5 Great Winter Hikes in Hocking Hills

In this article I share my five favorite winter wonderland hikes in Hocking Hills! I’ve traversed these Hocking Hills State Park trails in Southeast Ohio dozens of times!

High above the rim trail at Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve.

Hocking Hills is a state park in Ohio that is located just 45 minutes away from downtown Columbus.

Hocking Hills was my most frequented hiking spot each year when I lived in Columbus Ohio. I went hiking and kayaking there 6-10 times per year.  It's also an amazingly beautiful and unique area of the country and could be a National Park in my eyes.
All seasons are great ones to be out on the trails in Hocking County but winter is probably my favorite because of the way the ice forms around the caves.

Old Man’s Cave Hocking Hills Hike

Old Man's Cave. You’ll never forget those ice-cycles!!  This hike is the tourist trap of Hocking Hills but for good reason.  It's the biggest cave in the state park and it's pretty easy for people to see at least some of it.
Winter though puts Old Man's Cave at its best with jaw dropping ice formations.  But be careful on those stairs headed down to the cave!
Length: 0.25 to 6 miles depending on how much you want to wander the area.
Elevation: Stairs up and down out of the cave, very minimal.
Parking: Parking lot right off of OH 664.

Cedar Falls Hocking Hills Hike

This trail takes you to a beautiful waterfall, with an easy trek down to see it, and it freezes over in the winter.
It's over 50 feet high and you can combine it with a trip on the Buckeye Trail to Rose Lake/Old Man's Cave or the Grandma Gatewood Trail up to Ash Cave.
Length: About 1 mile to the falls and back from Cedar Falls parking lot. Six miles on the Grandma Gatewood Trail.
Elevation: A few hundred feet on the way back up.
Parking: Cedar Falls lot.

Old Man's Cave is getting chilly!

Sun poking through the snow in Hocking Hills!

Whispering Cave Hocking Hills Hike

This is a newer hike in the Hocking Hills system.
It can be combined in loop with the Hemlock Bridge Trail or on its own.  I did it for the first time on a New Year's Eve and the inside of the cave is stunning.
It's a slick trail in the winter so be careful!
Length: 1.5 Miles RT
Elevation: 400 feet
Parking: Whispering Cave Lot (Formally where the Hocking Hills lodge was located prior to burning down in 2016.)

Chapel Cave/Horse Trail Hocking Hills Hike

Drive a mile past Conkles Hollow coming from 664 and park on your left at the rock climbing and rappel area.  Walk .75 miles to the end of the horse trail (follow the white markers) and some seasons you might see a waterfall trickle. But in the winter you get treated to this!
Then on the way back hang a left up the railing to Chapel Cave and enjoy a quiet afternoon inside this off the beaten path cave.  I had this trail all to myself on a chilly New Year's Day!
Length: 2 Miles Round trip. OR combine it with a trip to Conkles Hollow (All Trails Details HERE.)
Elevation: Flat except 100 feet or so up to Chapel Cave.
Parking: Rock climbing and rappel area lot on 374.

Chapel Cave from the inside looking out!

Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve Rim and Gorge Trail

This is number one hike in Hocking Hills. That is because it's the best hike in Hocking Hills in any season in my opinion.  Including winter!
HOWEVER...be very careful if you venture on the rim trail.  It's dangerous with ice and I'd recommend hiking boots, tons of experience on the trail in other seasons, and hiking poles.
It's an amazing hike combining the rim and gorge trail and it takes my top spot.
Length: 3.5 Miles for Rim and Gorge
Elevation: 300 feet ish on Rim Trail
Parking: Conkles Hollow Parking Lot

Waterfall of ice in Conkles Hollow!

I hope you enjoyed the journey hiking through Hocking Hills in the winter with me. These are just a small snippet of hikes in the area.
If you are planning a hiking trip to Hocking Hills we are happy to help out!

Stick around and read another blog on Ohio Hiking HERE or tune into a Podcast Episode about Wintering in Ohio HERE.

Comment below with any questions!

Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,
Mike R and the Hashtag59 Team