Cantwell Cliffs

Cantwell Cliffs is a sandstone gorge and cliff area at the north end of Hocking Hills, reached from OH-374. A lower route winds between huge fallen blocks to a rock shelter; a separate rim trail climbs above the gorge to a view back into it. Come for the close, enclosed sandstone passages and the contrast from the top. If you want an easy stroll, choose somewhere else: steep stairs, uneven rock and exposed edges make this a demanding stop.

The full trail system is listed at 2 difficult miles, though route descriptions also break out a 1.1-mile upper rim loop and a short lower gorge route. The total depends on which sections you connect. Give yourself 60 to 90 minutes if you want to see both levels and stop at the overlook. The rim has lots of steps; roots, rough stone and exposed cliff edges call for steady footing. This isn't suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

The narrow passage called Fat Woman’s Squeeze is pinched between large blocks that slumped away from the main cliff. The valley route also reaches a sandstone rock shelter. Pause in the corridor and look up: the walls are separate slabs, close enough to make the passage feel much tighter than the open rim above.

Lookout Point on the east Rim Trail gives a view of the cliff and rock shelter. For a photo, frame the squeeze vertically so its tall walls close around the bright opening. Small falls in the area may be dry when water is low; the rock formations are the sure thing.

The cliffs are carved from Black Hand Sandstone deposited more than 350 million years ago. Uplift and stream erosion cut the valley, while the rock’s softer middle layer weathered into the recess shelter. Iron-rich concretions leave dark reddish-brown stains on some cliff faces, and the huge slump blocks now shape the narrow passages.

Black Camp Logan, CCC Company 526, was established atop Cantwell Cliffs in 1933. It was a segregated camp for Black workers; the company helped improve Cantwell Cliffs as well as Rock House and Rock Bridge before the camp closed in 1937. That history is tied directly to this part of the park.

The access road is OH-374 near Rockbridge, about 17 road miles from Old Man’s Cave. The trailhead has parking, picnic tables, grills and latrines, plus a reservable day-use shelter. There’s no on-site food service or potable-water source listed, so plan food and drinking water before you arrive. Pets are allowed on leash.