spot perfect for nature lovers and photographers. The trail can be viewed from above via the Gorge Entrance and Exit Trail. The Grandma Gatewood trail will take you to the pool below.

Devil's Bathtub

It's a smooth, swirling basin carved out of the Blackhand sandstone by the constant flow of water over thousands of years. The bathtub is fed by a small waterfall, and the water spirals down through the narrow, cylindrical formation before continuing its journey downstream. The name "Devil's Bathtub" comes from the eerie, otherworldly appearance of the swirling water and the deep, mysterious pool it creates. Hike down the Grandma Gatewood Trail to view it.

Whale in the Wall

This natural sculpture is characterized by its smooth, curving lines that mimic the shape of a whale's body and head. The formation appears as though the whale is partially embedded in the rock face. Hike down the Grandma Gatewood Trail to view it.

Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock is an outcropping of sandstone rock eroded over time to resemble the head of an eagle poking out into the gorge. Eagle Rock can be reached via Grandma Gatewood Trail.

A-Frame Bridge

The A-Frame Bridge is a charming and rustic structure that spans a scenic section of the gorge. Its name comes from the distinctive A-frame shape of the supports that hold up the bridge. Made primarily of wood, the bridge blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings, providing a picturesque crossing point over the flowing stream below. The bridge is accessed via the Gorge Entrance/Exit Trails.

Old Man's Cave

The cave is actually a recess cave, a large overhanging cliff carved out by erosion, creating a sheltered space beneath. This natural shelter is named after Richard Rowe, a hermit who lived in the cave in the 19th century. The cave can be accessed via the Gorge Entrance/Exit Trails.

Turtle Rock

Turtle Rock is a distinctive rock formation that resembles the shape of a turtle. This natural sculpture is characterized by its rounded, dome-like top and flatter base, mimicking the appearance of a turtle's shell. The formation is composed of the region's characteristic Blackhand sandstone, which has been sculpted by years of erosion. Hike down the Grandma Gatewood Trail to view it.

Sphinx Head

The Sphinx Head resembles the profile of an Egyptian Sphinx, with distinct features that have been shaped over time by natural erosion. This formation is part of the diverse sandstone landscape in the Hocking Hills, known for its unique and striking rock structures. Take the Grandma Gatewood Trail to view it.

Lower Falls

The Lower Falls is a beautiful and serene waterfall that cascades into a clear, shallow pool below. This waterfall is smaller and more intimate compared to the Upper Falls, but it is equally picturesque. The water flows over a rocky ledge, creating a gentle curtain of water that splashes into the pool surrounded by smooth sandstone rocks. Can be viewed from above via the Gorge Entrance and Exit Trail. The Grandma Gatewood trail will take you to the pool below.

Broken Rock Falls

Broken Rock Falls is a hidden gem within the park, known for its secluded and tranquil setting. This waterfall features a graceful cascade of water that flows down a series of rocky steps and ledges, creating a tiered effect as it descends. Access the Falls via the Broken Rock Trail.

Nearby Events
OCT 15
Old Mans Cave Hike
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
OCT 18
Coffee Filter Bats
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
OCT 22
Old Mans Cave Hike
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
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