Not all Hocking Hills trails are created equal. Some are flat paved paths to dramatic scenery; others involve steep stairs, narrow cliff edges, and 200-foot elevation changes. This guide ranks every major trail area by difficulty so you can pick the right hike for your fitness level and group.

Easy: Accessible to Nearly Everyone

Ash Cave (Gorge Floor Trail)
Distance: 0.5 miles one way. Elevation change: minimal. Surface: paved. Difficulty: Easy.
The most accessible trail in the park. A flat, wide, paved path leads to Ohio's largest recess cave — a horseshoe-shaped overhang 700 feet wide and 90 feet deep. Wheelchair accessible with assistance. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Cedar Falls (from Ash Cave side)
Distance: 1.5 miles one way. Elevation change: about 150 feet. Surface: boardwalk and packed earth. Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
The trail from the Ash Cave parking area to Cedar Falls is relatively gentle compared to other approaches. Some stairs and boardwalk sections. The waterfall at the end is the widest in the park.

Moderate: Requires Reasonable Fitness

Old Man's Cave (Upper Gorge)
Distance: about 1 mile. Elevation change: 100–150 feet. Surface: stairs, packed earth, rock. Difficulty: Moderate.
The most popular trail in the park. Multiple stairways, narrow sections, and the gorge floor trail along the creek. The bridge views and waterfalls are the park's signature. Busy on weekends — arrive early.

Rock House
Distance: 0.5 miles one way. Elevation change: about 150 feet. Surface: stairs and rock. Difficulty: Moderate.
The approach involves a steady descent on stairs to the cave entrance. Rock House is the only true cave in the park — a tunnel-like passage with window openings in the cliff face. The return climb is the workout.

Whispering Cave Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles one way. Elevation change: about 100 feet. Surface: stairs, packed earth. Difficulty: Moderate.
A shorter trail leading to a smaller recess cave with a seasonal waterfall. Less crowded than the main areas.

Difficult: Strenuous with Exposure

Old Man's Cave (Full Upper and Lower Gorge)
Distance: about 2 miles for the full loop. Elevation change: 200+ feet. Surface: stairs, rock, packed earth, roots. Difficulty: Difficult.
The complete gorge experience — upper falls, lower falls, the Devil's Bathtub, and the lower gorge. Multiple steep stairways, narrow passages, and uneven surfaces. Allow 2–2.5 hours.

Cantwell Cliffs
Distance: about 1 mile loop. Elevation change: 150 feet. Surface: rock, stairs, tight passages. Difficulty: Difficult.
Includes the Fat Woman's Squeeze — a narrow rock passage that's an adventure in itself. The cliff-top overlooks are dramatic. Least visited major area, which means fewer crowds. Not suitable for claustrophobia or large backpacks through the squeeze.

Conkle's Hollow Rim Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles loop. Elevation change: 200 feet. Surface: packed earth, rock, narrow ridgeline. Difficulty: Difficult.
The best fall foliage hike and the most exposed trail in the park. Sections run along sheer cliff edges with 200-foot drops. Not suitable for young children, anyone with fear of heights, or in icy conditions. The views are worth the effort.

Grandma Gatewood Trail (Old Man's Cave to Ash Cave)
Distance: 6 miles one way. Elevation change: cumulative 500+ feet. Surface: mixed. Difficulty: Difficult.
The longest trail in the park, connecting Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. Strenuous uphills and stairs throughout. Allow 3–4 hours one way. The annual Grandma Gatewood Fall Colors Hike covers the first half of this trail.