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Cantwell Cliffs Hiking Trail
Official Cantwell Cliffs hiking guide from TheHockingHills.org.
Cantwell Cliffs, State Route 374, Rockbridge, OH 43149 | GPS: (39.539874, -82.575814)
Hiked and field-checked for The Hocking Hills Organization by Jannette Quackenbush
Last checked: July 2026
Route checked: Cantwell Cliffs Upper Rim and Lower Gorge trails
GPS-recorded distances: Upper Rim Loop, 1.1 miles; Lower Gorge Trail, 0.1 mile
GPS device: Garmin GPSMAP 64sx
Difficulty: The Upper Rim Trail is difficult, with rugged ascents and descents and exposed cliff edges. The Lower Gorge Trail is moderate, with a dirt path, uneven footing, and repeated ascents and descents.
Cantwell Cliffs is one of the 7 major hiking trails of Hocking Hills State Park in southern Ohio.
The path is the most rugged in the park system, remote, and a one-way in and one-way out loop. It has many steps.
It is a one-way trail system with a 1.1-mile Upper Rim Loop and a 0.1-mile Lower Gorge Trail.
It takes approximately 60 to 80 minutes to hike.
HIKERS MUST REMAIN ON THE MARKED TRAIL. Well-behaved, non-aggressive pets are permitted on leash.
There is NO wading or swimming allowed in the waterfalls or creeks.
Cantwell Cliffs at a Glance
Upper Rim distance: 1.1-mile loop
Lower Gorge distance: 0.1 mile
Upper Rim difficulty: Difficult
Lower Gorge difficulty: Moderate
Trail type: One-way loop with separate rim and gorge routes
Typical hiking time: Allow approximately 60 to 80 minutes for the complete hike, depending on pace and trail conditions
Upper Rim terrain: Rugged ascents and descents, exposed cliff edges, uneven stone, roots, and numerous steps
Lower Gorge terrain: Dirt path with uneven footing and repeated ascents and descents
Wheelchair and stroller access: Not accessible
Pets: Permitted on leash
Parking: Cantwell Cliffs parking area on State Route 374
Main features: High cliffs, narrow passages, gorge views, rock formations, steps, and forested overlooks
GPS: 39.539874, -82.575814
Cantwell Cliffs is a one-way in and one-way out loop trail with steps and beautiful views. Hikers must stay on the trail!
The trail is strenuous and considered moderately challenging by hikers. There are also many steps. Cantwell Cliffs is the least crowded of the 7 areas and busier during the weekends.
Cantwell is also the most remote of the 7 trails.
Discover one of Cantwell Cliffs’ hidden secrets!
Take a quick hike to see what Cantwell Cliffs has to offer!
Hocking Hills Park Trail Areas
7 different hiking areas of Hocking Hills State Park- Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave
Cantwell Cliffs Trail Map
Start at Parking Area. End at Parking Area.
Yellow: Bottom of Gorge (Yellow Blazes on Trees)
Red: Top of Gorge Rim Trail (Red Blazes on Trees)
Take the complete route with you. The Hocking Hills Hiking Trail Guidebook includes field-checked directions, GPS coordinates, trail junctions, elevation information, parking details, and route combinations for Cantwell Cliffs and many additional Hocking Hills trails.
Hocking Hills State Park Trails - Cantwell Cliffs
Cantwell Cliffs
OH-374 Rockbridge, OH 43149
Common Questions About Cantwell Cliffs
How long is the Cantwell Cliffs trail?
The GPS-recorded Upper Rim Loop is approximately 1.1 miles. The Lower Gorge Trail is approximately 0.1 mile.
Is Cantwell Cliffs difficult to hike?
Yes. The Upper Rim Trail is difficult, with rugged ascents and descents, exposed cliff edges, uneven stone, roots, and numerous steps. The Lower Gorge Trail is moderate, with a dirt path, uneven footing, and repeated ascents and descents.
How long does it take to hike Cantwell Cliffs?
Allow approximately 60 to 80 minutes for the trails, depending on pace, trail conditions, and how often hikers stop along the route.
Is Cantwell Cliffs a one-way trail?
Yes. Cantwell Cliffs follows a one-way trail system with separate rim and gorge routes that return hikers toward the parking area.
Are there many steps at Cantwell Cliffs?
Yes. The trail includes numerous stone and wooden steps, along with steep climbs and descents.
Are there dangerous cliff edges at Cantwell Cliffs?
Yes. The Upper Rim Trail follows exposed cliff edges in several places. Hikers must remain on the marked trail and watch their footing carefully.
Is Cantwell Cliffs suitable for young children?
The Upper Rim Trail may not be suitable for young children, inexperienced hikers, people with mobility or health concerns, or anyone uncomfortable with exposed cliff edges and rugged terrain.
Are dogs allowed at Cantwell Cliffs?
Yes. Well-behaved, non-aggressive pets are permitted on leash, but the rugged terrain, steps, and exposed cliff edges may make the trail difficult for some dogs.
Is Cantwell Cliffs wheelchair or stroller accessible?
No. The trails include steep grades, uneven surfaces, roots, rock, and numerous steps.
Can visitors swim or wade at Cantwell Cliffs?
No. Wading and swimming are not permitted in the waterfalls or creeks.
Where should visitors park for Cantwell Cliffs?
Parking is available at the Cantwell Cliffs parking area on State Route 374 near Rockbridge, Ohio. The parking-area GPS is approximately 39.539874, -82.575814.
What are the main features at Cantwell Cliffs?
The trail includes high cliffs, narrow passages, gorge views, rock formations, numerous steps, and forested overlooks.
Cantwell Cliffs - Hocking Hills State Park
Cantwell Cliffs is known for its deep valleys and high cliffs.
Part of the 7 trail systems within Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park
Home to beautiful cliff views and spring wildflowers.
OPEN ALL YEAR-ROUND FROM DAWN TO DUSK
There are seven major hiking areas in Hocking Hills State Park - All are one-way trail systems.
Click here for a Regional Hocking Hills Trail Area Map
Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave Trail. These park areas offer a unique experience for those who walk its paths no matter what season (the park is open year-round from dawn to dusk)—located on the southern edge of Hocking County. But those are just a handful. Other hiking trails in the Hocking Hills region include those at Wayne National Forest, Clear Creek Metro Parks, Lake Hope State Park, the Moonville Rail Trail, and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway.