Ash Cave
4.9(4.2K)google
4.8(23)yelp
CaveNatureWheelchair Accessible
Overview
The largest recess cave in Ohio, located within the spectacular Hocking Hills State Park. This massive, horseshoe-shaped sandstone cavern spans 700 feet across and features a dramatic 90-foot waterfall cascading over the rim into a plunge pool, accessed via an easy, wheelchair-accessible path lined with hemlocks.
Practical Info
Mon7:00 AM – 5:00PM
Tue7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeThe largest, most spectacular horseshoe-shaped recessed recess cave in the region, boasting a 700-foot wide rim and a 90-foot plunging seasonal ribbon waterfall. Early morning before 8:00 AM from May to June is peerless; the flat, fully accessible paved gorge trail is beautifully peaceful, letting you look up at the massive overhanging blackhand sandstone in serene morning forest silence.
Getting ThereLocated centrally within the southern tier of Hocking Hills State Park at 27291 State Route 56 near South Bloomingville, OHI. No cellular signals or rail links exist; downloading offline routing apps and driving are mandatory. Travel straight east out of town along the winding forested bends of OH-56 E; the prominent log visitor center and massive free gravel surface lot will appear clearly on your right.
Travel Tips
- The massive recess cave structures amplify sound mechanics like an amphitheater. External speakers are banned; park rangers maintain absolute natural quietude rules.
- The gorge floor link spans 0.25 miles of flat, ADA-compliant paved asphalt. Climbing upper rim links out of the amphitheater requires aggressive-tread hiking boots.
Photo Tips
Best LightTo capture the ephemeral seasonal waterfall dropping cleanly without wind sway, shoot from 07:30 to 09:00 before solar thermals create harsh shadow blowouts.
Reviews
Positive
- This is Hocking Hills' most visually stunning geological feature! The colossal semi-circular cavern recess is awe-inspiring, paired with a ribbon-like waterfall.
- The primary trail heading into Ash Cave is wide, flat, and fully paved for ADA compliance, allowing strollers or wheelchairs to smoothly glide right in.
- Entry is entirely free, and unlike Old Man's Cave, the trek is brief—taking just about 15 minutes from the cars, making it accessible for seniors and kids.
- The massive sandy floor beneath the rock recess is clean, offering a therapeutic underfoot feel, combined with exceptional natural acoustics.
Heads up
- Because the trail is brief and ends at a single cul-de-sac, tour groups pack the recess tightly, creating echoing chatter that kills the serene vibe.
- During severe summer dry spells, the delicate waterfall can completely dry up, leaving a bare rock face that degrades the photographic punch.
- The infrastructure is low-scale; the dedicated lot regularly hits maximum capacity during peaks, and the sole restroom choice is a basic outdoor pit toilet.
- Unless you hook up with longer advanced hiking loops, viewing this spot wraps up in 20 minutes, making dedicated non-driving runs a waste.