Explore Ash Cave

South Bloomingville, Ohio

5.0/5

based on 3 reviews

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Distance

0.5 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jason Hatfield

At 700 ft. long and 100 ft. deep, Ash Cave is a massive recess cave tucked away in the southern hills and forests of Ohio.

Getting to Ash Cave is extremely easy with a short quarter-mile 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 good flow in the spring or after a large rain event. Peak fall colors are incredible here but the waterfall is rarely more than a trickle then. If you're visiting in the winter a large pile of ice usually forms at the mouth of the cave.

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Dog Friendly

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ADA Accessible

Reviews

Amelia Walker

Explore Ash Cave

07/27/20

Such a beautiful, open cave with a picturesque waterfall! A very easy and short hike met with a unique and wonderful view. Fall is an especially beautiful time to visit this park.

5.0

Emma LaFleur

Explore Ash Cave

05/27/19

absolutely gorgeous. got there early before the crowd and got to enjoy the view alone. hiked all the way to old mans cave and back to ash cave for a total of 11.6 miles.

5.0

Dan Barr

Explore Ash Cave

09/02/16

I've been to Ash Cave in just about every season, but its perhaps at its most picturesque in the winter when the waterfall freezes and creates a gigantic mound of ice that looks less like a frozen blob and more like fragile stalagmites. The path to get to the waterfall and overhang is relatively easy, with a section of it that's actually paved with asphalt. Just be certain to stay on the trail, I had a friend who got off the trail by about 15 feet and a park ranger caught him and actually charged him with a misdemeanor trespassing charge!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Explore Ash Cave

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to Cedar Falls

Hike to Whispering Cave

Old Man's Cave Loop

Hike & Camp in Hocking Hills, Ohio

Hike to Rose Lake

Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave via Buckeye Trail

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