Mt. Ives Trail

Starting at the northern parking lot, head south along the Shawnee Ridge Trail. Several spur and loop trails intersect the trail along the 12-mile loop hike. Many of these spur trails include difficult hikes up large hills like Sugarloaf Mountain, Sand Hill, and Mt. Ives. At each trail intersection, there is a detailed map of the park with color-coordinated trails and a lettering system for eac...

From the Rock House parking lot, follow the trail for 0.1 mile down the hill until you come to a fork in the trail, at which point follow the yellow marked Lower Rim Trail that continues downhill through a set of carved sandstone steps and then turns to parallel the cliffs. From there, it's less than a 0.1 mile to the entrance of Rock House.Once inside Rock House, be certain to note just how hu...

Conkle's Hollow Gorge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Rockbridge, Ohio.

Starting from the parking lot, cross the small foot bridge before coming to where the trail splits. You will have 3 options (straight, left or right). My personal opinion on route will be described below. Take the paved path that explores the valley floor first. It is an easy 1/2 mile out and back with some terrain that looks like more of a fit for Washington State than Ohio. The trail dea...

Getting to Ash Cave is extremely easy with a short half-mile loop hike from the parking area; there's also a rim trail above the cave that adds 90 feet of elevation and some extra distance. The cave is great for relaxing in the shade during a hot day, enjoying a spring picnic, or grabbing some images during the morning/evening. There's a waterfall from the rim of the cave that typically has goo...

Take the Rim Trail in Hocking Hills State Park, which descends into the deep gorge and takes you alongside a stream as you head towards a number of cascades and interesting rock faces. Rim Trail can be linked to Cedar Falls, as well, or from the Upper Falls you can take Grandma Gatewood Trail for a 6 miles trail through the park. This is the site of the annual Hocking Winter Hike in January, w...