Where to Stay Near the Waterfall Route

Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave are close together, so cabins near any of these areas can work well for this itinerary. Check the exact cabin location before reserving, since mailing addresses do not always indicate how close a property is to the park.

Cabins Near Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls

Nature’s Retreat Cabins offers several cabins in different parts of the Hocking Hills region. Review the location of each property before reserving so you can choose one convenient to the waterfall route.

Cabins Near Ash Cave and South Bloomingville

Eagle’s Nest Cabin is located near South Bloomingville and is convenient to Ash Cave and the main park area.

Whispering Oaks Cabin offers a private wooded stay south of the main park areas.

See the complete Hocking Hills cabin and lodging guide.

Morning: Begin at Old Man’s Cave

Old Man’s Cave contains three notable waterfalls along its trail system: Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Broken Rock Falls. Begin early so you have enough time to follow the trail at a comfortable pace and continue to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave later in the day.

Upper Falls

Upper Falls is located near the upper entrance to Old Man’s Cave. The stone bridge, narrow gorge and waterfall make it one of the most recognizable scenes in the Hocking Hills.

Water flow varies considerably. After rain or during winter and spring, the waterfall may be strong. During dry periods, the flow may be light.

Lower Falls

Lower Falls lies farther along the gorge trail beneath towering sandstone cliffs. Its flow also depends on recent rainfall and seasonal conditions.

Allow enough time for the stone steps, bridges and uneven trail surfaces between the waterfalls. The shortest route is not always the easiest, so review the route before beginning.

Broken Rock Falls

Broken Rock Falls is located after passing Lower Falls and is noted by a silver grated bridge over the creek. It is a seasonal waterfall and is most noticeable after periods of rain or during wetter times of the year.

See the Old Man’s Cave trail guide, map and route information.

Late Morning: Snack or Supply Stop

After Old Man’s Cave, stop for drinks, snacks or basic supplies before continuing. Food and shopping choices are limited along some sections of the waterfall route.

Grandma Faye’s Grocery and Souvenir Shop

Grandma Faye’s Grocery is approximately 1.4 miles from Old Man’s Cave. When leaving the Old Man’s Cave parking area, turn left. It is a convenient stop for drinks, snacks and basic supplies. It also has a large souvenir shop with plenty of kid-oriented souvenirs, along with Haunted Hocking books for visitors interested in spooky places to explore.

Open directions to Grandma Faye’s Grocery.

Midday: Cedar Falls

From Old Man’s Cave, continue to Cedar Falls. When leaving the Old Man’s Cave area, turn right on State Route 664 and then take the first right onto State Route 374. Cedar Falls will be on the right approximately 2.6 miles from Old Man’s Cave.

Cedar Falls is one of the best-known waterfalls in the Hocking Hills. The trail descends through the gorge by stone steps before following the creek toward the falls.

Despite its name, the surrounding trees are hemlocks rather than true cedars. Water flow varies by season and recent rainfall, and the falls may be especially impressive during winter, spring and after steady rain.

The return route includes uneven stone and wooden steps, so allow enough time and use caution when surfaces are wet.

See the Cedar Falls trail guide, map and route information.

Lunch

Stop for lunch before continuing to Ash Cave. Restaurants are scattered throughout the region, and some may have limited weekday or seasonal hours. Check current hours before beginning the day.

See the Hocking Hills restaurants and dining guide.

Afternoon: Ash Cave Waterfall

Finish the waterfall route at Ash Cave. The paved Lower Gorge Trail follows a narrow valley beneath sandstone cliffs before reaching the enormous recessed cave and its seasonal waterfall.

The waterfall drops from the rim above the cave and is often most impressive during winter, spring and after rain. During dry periods, the water may be reduced to a light flow or may not be visible.

The lower trail is approximately 0.6 mile and is suitable for wheelchairs and many strollers. Visitors continuing beyond the cave should be prepared for numerous steps and a more rugged upper return route.

See the Ash Cave trail guide, map and route information.

Looking for More Waterfalls?

The Hocking Hills region contains additional seasonal waterfalls and longer routes beyond the main Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave itinerary. Some require longer hikes, careful navigation or specific trail connections.

Detailed directions, distances, maps and step-by-step route information for additional waterfalls and longer hikes are included in the Hocking Hills Hiking Trail Guidebook.

Waterfall Safety

Never climb on wet rocks near waterfalls or leave the marked trail for a better photograph. Sandstone can be slick even when it does not appear wet, and cliff edges may be hidden by vegetation.

Do not swim or wade in waterfalls, creeks or pools. Heavy rain can cause water levels to rise quickly in narrow gorges, and thunderstorms, flooding, high winds and icy conditions can make trails dangerous.

Dinner and Return to Your Cabin

After Ash Cave, stop for dinner or return to your cabin before dark. Save directions in advance because cell service can be unreliable, and use caution on the narrow roads after rain or at night.

Find dinner options in the Hocking Hills region.

Find cabins and lodging in the Hocking Hills.