Exploring Old Man’s Cave – A Natural Gem In Hocking Hills

Nestled within the picturesque Hocking Hills region of Ohio, Old Man’s Cave stands as a testament to the ancient forces that shaped our planet. This captivating natural wonder draws visitors from far and wide, offering a blend of history, rugged beauty, and outdoor adventure. Let’s delve into the heart of Old Man’s Cave, uncovering its rich past and the awe-inspiring features that make it a must-see destination.

Old Man’s Cave is just one of 7 major hiking trails that make up the Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio. The loop trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and begins at the kiosk at Upper Falls (opposite end of the parking lot from the Visitors Center).

A Brief History of Old Man’s Cave

The Hermit and the Gorge

Old Man’s Cave derives its name from the hermit Richard Rowe, who lived in the large recess cave of the gorge. Rowe’s family settled in the Ohio River Valley around 1796, leaving behind the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee. As a trader, Rowe and his two loyal dogs roamed Ohio in search of game. During one of his explorations up Salt Creek, he stumbled upon the Hocking Region. Rowe spent the rest of his life here, eventually being laid to rest beneath the ledge of the main recess cave.

Before Rowe, the cave was inhabited by two brothers, Nathaniel and Pat Rayon, who arrived in the area in 1795. They built a permanent cabin near the cave entrance, and both brothers are buried nearby. The remnants of their cabin were later relocated to a nearby farm for use as a tobacco drying house.

The Geological Marvel

Old Man’s Cave is divided into five principal sections along the valley of Old Man’s Creek:

1. Upper Falls: The trail begins at the kiosk near Upper Falls. Visitors can choose from two exits:
   • Exit 1: Leads to Old Man’s Cave and ends at the Naturalist Cabin and Visitor Center (approximately 1 mile).
   • Exit 2: Takes hikers past Old Man’s Cave to Lower Falls, following a steep incline with an elevation change at the winding stairway (approximately 1.5 miles).
2. Upper Gorge: The magnificent gorge cuts through the entire 150-foot thickness of the Blackhand sandstone. Carved by the creek, it serves as an avenue for visitors to peer into the earth’s subsurface.
3. Middle Falls: A serene spot where water cascades over rocks, creating a soothing soundtrack for hikers. This is where you will experience the actual recessed cave.
4. Lower Falls: A hidden gem, this waterfall slides down a rock face before making a straight drop into the creek below. It’s about 25 feet tall and less crowded than the Upper Falls.
5. Lower Gorge: Here, narrow paths wind along cliffs, offering breathtaking views and unique rock formations like the Sphinx Head.

The New Visitor Center

In the summer of 2019, Old Man’s Cave welcomed its new Hocking Hills State Park visitor center. Spanning 8,500 square feet, this modern facility provides knowledge and history of the area. Interactive exhibits educate visitors about the geographical nature of Hocking Hills and help plan visits to all areas of the state park. Don’t miss the 5,000-square-foot veranda, perfect for soaking in the natural beauty.

Must-See Features of Old Man’s Cave

1. New Visitor Center: Immerse yourself in the park’s history and plan your adventure.
2. Upper Falls: A famous spot in the cave with turquoise water cascading over a 20-foot waterfall. Stroll across the footbridge for a birds-eye view of the falls. Then descend down the trail to the bottom of the falls and immerse yourself in its serene and awe-inspiring ambiance.
3. Devil’s Bathtub: Cross the rock bridge and marvel at this geological wonder.
4. The Gorge: Peer into the earth’s depths as you walk through the magnificent gorge.
5. A-Frame Bridge: man-made path above the gorge makes it fun for everyone to explore the trail and views.
6. Sphinx Head: Natural rock formation, appropriately named, resembles the head of a sphinx. View it from a distance for the best perspective. Trail marker alerts visitors to this beautiful feature.
7. Lower Falls: Discover the lesser-known waterfall, tucked away in serene surroundings.
8. Broken Rock Falls: An impressive 60-foot waterfall, named for the way it appears to cut a giant rock in half. Watch the trail markers for this short out & back trail so you don’t miss this awe-inspiring area of the park. Well worth the short detour!

Hiking Trails and Beyond

After you’ve explored the Upper Falls, trekked down past the cave to Lower Falls, and taken the short detour to experience Broken Rock Falls, you might consider continuing your adventure to one of the other beautiful areas of Hocking Hills State Park. But be prepared — you’ll need to hike a few extra miles and navigate some challenging terrain. Don’t worry, it will be well worth your time!

• Grandma Gatewood Trail (blue): This 5.3 mile trail connects Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. It’s part of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail and national systems like the North Country Scenic Trail and America’s Discovery Trail.
• Gorge Overlook Trail (red): A 2.8 mile trail to Cedar Falls.
• Whispering Cave Trail (purple): Trailhead is near the Visitor Center for this 1.7 mile trail to the breathtaking Whispering Cave.

NOTE: There is no bus or shuttle service for hikers parked at Old Man’s Cave, so plan accordingly!

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, Old Man’s Cave promises an unforgettable experience. Explore its trails, soak in the beauty, and connect with the ancient stories etched into its sandstone walls.

Take Nothing But Pictures, Leave Nothing But Footprints, Kill Nothing But Time

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