Pros & cons
PROS
- Usually much quieter than the big-name Hocking Hills trails
- Impressive height when flowing, with the chance to stand very close
CONS
- Highly seasonal flow; summer can be a dry wall
- No facilities at the trailhead and cell service is unreliable
- Trail can be muddy with a few short steeper spots near the end
Gravel lot at the Hocking State Forest Rock Climbing & Rappelling Area on Big Pine Road (near 39.4587, -82.5584). Free parking; no restrooms; spotty cell service. The trail starts across the road at a small footbridge.
Seasonal waterfall and slick rock near the falls; expect mud after rain. Watch for climbers and avoid standing below active routes. Cross Big Pine Road carefully. Keep dogs out of the shallow pools to protect salamanders.
Overview
This is a mellow, 1.2‑mile total out‑and‑back with just 32 feet of gain—an easy stroll that still feels adventurous. Although many people lump it into “Hocking Hills,” the path and falls sit in adjacent Hocking State Forest, right next to the park. It’s a great pick when you want a quick, low‑effort hike with a solid payoff—provided the water is running.
What You’ll See
From the roadside start, you’ll cross a small metal/suspension footbridge and follow a forest path along the base of sandstone cliffs to a recessed amphitheater. When flowing, Big Spring Hollow Falls drops as a tall, wispy ribbon (often cited around the 100–120‑foot range) and you can stand very close, sometimes even behind the curtain. Expect lush forest, seasonal wildflowers, big boulders, and shallow pools that harbor salamanders—tread lightly on rocks to avoid disturbing them.
Trail Notes
The route is mostly flat with a few short, steeper bits near the end. It can be muddy after rain, and the rock near the falls gets slick. Crowd levels are typically low compared to the marquee Hocking Hills spots. Dogs are allowed; keep them leashed and out of the pools to protect amphibian habitat. You’re beside a designated rock‑climbing and rappelling zone—be mindful and avoid lingering directly below active routes. Use care crossing Big Pine Road at the start.
Best Time to Hike
This waterfall is highly seasonal. Go after a good rain or during snowmelt for the best show; late winter through spring and post‑storm fall days are your sweet spot. Summer dry spells often reduce the flow to a mist or nothing at all. If you want a sure‑thing experience close by, consider pairing this with a visit to nearby Conkle’s Hollow for classic cliff‑line scenery.
Getting There & Parking
Park at the Hocking State Forest Rock Climbing & Rappelling Area gravel lot on Big Pine Road (near 39.4587, -82.5584). There are no restrooms and cell service is spotty, so download maps ahead of time. From the lot, carefully cross Big Pine Road to the south side, cross the footbridge, then bear right along the cliff base for roughly half a mile to the falls.
Wildlife on this trail
Near Big Spring Hollow
All places →All trails →
Old Man's CaveSandstone gorge with waterfalls, bridges, and a storied recess caveTrailhead · Parking
Ash CaveOhio's biggest recess cave with a 90‑ft seasonal waterfallTrailhead · Parking
Conkle's Hollow State Nature PreserveTowering sandstone gorge with an easy walk and big-rim viewsTrailhead · Restroom
Old Man’s Cave Recess CaveA massive sandstone alcove hanging over a cool, ferny gorgeScenic Viewpoint
Whispering Cave TrailA one-way loop to a vast recess cave and a swinging bridge.Moderate · 5 mi · 2.5 hr
Old Man's Cave Loop TrailHocking Hills’ greatest hits in a tight, stair‑filled mileEasy · 1 mi · 1 hr
Whispering Cave LoopBig recess cave, swinging bridge, and a one-way 5-mile adventure.Moderate · 5 mi · 2.5 hrAsh Cave Gorge TrailOhio’s largest recess cave via a short, mostly accessible gorgeEasy · 0.5 mi · 42 min
