Bubnugget visits Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills

Our adventure began from the hiking trail in between Ash Cave and Cedar Falls.  After crossing the parking lot, you begin a long descent down steep man made steps.  Many were passed huffing and puffing their way back up the stairs.

 


Tons of hemlock trees cover this part of the park












Once down on the valley floor, you can cross queer creek a couple of times and explore the cliffs and rock features.

These cliffs dominate the valley.

Of course the most spectacular part of this valley is the cedar falls themselves.  An impressive beauty, these falls have gorged grooves and recesses in the sandstone rock.

At the other end of the valley you'll climb some more modern steps that lead back to the parking lot.  On top of the falls you'll find a foot bridge that takes you on a trail to Old Man's Cave.

This is an excellent trip to get away from the grind and to go appreciate nature and the forces it takes to create it.  Watch out for the cliffs as there are no guard rails...so pay attention to your kids.  If you are out of shape, getting up and down the steps can be challenging.  The whole trip is about 1/2 a mile long and takes about a half hour.  Please feel free to comment about your experiences.  To help us continue these adventures, check out Bubnugget.com and grab yourself some camping gear.  Enjoy your hike and see you on the trail!

Bubnugget Visits Ash Cave at Hocking Hills

Our visit started about a 1/2 mile south of Ash Cave.  You have the choice of taking the path in the gorge or a trail leading above the cave.  Once you get to the cave, your like..."this isn't a cave", but this type of cave is a recess cave.  It's a massive rock overhang above the ground below. 

Entrance to Ash Cave Park

We ended up taking the trail on the right leading to the top of the cave.  This cave is so massive and high, the people look like little ants.  This can be seen in the pictures below.  There are very few railings so safety is pretty much up to you and how stupid you want or don't want to be.  Stairs from the top lead down into the cave.  The view from inside the cave is also impressive.  The falls form a pool at the bottom and then winds around the gorge floor.  The trail at the bottom leads back to the parking lot and to a steeper more treacherous trail on top of the other side of the cave.  The two trails at the top then lead onward towards Cedar Falls. The surrounding forest is primarily hard woods and hemlock trees.

Side View of Ash Cave

Looking out from inside Ash Cave

Small Trickle from the Waterfall

View from atop Ash Cave
 

On this particular sunny day, the waterfall was a mere trickle but still fun to witness.  It may be hard to tell but you can see it in these photos













Ash Cave is a very impressive natural formation and we highly recommend visiting.  Just be careful of the cliffs if you're taking your children.  

To help support more of our adventures, please visit Bubnugget.com and grab yourself some camping gear.
Give us your thoughts on Ash Cave or Hocking Hills by leaving comments below.  See you on the trail!