Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave via Buckeye Trail

The full route is approximately 39.6 kilometers (24.6 miles) and typically takes around 11 hours to complete. This duration is for the entire trail as mapped, which is considered a difficult hike due to its length and terrain.

The trail traverses rugged sandstone gorges, featuring numerous steps, bridges, and unique geological formations. You'll encounter towering sandstone cliffs, winding gorges, and lush forests. While the Ash Cave portion is flat and ADA-friendly, the overall connecting trail includes steep sections and occasional scrambles. Caution is advised due to dangerous cliffs in some areas.

This route connects many of Hocking Hills State Park's most famous attractions. You'll pass by the Old Man's Cave area, which includes Upper Falls, Devil's Bathtub, and Lower Falls. Other highlights include Cedar Falls, Ash Cave (Ohio's largest recess cave), and Whispering Falls.

Yes, dogs are generally permitted on trails in Hocking Hills State Park, including this one, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to pack out any waste.

Hocking Hills State Park is beautiful year-round. Spring offers lush greenery and flowing waterfalls, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage. Summer is popular but can be crowded. Winter hikes can be magical with ice formations, but require appropriate gear for potentially slippery conditions.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access Hocking Hills State Park or its trails, including the Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave via Buckeye Trail. The park is free to visit.

Parking is available at various points within Hocking Hills State Park. For this specific route connecting Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave, you would typically start at one of the main parking lots, such as the Old Man's Cave Visitor Center or the Ash Cave parking area. Given the length of the trail, consider logistics for a point-to-point hike or plan for a very long day if attempting a loop that returns to your starting point.

The route connecting Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave via the Buckeye Trail is primarily a point-to-point trek. While it's possible to create a longer loop by incorporating other trails like the Gorge Overlook Trail, the direct connection between the two main features is not a simple loop back to the start.

Yes, this route is part of several broader trail networks. It covers significant sections of the Buckeye Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail (OH), and America's Discovery Trail (ADT - Ohio D - Seg 4). It also overlaps with the Grandma Gatewood Trail.

This trail is generally considered moderately difficult to difficult due to its length (nearly 40 km) and varied terrain, which includes many steps, steep sections, and occasional scrambles. While parts like the Ash Cave trail are flat, the overall connecting route is not ideal for absolute beginners or those unaccustomed to long-distance hiking.

Hocking Hills State Park is Ohio's top-ranked visitor destination, so it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid the busiest times, consider visiting early in the morning, later in the afternoon, or on weekdays. Starting your hike from less popular access points, if available, can also help. Always stay on marked trails for safety and to protect the delicate natural environment.