At the end of a long day of outdoor activities, we headed for a bit more fun in the Hocking Hills area. Our destination was Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills State Park. This attraction is free to enjoy, offers a grand hike with endless terrain changes and is situated right on State Route 664.
The overall history is based on a man that was known as a hermit, Richard Rowe who lived in the very large, offset, cave in the gorge. It’s that plain and simple yet the path of beauty that is waiting to greet you is unbelievable. While the story is simple, the environment is incredible and a mixed habitat of wildlife, running water, plants, trees and more.
Nature is at its best presentation in Old Man’s Cave and in the same 6 miles, we also discovered hiking trails for Cedar Falls and Ash Cave.
The area offers miles of fresh air, wildlife and the ability to just hang out. What you won’t find is cell service, so leave the phone at home unless you using it for photos, because it is an Off The Grid situation.
Lavishly live travel out loud at Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills State Park, located in Ohio, a free attraction that will provide you an entrancing adventure.
The Trek To Old Man’s Cave 
We began our descent down a staircase of steps along sidewalls of stone. On the inside of the wall, there was a carved waterfall area without water running as it has been quite dry.
I will advise watching your footing as you go along because it is slippery something like walking on top of sand that is on top of slate steps.
There really are no guard rails or guide rails and you definitely don’t want to step to the edge on any of these areas throughout the walking area.
The backdrop for photos as incredible as you can tell as you get closer and closer it just becomes breathtaking.
Tips and tricks 
I suggest going later in the day or earlier in the day. Peak season for hiking this trail: spring summer and fall. You will find most cabins and lodges are sold out, but keep calling and looking for cancellations, it happens.
Get to Old Man’s Cave earlier in the day or later in the day. This is because many many people travel to this area and sometimes there’s even a wait to get down the trail. No thanks!
We visited later in the day and it was still quite busy and that can take away from photo opportunities as you were bumping and other people and they are bumping into you, it kind of takes away from the natural beauty.
Photo Opps & Wildlife
Watch for snakes and spiders along the way as we saw both. The bridges make for a perfect backdrops when taking photos because you can get a photo from either side and it allows you the elevation. Look at this one bridge we were on, it was pretty cool, truly not that high, but I am a Height-a-phobe!
Walking through the carved out tunnels is quite dark you may want to use your phone flashlight to see your stepping.
Always be mindful of your stepping when you are walking as there are roots along the way from trees and different elevations in the path.
Areas underneath the carved out caving areas are wet and moist and can be very slippery so take caution when stepping and walking away from the area.
There are paths to walk above Old Man’s Cave and below it – just look for them, we just didn’t see them initially.
Useful Information
While there are areas for stoppage along the way there are not picnic tables to eat along the way so this is not the area to stop and dine.
Bathroom facilities are before you begin entering into the Old Man’s Cave paths.
The steps that are cut into the final entrance that leads up to the epic part of the cave are phenomenal for photos. It is also noteworthy however to know that the steps are very slippery and we watch more than one person slip while we were there so watch your footing. This is definitely a destination you will want to see, it is free of charge, and your photo opportunities are endless.
Lavishly live travel out loud and head for the destination of Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills State Park and then if you are hungry, check out my where to eat while in the Hocking Hills Area, I have a few suggestions for you and we ate at both.
Alice Miller says
June 29, 2018 at 1:56 pmThanks for sharing so much information. Ideas like these are so useful for a hiking freak like me! Looking forward to going for this hike real soon! 🙂
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Dana Vento says
July 1, 2018 at 4:00 pmOh the hiking here is extremely fun!
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Peachy says
July 24, 2017 at 6:46 amOld Man Cave looks magical. Your photos captured it perfectly. I wish I could see this in person right now.
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Ali Rost says
July 24, 2017 at 4:06 amWhat a fun place to spend an afternoon! My husband and I have been on a mission this summer to visit more state parks and also places like Old Man’s Cave. It’s so much fun to take our dogs and simply be together. x
candy says
July 23, 2017 at 4:13 pmWhat a really cool place to visit and do some exploring. Old Man Cave is beautiful. We love visiting and seeing places like this.
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Lori Bosworth says
July 23, 2017 at 3:15 pmOld Man’s Cave looks like a great free attraction if visiting Ohio. You took some amazing photos along your hike!
Lori Bosworth recently posted..What’s Open and Closed August 7, 2017 in Toronto
Chubskulit Rose says
June 23, 2017 at 10:35 amI love family adventures like this, you can learn a lot from a place. This cave reminds me of the one that we visited few years back.
Tony says
June 19, 2017 at 7:14 pmOld man’s cave…wow…never heard of this before! Those pictures make me wanna walk right through it. Sure wish you could show more pictures of the inside. Was it just brick and dust..or did dude have a flat screen and a couch in there too lol.
Geraldine says
June 14, 2017 at 4:43 amOld Man’s Cave huh! I wonder why it wasn’t named Hermit’s Cave… LOL! Anyways, thanks for sharing those awesome photos. It feels like we went for a walk there too. Hopefully someday we’ll have time to visit.
Maury Cheskes says
June 13, 2017 at 5:15 pmWow, this sounds especially sweet because I have been cooped up inside for a number of weeks. I would really like a chance like this to get away from text messaging and be able to embark on a noble quest. I’m game.
elaine says
June 13, 2017 at 2:00 pm“The backdrop for photos as incredible as you can tell as you get closer and closer it just becomes breathtaking” What I think that, when you climb the rock, you might tried to work out and go ahead to face the challenge.
Tom Esthber says
June 13, 2017 at 10:54 amAww man i would love to visit this place! I love taking pictures of nature so a free pass to a natural tourist site would be a miracle for me!
Shonda says
June 13, 2017 at 10:39 amThanks Dana! It reminds me that my son has been begging for us to go on a trail hike. I will have to check our local parks and see if we need a reservation to do so. Beautiful location!
Albeneth says
June 13, 2017 at 8:59 amWhat a view! I love to explore places where there is fun and adventure. I think this Old Man’s Cave is worth to travel sights by every adventurer.
Mau says
June 13, 2017 at 7:23 amThe place looks awesome! I’m not really into hiking but it’s always nice to be surrounded by nature. And it looks like a great family activity, too.
Rebi says
June 13, 2017 at 5:04 amWow looks at that! I want to go here! This place can help me have fun and enjoy!
nightcrawlerxmen says
June 12, 2017 at 11:45 pmIt has been my dream to visit a cave like this. It looks scary at night to be honest as with any structures like this.
Heather says
July 22, 2016 at 3:37 pmIt looks so beautiful there! How fun!