11 Best Hiking & Biking Trails in Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills, Ohio, is an outdoorsman's paradise, packed with waterfalls, rolling hills, and countless hidden gems. And while you have countless different options to explore the region—be it tubing, horseback riding, or just in your car—many visitors choose to hike or bike here for good reason.

If you’re wondering how you could possibly choose from all of the different trails available, we’re here to help you plan your next getaway. Book your stay with the Hocking Hills Lodging Company and read on for our top 11 biking and hiking trail recommendations.

1. Hockhocking Adena Bikeway

Hockhocking Adena Bikeway

Photo Credit: Zack Frank

Named in honor of the area’s early Native inhabitants, Hockhocking Adena Bikeway makes for a mellow cruise through some of the best scenery in the Hocking Hills region. As you ride, you’ll pass nature preserves, cute college towns, and several restaurants where you might want to stop and grab some grub. Though both strollers and bikers use the path as a commuter route, the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway also helps visitors get acquainted with the area in short order.

Hopheads can embark on the self-guided Brewed on the Bikeway tour, with suggested pit stops at several high-quality breweries right off the path. Since the bikeway is open to two-way traffic, you can start from either direction and spend a whole afternoon on this relaxed ride.

2. Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls

Buckeye Trail

Photo Credit: RyanDunn

To see some of Hocking Hills’ most iconic sights, you can take the Buckeye Trail from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls, two of the best-known landmarks in Hocking Hills State Park. Along the way, you could also spot some native flora and fauna or be tempted to take a quick dip in one of the swimming holes.

Over the course of the trail’s five miles, you may have to navigate some water crossings and the occasional muddy scramble, depending on what’s happening weather-wise. However, if you ask us, that just adds to the adventure. You’ll also be a short distance away from the famed Cantwell Cliffs.

3. Table Top Rock and Fat Man’s Squeeze

Located just off Big Pine Road (another great biking route), the hike to Table Top Rock and Fat Man’s Squeeze showcases some of Hocking County’s fascinating geological features. Hikers—or cyclists who park their bikes at the trailhead—will reach the two titular landmarks after walking a little over a mile. Table Top Rock is, as its name implies, a large, flat rock. Meanwhile, Fat Man’s Squeeze consists of a tight, narrow passageway between two stones.

As you hike, keep an eye out for wildlife and other intriguing formations. You’ll also share the trail with horses, so be courteous and considerate of riders.

4. Ash Cave

Hiking Ash Cave

Photo Credit: Nicholas J Klein

Even novice hikers will fall in love with this easy route. Just a half-mile in total, the paved hike to Ash Cave showcases its namesake rock formation in all of its glory. A waterfall cascades over the sandstone lip of the cave, perfect for photo ops to celebrate your visit.

Beyond its scenic appeal, Ash Cave also holds an interesting place in Ohio history. White settlers found large piles of ash within the cave, suggesting that Shawnee, Delaware, and Wyandot Indian tribes may have used the space to rest while traveling.

5. Lake Logan Trail

Lake Logan State Park

Photo Credit: ehrlif

Lake Logan State Park is one of the premier fishing destinations in Hocking Hills. But if you’d rather hop on your bike than try to hook a bluegill or catfish, you can take a short, scenic ride to the lakeshore. Just over a mile long, the trail winds past boat rentals and the swimming beach, which may prove quite enticing during the warmer months of the year.

In the meantime, you can bring along a picnic lunch to eat at one of the tables on site. Or, park your bike and head out for a brief stroll down one of the walking paths.

6. Hemlock Bridge and Whispering Cave

Whispering Cave

Photo Credit: Richard345

Located deep in Hocking Hills State Park, the Hemlock Bridge and Whispering Cave trail will take visitors through some of the region’s famously lush forests. If the weather cooperates, you’ll likely pass several waterfalls along the way, ideal for a snack break or two.

Though you might find this winding trail impressive enough, even more scenery awaits at Whispering Cave. Native rock pigeons fly overhead, making for a lovely welcome after this less-than-two-mile jaunt.

7. Lake Hope State Park

Lake Hope State Park

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Located near the town of McArthur, Ohio, Lake Hope State Park is one of the area’s top destinations for year-round outdoor activities. Chief among Lake Hope’s attractions is a 25-mile-long network of trails, which takes cyclists up and down a series of steep hills and ravines. Take note—though these trails represent some of the best single-track in the state of Ohio, they’re for intermediate and advanced riders only.

The trails all ultimately connect, so you can easily set out without a plan and meander up and down the ridgelines. Riders may opt to hug the shores of Lake Hope or go further into the hills to see some new sights (just keep an eye on the trail map).

8. Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail

Conkles Hollow Hiking Trail In Hocking Hills State Park Ohio

Photo Credit: Jordan Kercheff

At a little more than a mile long, Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail is an excellent choice for beginner hikers. Though there will be some uphill climbing, you won’t have to work too hard to reach the gorgeous waterfall at the end of the trail. Plus, you’ll get the occasional peek out over the region’s famed hills while you walk.

That said, if you’re afraid of heights, you might have to skip this one. The trail passes near a sizable drop, which could prove too intimidating for the faint of heart. On the other hand, those who do like to hike on the edge could go for a walk on the Rim Trail and get even more views.

9. Hocking Hills Trail Run 20K Course Loop

Every year, Hocking Hills State Park hosts an annual series of trail runs, most of which take place on a 20-kilometer (12-mile) loop trail. But even if you don’t want to race, you can still tackle this route. The well-maintained trail doesn’t feature any particularly strenuous climbs, and you’ll get to see some of the best parts of Hocking Hills State Park, from its waterfalls to its caves and dense hemlock groves.

You’ll have to do some road walking, but with a bit of perseverance, you’ll end up in a more peaceful part of the forest near Lower Falls. And who knows? After hiking the 12 miles, you may want to come back and run the race another time.

10. Hocking Hills State Park Mountain Bike Trails

If you’re in the mood for a quick ride through the woods, grab your bike and head to the Hocking Hills State Park mountain bike trail system. The Orange Loop and the Purple Loop both clock in around two miles each, allowing for brisk rides past some stunning views. With that said, the Orange Loop is for experts only—less experienced riders should stick to the Purple Loop.

11. Rock House

Rock House

Photo Credit: arthurgphotography

At less than a mile in total, the hike to Rock House gives visitors a chance to see one of the most unique spots in Wayne National Forest with little effort. This 0.8-mile loop starts and ends at the Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center, where you’ll find ample parking areas to accommodate visitors to this hugely popular hike.

Budget a little extra time to marvel at the sandstone formations and learn about the Rock House’s geologic history, which dates back to the Ice Age.

Stay, Hike, and Bike in Hocking Hills, Ohio

With these 11 trails in your back pocket, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the Hocking Hills area. Whether you want to venture out on foot or on two wheels, there’s a trail for everyone to enjoy, from true first-timers all the way up to hiking and biking experts.

No matter where you hope to explore, staying with the Hocking Hills Lodging Company will put you a short distance away from all the excitement. Book your trip dates and start narrowing down which trails you want to visit—after all, you might need some time to decide.

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