Old Man's Cave Upper Falls

Overview

Old Man's Cave Upper Falls is the postcard scene of the gorge—a ~20‑foot drop into a clear turquoise pool with a stone footbridge arching just above the lip. It’s the very start of the classic Old Man’s Cave hike, so you get big scenery almost immediately.

What You’ll See

From the bridge, peer straight down into the plunge pool, then follow the path to the base for different angles. Down-gorge you’ll pass the Upper Gorge, Middle Falls and the massive recess cave, then the popular Lower Falls and the Lower Gorge. Keep an eye out for quirky formations like Devil’s Bathtub (a swirling pothole) and the Sphinx Head rock.

Geology & Backstory

The gorge slices through about 150 feet of Blackhand Sandstone, carved by Old Man’s Creek. The area’s name nods to Richard Rowe, a late‑1700s hermit said to be buried beneath the big recess cave’s ledge; earlier, brothers Nathaniel and Pat Rayon built a cabin here in 1795.

How to Hike It

• Short and iconic: Start at the kiosk by the Upper Falls footbridge → descend through the gorge past the recess cave → Lower Falls → climb back to the Visitor Center (about 1.0–1.5 miles depending on exit).
• Longer sampler (5–5.3 miles): Portions of the Buckeye/Grandma Gatewood and rim trails link Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, Old Man’s Cave, Lower Falls, Rose Lake, and Cedar Falls. There’s no shuttle—plan your turnaround.
• A two‑way spur to Broken Rock Falls branches near the end of the loop.

Wildlife

Expect common forest company: white‑tailed deer, wild turkey, chipmunks, gray squirrels, songbirds and woodpeckers. Around wet rock and seeps, watch for salamanders and frogs. Nonvenomous snakes sometimes sun on warm stone—give them space.

Best Time to Visit

Crowds thin on weekdays and early mornings; aim to arrive before 10 a.m. in peak months. Spring brings lively flow and wildflowers, fall is prime for color, and winter can drape the falls in ice. Bright overcast or golden hour makes the green sandstone and pool tones pop.

Photography Tips

Classic frames include: from the footbridge looking downstream; from pool level looking back at the falls; and rim shots that include the bridge for scale. After a soaking rain, the waterfall is at its best; deep cold can create icy curtains.

Logistics, Amenities & Rules

Park at the main Visitor Center on OH‑664; exhibits, maps, and full restrooms are inside (the center opened in 2019). Trails here are moderate with stairs, uneven rock, and narrow sections—trekking poles help. Pets are permitted on leash. The main loop is one‑way; follow signage. No wading or swimming in creeks or waterfalls. In winter, traction aids are smart for icy steps and shaded rock.

If You Have More Time

The Grandma Gatewood Trail continues from Upper Falls to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave, tying into the Buckeye Trail and national long‑trail systems. It’s gorgeous—but there’s no shuttle, so arrange a car or plan to hike back.