If you enjoy spending time in Ohio nature, it’s worth it to dedicate a weekend road trip to exploring some of the Buckeye State’s most impressive natural wonders. Conveniently, when searching “waterfalls near me,” some of Ohio’s best caves and waterfalls will often show up together. The following road trip leads to some of the tallest waterfalls and deepest caves in Ohio that will take your breath away!

The total drive time of this road trip clocks in at around 2-1/2 hours.
Google Maps
The route stretches to the northwest and southeast of the Columbus, offering some of the best waterfall hikes in Ohio.
1. Rock House (Logan)
Logan, OH 43138, USA
See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr
Kick your trip off with a visit to one of the most scenic regions in Ohio. Within the Hocking Hills State Park area in Logan is the beloved Rock House, where visitors can freely explore this unique cave with a 25-foot high ceiling and window-like openings. Evidence shows that the homey Rock House was often used for shelter by past visitors, Native Americans and even bootleggers, robbers, and horse thieves. Today, it's a peaceful refuge for Ohio hikers to explore. We recommend staying at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls or booking a cabin for a night to tackle all there is to see and do in Hocking Hills.
2. Chapel Cave (or) 21 Horses Cave (Logan)
Chapel Cave, 24798 Big Pine Rd, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Google Maps
Chapel Cave, which is also known as 21 Horses Cave, is a hidden gem in the Hocking State Forest that you won’t find on any park or nature preserve maps. You can find the trailhead less than 5 minutes away from the Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve entrance in Rockbridge. (Note: The trail can be muddy and it's common to spot horseback riders as this trail is a bridle trail.)
3. Old Man's Cave, Upper Falls and Lower Falls (Logan)
Vasenka Photography/Flickr
Old Man's Cave, reportedly the most popular one in the area, is located on State Route 664. It is said to have been named after a hermit by the name of Richard Rowe who resided here back in the 1700s. The upper and lower falls offer dramatic views and there is a 6-mile-long trail taking visitors to three different parts of Hocking Hills State Park.

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4. Cedar Falls (Logan)
Cedar Falls, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA
GmanViz/Flickr
Cedar Falls is the largest waterfall in Hocking Hills in terms of volume and definitely one of the best waterfall hikes in Ohio. It flows from Queer Creek over Blackhand sandstone. The easiest way to find this waterfall is to park at the Cedar Falls Trailhead, which is right by the Suspension Bridge. You can also reach Cedar Falls via the Buckeye Trail, which connects to the lower gorge portion of the Grandma Gatewood Trail and Old Man's Cave.
5. Ash Cave (Logan)
Ash Cave, 26400 OH-56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152, USA
J Todd Poling/Flickr
The next stop features a stunning waterfall and cave combination. The Ash Cave Trail within Hocking Hills State Park features a .25-mile long Gorge Trail that is wheelchair accessible, as well as a .5-mile long Rim Trail. Most days, the falls that flow from the top of Ash Cave are fairly narrow but being able to walk behind them is a magical experience.
6. Hayden Falls Park (Dublin)
Hayden Falls Drive, Hayden Falls Dr, Columbus, OH 43221, USA
Donna S/TripAdvisor
On your way to your final destination, take a break from driving in central Ohio and visit Hayden Falls. Hayden Falls Park in Dublin features a truly unique natural ecosystem, rare plants and animals and a 35-foot waterfall along the western shore of the Scioto River. The gorge where the falls are located features a boardwalk and overlook area, making the waterfall easily accessible to visitors.
7. Ohio Caverns (West Liberty)
Ohio Caverns Visitors & Ticket Center, R, OH-245, West Liberty, OH 43357, USA
Brian Timmermeister/Flickr
End your adventure with a trip to the deepest caves in Ohio. The Ohio Caverns were formed thousands of years ago when an underground river cut through ancient limestone and created vast rooms and passageways. Today, they're filled with crystal stalactites, stalagmites and other fascinating formations. There are several different tours you can take at Ohio Caverns, including a Natural Wonder Tour, Historic Tour, Limestone Tour and Tree Tour.

What do you think? Would you take this trip? How many of these caves and waterfalls have you visited? Share your thoughts, photos and experiences with us!

For more waterfall adventures in Ohio, check out our previous article: The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Ohio Who Loves Waterfall Hikes.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Waterfalls Near Me

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 11, 2022

Where can I find caves in Ohio?

Believe it or not, fantastic otherworldly caves are dotted all over the state. In fact, there are over 400 of them! In addition to The Ohio Caves, one of the most popular caves to visit is Seneca Caverns. Because it is underground it is cool, literally, at about 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, and it is an Ohio Registered Natural Landmark. Perry’s Cave in Put-In-Bay, is also an Ohio Registered Natural Landmark. At 208 feet long by 165 feet wide, it is a stunner for those interested in these below the surface places.

I’m looking for hiking trails with waterfalls in Cincinnati.

You’re in luck because there are many. However, the rub is which one to visit first! Although you might not think to look here, there is a beautiful waterfall located inside of the Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park. Only minutes from downtown Cincinnati, it offers a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Another is the Charleston Falls Preserve in Tipp City featuring a 1.8-mile loop trail that is just gorgeous.

Are there any hiking trails in Ohio that are family friendly?

Actually there are quite a few and many of them are less than a mile long so their little legs won’t get tired out too soon (same goes for the big kids legs!). You might check out The Cattail Trail in the Garfield Park Reservation, the Jane Coates Wildflower Trail in Put-In-Bay, the Orange Trail in Sugarcreek MetroPark, and the Hemlock Loop Trail in the Bedford Reservation, just to name a few. Each offers their own unique scenic beauty as well.

What activities can I find at Alum Creek State Park?

Located near the town of Delaware, Alum Creek State Park is great fun for the entire family. Activities here encompass swimming, hiking, boating, camping, and fishing, among others. It is also home to The Buckeye State’s largest inland beach, which makes it a popular park for both Ohio residents and visitors.

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