Ohio explorers will be overjoyed to know that Hocking Hills State Park opened a brand new trail in recent years — and when it comes to scenery, it has it all. What is it that makes this new hiking trail at Hocking Hills so memorable? With massive sandstone cliffs, another cave, a towering waterfall and a swinging bridge, the Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave is an Ohio adventure you simply have to take this season.
The Hemlock Bridge Trail is a one mile trek on its own, and it leads to Whispering Cave, a 300 ft.-wide cavern that many past visitors have yet to explore. Whispering Cave Trail adds nearly another half mile to the journey.
Eileen W/TripAdvisor The features at the end of these paths were once closed off to the public. This area can also be accessed via a connector path to the more familiar Grandma Gatewood Trail.
The trail also features a 105-ft. waterfall, towering sandstone cliffs Hocking Hills explorers know and love and a swinging bridge that will bring out your sense of adventure.
Rusty Padgett/AllTrails
The trailhead is located at the entrance of the former dining lodge parking lot, which you can park at during daylight hours.
Nick Krafft/AllTrails As you descend into a gorge, the greenery of the landscape gives way to the familiar beige of Ohio ledges. Once you get to Whispering Cave, you’ll spot a trickle of water that marks the spot of the park’s second tallest waterfall. This new hiking trail at Hocking Hills is truly a visual wonder!
Upon your arrival, be sure to look for a large wooden kiosk, which includes a map of the new trail, according to the Ohio State Park’s Facebook page. (Note: The trail will also connect with the Gorge Trail to Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls.)
Michael Clary/AllTrails For a sneak peek of this gorgeous trail, check out this short video:
Lace up your hiking boots, because this a journey you won’t be able to resist.
Eileen W/TripAdvisor
The features at the end of these paths were once closed off to the public. This area can also be accessed via a connector path to the more familiar Grandma Gatewood Trail.
Rusty Padgett/AllTrails
Nick Krafft/AllTrails
As you descend into a gorge, the greenery of the landscape gives way to the familiar beige of Ohio ledges. Once you get to Whispering Cave, you’ll spot a trickle of water that marks the spot of the park’s second tallest waterfall. This new hiking trail at Hocking Hills is truly a visual wonder!
Michael Clary/AllTrails
For a sneak peek of this gorgeous trail, check out this short video:
Lace up your hiking boots, because this a journey you won’t be able to resist.
These new hiking trails at Hocking Hills opened to the public in May of 2017. If it has been a few years since your last visit to the area, you owe yourself a trip! Have you visited these trails before? What are your thoughts? Share your photos and experiences in the comments!
Planning a trip to Hocking Hills with a few friends? Treat yourself to a most luxurious getaway at Rush Resort, which is just minutes from these scenic trails!
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Address: Hocking Hills State Park Cabins, Logan, OH 43138, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Newest Hiking Trail At Hocking Hills June 21, 2020 Nikki Rhoades What are the most beautiful hikes in Ohio? If you have never visited The Buckeye State, you’d probably find yourself surprised by its beauty. Our landscape here is both stunning and diverse, full of ancient sandstone cliffs and historic trees. Tinker’s Creek is one of the loveliest hikes near Cleveland, as it features a waterfall, historic ruins, and loads of local wildlife. Just slightly further down south, Cuyahoga Valley National Park hosts all sorts of stunning hikes. A trek through the Virginia Kendall Ledges is always a stunning experience! Where can I hike to a cave in Ohio? Ohio is full of caves, believe it or not. This area was an ancient ocean a few hundred million years ago, and the ensuing geomorphic processes and prevalent rock type formed the perfect recipe to create caves. There are some particularly lovely caves on the Lake Erie islands, including Heineman’s Winery on Put-in-Bay. Gorge Metro Park is home to another famous cave: Mary Campbell Cave. It was named for a famous prisoner of the French and Indian War, a young girl of European descent that assimilated with the Lenape (otherwise known as Delaware) tribe. What are the best waterfall hikes in Ohio? There are so many stunning waterfall hikes in Ohio! In fact, there are enough to craft a picture perfect waterfall road trip around the state. During this trip, you’ll want to check out the famous falls of Hocking Hills, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park, to name a few.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Newest Hiking Trail At Hocking Hills
June 21, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What are the most beautiful hikes in Ohio? If you have never visited The Buckeye State, you’d probably find yourself surprised by its beauty. Our landscape here is both stunning and diverse, full of ancient sandstone cliffs and historic trees. Tinker’s Creek is one of the loveliest hikes near Cleveland, as it features a waterfall, historic ruins, and loads of local wildlife. Just slightly further down south, Cuyahoga Valley National Park hosts all sorts of stunning hikes. A trek through the Virginia Kendall Ledges is always a stunning experience! Where can I hike to a cave in Ohio? Ohio is full of caves, believe it or not. This area was an ancient ocean a few hundred million years ago, and the ensuing geomorphic processes and prevalent rock type formed the perfect recipe to create caves. There are some particularly lovely caves on the Lake Erie islands, including Heineman’s Winery on Put-in-Bay. Gorge Metro Park is home to another famous cave: Mary Campbell Cave. It was named for a famous prisoner of the French and Indian War, a young girl of European descent that assimilated with the Lenape (otherwise known as Delaware) tribe. What are the best waterfall hikes in Ohio? There are so many stunning waterfall hikes in Ohio! In fact, there are enough to craft a picture perfect waterfall road trip around the state. During this trip, you’ll want to check out the famous falls of Hocking Hills, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park, to name a few.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you have never visited The Buckeye State, you’d probably find yourself surprised by its beauty. Our landscape here is both stunning and diverse, full of ancient sandstone cliffs and historic trees. Tinker’s Creek is one of the loveliest hikes near Cleveland, as it features a waterfall, historic ruins, and loads of local wildlife. Just slightly further down south, Cuyahoga Valley National Park hosts all sorts of stunning hikes. A trek through the Virginia Kendall Ledges is always a stunning experience!
Where can I hike to a cave in Ohio?
Ohio is full of caves, believe it or not. This area was an ancient ocean a few hundred million years ago, and the ensuing geomorphic processes and prevalent rock type formed the perfect recipe to create caves. There are some particularly lovely caves on the Lake Erie islands, including Heineman’s Winery on Put-in-Bay. Gorge Metro Park is home to another famous cave: Mary Campbell Cave. It was named for a famous prisoner of the French and Indian War, a young girl of European descent that assimilated with the Lenape (otherwise known as Delaware) tribe.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Ohio?
There are so many stunning waterfall hikes in Ohio! In fact, there are enough to craft a picture perfect waterfall road trip around the state. During this trip, you’ll want to check out the famous falls of Hocking Hills, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park, to name a few.
