Old Man's Cave

Sandstone gorge with waterfalls, bridges, and a storied recess cave

InsideHocking Hills State Park

Overview

Old Man’s Cave is the park’s headline act: a dramatic sandstone gorge carved into Blackhand Sandstone, with a storied recess cave named for 19th‑century hermit Richard Rowe. The gorge concentrates everything people come to Hocking Hills to see—waterfalls, tight passages, stone bridges, and weathered rock that looks sculpted on purpose.

What You’ll See

Upper Falls and its plunge pool kick things off, then the creek slides into the swirling pothole of Devil’s Bathtub before you reach the A‑Frame Bridge and the namesake recess cave.
Continue to Lower Falls and the short spur to Broken Rock Falls; keep an eye out for rock shapes locals love to point out—Eagle Rock, Sphinx Head, and Turtle Rock.
Trails are well‑signed but expect stairs, uneven stone, roots, and narrow ledges in spots.

Routes & Connections

The core one‑way loop runs roughly 1.0–1.5 miles from Upper Falls through the gorge.
Want more? The Grandma Gatewood Trail links Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave (about 6 miles one‑way) as part of the Buckeye Trail, which also carries the North Country and America’s Discovery Trail designations.

Geology, Fast

These gorges were etched over millions of years where water exploited joints in the Blackhand Sandstone—an ancient, cross‑bedded stream deposit from the Mississippian Period. That mix of hard and softer layers is why recess caves and sheer cliff walls sit side by side, and why features like Devil’s Bathtub formed where sand and pebbles churned a pothole.

Cool-Weather Forest Feel

The gorge’s shady, moist microclimate shelters northerly species like eastern hemlock and Canada yew—relics that hung on here after the last glaciers retreated. It’s one reason the place feels markedly cooler and greener than the ridgetops above.

Best Time to Visit

Fall brings peak color and perfect hiking temps.
Winter is quieter and can produce striking ice; regulars swear by it.
Spring delivers the strongest waterfall flow and wildflowers.
Summer is busiest—aim for weekdays and start early. In peak seasons, arriving before 10 a.m. keeps parking and crowds manageable. Waterfall volume swings with recent rain; late‑summer dry spells can mean a trickle.

Practicalities

Start at the Visitor Center by the main parking area—use the flush restrooms here; there are none in the gorge. Trails are pet‑friendly on leash. No swimming or wading is allowed. Footing can be slick any time of year, so grippy shoes (and even light traction in winter) are smart. Most folks spend up to 1.5 hours on the core loop.

Pros

Showcase loop strings together Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, the recess cave, and Lower Falls
Visitor Center right by the trailhead with restrooms, maps, and exhibits
Direct connections to longer routes like the Grandma Gatewood/Buckeye Trail

Cons

Crowded on weekends and midday; parking fills quickly
Stone stairs and wet rock can be slick, especially near waterfalls
Waterfall flow varies widely and can be low during dry spells

Tips

Use the Visitor Center restrooms before dropping into the gorge—there are none below.
Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays to avoid parking headaches.
Wear grippy shoes; the stone steps and ledges are slick when wet.
Expect variable waterfall flow—go after rain for the best show.
No swimming or wading is allowed anywhere along the route.