Old Man’s Cave
Logan, OH
A gorge of waterfalls, stone bridges and a huge recess cave, the heart of Hocking Hills State Park. Very busy on fall weekends; come early.
Old Man's Cave is the best-known section of Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio. It is not a cave in the strict sense but a recess cave in Black Hand sandstone. It is said to be named after the hermit Richard Rowe, who is believed to have lived there from 1796 until the early 1800s. The trail leads through a gorge with waterfalls, stone bridges and tunnels, past Upper Falls, Devil's Bathtub and Lower Falls.
Depending on the route, allow about 1 to 1.5 miles (1.6 to 2.4 km) and roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. The paths have stairs, uneven steps and drop-offs; swimming, wading and leaving the marked trail are prohibited. It is busiest in the late morning and afternoon and much quieter on weekdays; on fall weekends, arrive early. You can park at the visitor center on State Route 664. The demanding Blue Trail continues to Cedar Falls, about 3 miles (4.8 km) one way.
- Nearest town
- Logan, OH
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.4355, -82.5393
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hocking Forest Horse CampCampsite5 mi from Old Man’s Cave · 23 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Tar Hollow Horse CampCampsite15 mi from Old Man’s Cave · 46 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Zaleski Forest Horse CampCampsite16 mi from Old Man’s Cave · 16 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Begley's ATV CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Old Man’s CaveTentsCaravans
- Stone Church Horse CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Old Man’s Cave · 10 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Great Seal State Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Old Man’s Cave · 15 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterDogs allowed
All campsites in Ohio · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Old Man’s Cave?
Old Man’s Cave is in Logan, OH, at GPS 39.4355, -82.5393. It is about 25 mi from Chillicothe.
Can you camp near Old Man’s Cave?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Old Man's Cave Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Old Man’s Cave?
Old Man’s Cave is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Hocking Hills caves and Ohio’s Amish Country.
What is there to see near Old Man’s Cave?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cedar Falls (1 mi), Ash Cave (3 mi), Rock House (6 mi) and Mound City Group, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Old Man’s Cave?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)