Old Man’s Cave

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.