Ash Cave at Hocking Hills
Ash Cave — Ohio's largest recess cave — is perhaps the most awe-inspiring feature of Hocking Hills State Park. With a horseshoe-shaped rim that spans 700 feet, Ash Cave is, in a word, enormous. It measures 100 feet from front to back and 90 feet from the rim's edge to the floor below. Adding to the dramatic visual impact of Ash Cave is a waterfall that cascades over the rim of the cave. Those lucky enough to visit Ash Cave during an especially cold winter may enjoy a rare treat, as the Ash Cave waterfall has been known to freeze from top to bottom. Another notable sight at the entrance to Ash Cave is Pulpit Rock, a slump rock that once served as a temporary pulpit for worship services held at the cave.
Visitors may hike along two short trails at Ash Cave: the quarter-mile Ash Cave Gorge Trail and the half-mile Ash Cave Rim trail. A stretch of trail leading from the parking lot to Ash Cave is wheelchair-accessible. Hikers may enter the Grandma Gatewood Trail — a six-mile section of Ohio's Buckeye Trail — near the cave itself.
Ash Cave is the southernmost of six natural areas that comprise Hocking Hills State Park. The cave is located off of S.R. 56. Picnic facilities are available near the Ash Cave parking lot. A shelter may be reserved.
Ash Cave is named for a large pile of ashes that was found there long ago. To this day, no one knows the reason for the ashes; however, it is speculated that the ashes are leftovers from Indian campfires of centuries past.
Ash Cave Fees
Admission to Hocking Hills State Park is free.
Ash Cave Hours
Day-use areas of Hocking Hills State Park open half an hour before sunrise and close half an hour after sunset. The park is available for recreational use year-round.
Ash Cave Contact Information
Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 S.
Logan, OH 43138
Park Office: (740) 385-6842
