Towering
hemlocks, a cascading waterfall and a wide recess cave make
Ash Cave one of Hocking Hills State Park's most popular
hiking trails. An added bonus is that the part of the trail
leading to the cave is asphalt and easily accessible for
wheelchairs, dogs and strollers. There is a wooden stairway
at the far end of the recess cave that completes the full
loop back to the parking lot that may be difficult for some
dogs, However, many hikers simply take the same trail
leading into the cave back to their cars.
Interesting things to look for:
As you
enter the recess cave, look for the huge rock formation on
the opposite side of the creek. This is known as Pulpet Rock
and was once used as a "preaching pulpet" for ministers of
area churches having services in the cave.In the winter, the
waterfall has been known to freeze from top to bottom! The
waterfall makes an eerie, low echo against the walls if you
stand near the bottom of the steps leading to the upper
trail.The birds you see flying around the top of the recess
cave and nesting in the eaves are Rock Pigeons. Their native
habitats are cliff sides in Europe-they are here because
their early ancestors stowed away on ship masts and crossed
the ocean into America.
Length:
There is an upper and lower trail at Ash Cave, each one
approximately a 1/2 mile long. The lower trail is handicap
accessible along a paved sidewalk ending in the large sandy
region of the recess cave. It takes approximately a 1/2 hour
to hike the trail.
The upper
section is a little more rugged and takes 40 minutes to an
hour to complete.
From Logan
Take State Route
93 south to State Route 56
Remember:
You know your child's abilities best. Use caution on any
trail and keep them close by. Everyone must stay on the
trails at Hocking Hills State Park.
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