Hocking Hills' signature features — deep gorges carved over 340 million years — are inherently challenging terrain. Steep stone stairs, narrow cliffside paths, and uneven sandstone surfaces define most trails. But one trail stands out as a genuinely accessible experience that reaches a world-class geological feature: Ash Cave.
Ash Cave: The Accessible Must-See
The Ash Cave gorge trail is paved with asphalt, approximately 0.25 miles one-way (0.5 miles round trip), at least 6 feet wide, with a mostly gentle grade of 5% or less. Some steeper sections may require assistance for manual wheelchair users, but the trail is manageable for most power chairs and mobility scooters.
What the trail reaches is extraordinary: a horseshoe-shaped recess cave 700 feet wide and 83 feet deep — the largest recess cave in Ohio — with an 83-foot waterfall cascading from the rim. In winter, this waterfall freezes into a towering ice dome reaching 40 feet. In spring, it runs at full volume after snowmelt. The scale is genuinely awe-inspiring and would be a highlight of any national park, let alone a state park.
Practical note: The pavement ends where the cave floor begins. The cave floor is sand. Some wheelchair users may manage the packed sand near the edge, but approximately 15 feet of deeper sand separates the pavement from the cave interior. The parking lot has 2 designated van-accessible spaces with striped access aisles. Restrooms at the parking area have a wheelchair ramp but are pit toilets without running water.
Conkle's Hollow: Partially Accessible
The lower gorge trail at Conkle's Hollow features paved concrete and wooden boardwalk with railings for approximately 70–90% of its length (~0.75 miles one-way). The trail transitions to natural surface near the waterfall at the far end, which is not accessible. Grade is mostly gentle with some moderately steep sections. The parking lot has 4 designated van-accessible spaces. Flushing restrooms are available.
Important: Conkle's Hollow is a State Nature Preserve. Regular pets are prohibited — only ADA-defined service animals are permitted.
Old Man's Cave: One Accessible Overlook
The gorge trails at Old Man's Cave are not wheelchair accessible — they involve stairs, narrow paths, tunnels, and stream crossings. However, a wheelchair/stroller-accessible trail runs from the campground office past the Visitor Center to Lodge Road, including a ramp and observation deck at Upper Falls — the park's primary accessible overlook with views of the waterfall from above. The parking lot has 6 ADA parking spaces.
Cedar Falls, Rock House, Cantwell Cliffs
These three trails have no accessible sections. Cedar Falls requires descending many steep steps. Rock House involves a staircase into a cave. Cantwell Cliffs has the most challenging terrain in the park — narrow passages, steep stairs, and tight rock squeezes. All trailheads have paved parking with ADA-compliant spaces.
The Hocking Hills Lodge
The $40 million Lodge and Conference Center opened October 8, 2022, and as a new-build state facility, all public areas meet current ADA building codes. The lodge offers ADA-compliant guest rooms and 2 ADA-accessible cabins sleeping up to 5 guests with modified living room and bedroom layouts. To reserve accessible accommodations, call 1-800-282-7275 — specific accessible rooms must be requested at booking.
Lodge amenities include Rock House Restaurant (accessible), indoor/outdoor pools, all-season hot tub, fitness center, and the Grandma Gatewood Hikers Pavilion.
Service Animal Policies
At Ohio State Parks (Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Rock House, Cantwell Cliffs): Both leashed pets and service animals are permitted on trails.
At Ohio State Nature Preserves (Conkle's Hollow, Boch Hollow): All pets are prohibited. Only ADA-defined service animals used by individuals with disabilities are exempt. This means a person with a disability can bring their service dog into Conkle's Hollow, but a regular pet dog cannot enter regardless of leash status.
Christmas in Ash Cave: The Accessible Holiday Event
The annual Christmas in Ash Cave (December 12, 2026) uses the paved Ash Cave trail for a lantern-lit walk to the cave. Because the trail is paved and the event is specifically designed to be family-inclusive, it is one of the most accessible seasonal events in any Ohio state park. Free admission. Pet-friendly (leashed). Hot chocolate and cookies provided.
Plan Your Trip
Ash Cave is accessible, beautiful, and free. Plan your visit around the trail that welcomes everyone.