Cantwell Cliffs Loop Trail

Overview

Cantwell Cliffs delivers classic Hocking Hills drama in a compact package. This is a 0.9‑mile loop (total) with about 223 feet of gain, carved into towering Black Hand Sandstone. Expect steep stone stairways, tight passages, and big payoff views from the rim before dropping into a shady gorge. It’s farther from the park’s marquee spots, so you often get more solitude than elsewhere. Dogs are allowed on leash.

What You’ll See

Sheer sandstone walls, a deep, cool gorge, and a signature narrow passage nicknamed “The Squeeze” formed by massive slump blocks. Look for rock shelters sculpted by Buck Run’s erosion; after rain, small waterfalls spill from the cliff face, and in winter they freeze into photogenic curtains. Spring brings a burst of wildflowers—trillium, jack‑in‑the‑pulpit, columbine, and foamflower—beneath hemlock, beech, and mixed hardwoods. Up top, rim overlooks open to wide views; down below, the gorge is all boulders, roots, and mossy sandstone.

Trail Experience

From the parking area, a short approach leads you to long, worn stone steps and immediate elevation change. Surfaces can be slick when damp, and some stairs are uneven. The loop is signed and typically hiked one way; many visitors pair the rim and gorge loops for a figure‑8 of roughly 2 miles. Plan about 45–60 minutes for the 0.9‑mile loop, longer if you explore both loops or take it slow on the stairs.

Geology, In Brief

The cliffs are Black Hand Sandstone—hard caprock over softer middle layers—shaped by Buck Run and ancient floods that helped carve today’s gorges. The rock’s texture and bedding create recess caves, narrow slots, and those massive toppled blocks you’ll thread between.

Tips & Tricks

• Footing first: sturdy shoes or boots are a must; trekking poles help on the steep, slick stair sections.
• The Squeeze is tight—pack light and be ready to turn sideways.
• Signage can be sparse; grab a map at the trailhead or download one before you lose signal.
• It’s usually quieter here than Old Man’s Cave or Ash Cave, but weekends still see a bump.

Best Time to Hike

Open year‑round from dawn to dusk. Spring shows off wildflowers and post‑rain cascades. After any good rain, expect the best water; in winter, come for ice formations but prepare for very slick steps. For fewer people, aim for weekdays or early/late in the day.