Things to Do Near Old Man's Cave
Old Man's Cave is the heart of Hocking Hills State Park, and the best of the region sits within a few minutes of it. Hugga is six minutes from the Old Man's Cave trailhead, so these are the places we send our own guests, with drive times from the cabins.
Old Man's Cave (6 minutes)
A deep sandstone gorge with an upper and lower falls, stone stairways, and a recess cave named for a hermit who lived there in the 1800s. It is the busiest spot in the park, so go early in the morning or on a weekday if you can.
Cedar Falls (4 minutes)
The closest major waterfall to Hugga and often the most powerful in the park after rain. A short, steep trail drops you into a hemlock-shaded gorge. If you only have an hour, this is the one.
Ash Cave and the Ash Cave Fire Tower (7 and 6 minutes)
Ash Cave is a huge recess cave with a waterfall pouring over the rim. The trail in is short, flat, and easy, which makes it the best pick for kids, grandparents, or anyone who wants the scenery without the climb. Nearby, the old fire tower gives you a view over the treetops.
Grandma Gatewood Trail
About six miles linking Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave through the gorges. It is the classic Hocking Hills hike and the route of the park's annual Winter Hike in January. Plan for a car at each end, or hike a section and turn back.
Conkle's Hollow, Rock House, and Cantwell Cliffs
Each is a short drive from the cabins and worth a morning. Conkle's Hollow has a rim trail with big views and an easier walk along the gorge floor. Rock House is a true cave set into a cliff wall. Cantwell Cliffs is the most remote of the park's areas and the quietest.
Where to eat
Two we love: Kindred Spirits at the Inn at Cedar Falls (5 minutes) and the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge (7 minutes). For a night in, guests can arrange a private dinner in their cabin with Columbus chef John Lawrence, and Le Petit Chevalier winery is 18 minutes away.
Where to stay
Hugga's four private cabins sit on 42 acres six minutes from Old Man's Cave. Every cabin has its own sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub, so the best part of a long hike is coming back. Pets are welcome with no pet fee.
Four private cabins, six minutes from Old Man's Cave.
Private sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub at every cabin. Pets welcome.
See the cabins