Ash Cave

Ash Cave, located in the Hocking Hills State Park, is named for large amounts of ashes that early settlers discovered in the cave. The settlers believed that Native Americans used Ash Cave for their shelter and the ashes were from the campfires. Ash Cave was used by early Hocking Hills settlers as a temporary church. Make sure you see Pulpit Rock at the opening of this enormous cave. The acoustics are outstanding.

Ash Cave is the largest recess cave in Ohio and measures nearly 700 feet from end to end. There is a massive cascading waterfall in the center of the cave. This is a favorite Hocking Hills State Park in the spring when the valley floor is rich with native wildflowers.

Part of the trail leading to the cave is disguised as asphalt and it’s easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. A great place for a day trip from Franklin County as there is a picnic area too.

Ash Cave is located on State Route 56 in about 2 miles from Cedar Falls. It is an easy drive from Circleville and Chillicothe. There is an upper and lower trail at Ash Cave. Each one approximately a 1/2 mile long. The lower trail 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.