Old Man's Cave is the most visited trail in Hocking Hills State Park and the starting point for most first-time visitors. It's also the most complex — multiple waterfalls, rock formations, a namesake cave, and several trail exits that can confuse newcomers. Here's the complete walkthrough.
The Story Behind the Name
The cave is named for Richard Retzler, a trapper and hermit who lived in one of the recess caves here sometime in the 1700s. His body was discovered by two boys exploring the cave nearly a century after his death. The site was initially called Dead Man's Cave before being softened to the less macabre "Old Man's Cave." Local folklore claims his ghost — accompanied by a white wolfhound — still guards the gorge.
Getting There and Parking
Old Man's Cave is located on State Route 664 South, Logan, OH 43138. The parking lot is the largest in the park and includes the main Visitor Center with restrooms, snack machines, educational exhibits, and ranger information. GPS coordinates: approximately 39.4333, -82.5417.
Despite being the largest lot, it fills fast — especially on summer and fall weekends between 10 AM and 3 PM. Arrive before 9 AM for guaranteed parking. Overflow parking is available, and the Hocking Hills Shuttle Service connects major trailheads during peak season.
Trail Overview
The main loop is approximately 1 to 1.5 miles and takes 60-90 minutes depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. It's a one-way trail system — follow the directional markers. The trail is rated moderate: stone staircases, narrow paths, some elevation change, and uneven surfaces. Sturdy shoes are essential.
What You'll See (In Order)
Upper Falls
The trail begins at the kiosk near the Upper Falls — a wide cascade where the creek drops into the upper gorge. A wheelchair-accessible path runs from the park office past the visitor center to an observation deck overlooking Upper Falls (about half a mile, with ramp). This is as far as wheelchair users can go; the gorge trail beyond requires navigating stairs.
Upper Gorge
Stone stairways descend into the gorge, lined with towering hemlock trees and Black Hand sandstone walls. The gorge narrows as you go deeper, and the temperature drops noticeably — even on hot summer days, the shaded gorge floor is significantly cooler.
Middle Falls and the Sphinx Head
The trail passes a smaller cascade and the famous Sphinx Head — a natural rock formation that resembles the profile of the Egyptian Sphinx. It's on the left side of the trail just before you cross the stone bridge beneath the cave. Easy to miss if you're not looking for it.
Old Man's Cave
The namesake recess cave is carved into the gorge wall — a wide overhang where Retzler reportedly lived. You walk through the cave as part of the trail loop. The acoustics amplify the sound of the creek below.
Lower Falls and Devil's Bathtub
Below the cave, the trail descends to the Lower Falls — the most photographed feature on the trail. The water drops into Devil's Bathtub, a deep plunge pool carved by centuries of erosion. No swimming allowed. A stone bridge crosses the creek here, offering views from multiple angles.
Lower Gorge
Past the Lower Falls, the trail continues through the lower gorge before climbing back up to the visitor center area. Two exit options: Exit 1 (about 1 mile, 60 min) ends at the Naturalist Cabin and Visitor Center. Exit 2 follows a steeper route with more elevation change, also ending at the visitor center.
Extended Hikes from Old Man's Cave
The Old Man's Cave parking area serves as a trailhead for several connecting trails:
Broken Rock Falls: A spur trail past the Lower Falls leads to a moderately strenuous side trip (90+ stairs) to a waterfall flowing through a crevice of broken rocks. Less crowded than the main loop.
Whispering Cave / Hemlock Bridge Trail: A 5-mile one-way loop with a swinging bridge and a 300-foot-wide recess cave. Plan for the full loop — the one-way system doesn't allow turning back.
Grandma Gatewood Trail to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave: The Blue Trail connects Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls (3 miles one way) and continues to Ash Cave (6 miles total). This is the route used for the Annual Winter Hike. It passes through Rose Lake and Division of Forestry land — quieter and more remote than the main gorge.
Best strategy: Hike the main Old Man's Cave loop first (60-90 min), then drive to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave separately rather than hiking the full connecting trail. Save the 6-mile Gatewood Trail for a dedicated day when you can arrange shuttle transportation back.
When to Go
Early morning (before 9 AM): Best for photos, parking, and solitude. Mist in the gorge creates atmospheric conditions.
Spring: Peak waterfall flow. Muddy trails — waterproof boots essential.
Fall: Peak color in the gorge — hemlock green against deciduous reds and golds. Also peak crowds.
Winter: Frozen waterfalls and ice formations. Stunning but treacherous — microspikes required.
Avoid: Summer weekend afternoons (10 AM-3 PM). Parking overflows, trails are shoulder-to-shoulder, and the heat in the exposed sections is intense.
Stay Near Old Man's Cave
Cabins within minutes of the trailhead — wake up and be on the trail before the crowds arrive.
Find a Nearby Cabin →