Hocking Hills is one of the best family outdoor destinations in the Midwest. The combination of accessible caves, dramatic waterfalls, and a zero-entry-fee park means you can give kids a genuinely wild, memorable outdoor experience without a Disney-sized budget. But some trails are genuinely dangerous for small children, and knowing which areas to prioritize makes the difference between a great trip and a stressful one.
Best Trails for Families with Kids
Ash Cave — #1 Pick for Families
The 0.25-mile paved gorge trail to Ash Cave is the park's safest, most accessible hike — fully paved, nearly flat, with van-accessible parking. Ohio's largest recess cave at approximately 700 feet wide is jaw-dropping for kids of any age. The horseshoe-shaped cave, the seasonal waterfall, and the sheer scale of the cavern create an instant sense of wonder. This is the trail you want for toddlers, strollers, and grandparents.
Old Man's Cave — Best Introduction Trail
The 1.0–1.5 mile loop is moderate, with stone steps, bridges, and the Devil's Bathtub (a cylindrical rock pool) that kids find fascinating. It's the park's most popular trail and for good reason — you get the full cave-and-waterfall experience in a manageable loop. Stay alert near the gorge edges and keep young children close on the unrailed sections. The partially paved access from the Visitor Center lets strollers reach the Upper Falls observation deck.
Cedar Falls — Worth the Effort
The 50-foot waterfall at Cedar Falls is the tallest in the park and genuinely impressive for older kids. The trail involves steep staircases that will challenge children under 5 — for those, Ash Cave is a better pick. For kids 6 and up who are comfortable with stairs and some elevation change, Cedar Falls is an excellent second stop after Old Man's Cave.
Avoid These With Small Children
Not Recommended for Young Children
- Cantwell Cliffs — requires full-body scrambling through cliff passages, not appropriate for children under 10 and only for confident older kids
- Conkle's Hollow Rim Trail — exposed 200-foot cliffs with no railing; the gorge trail is fine for families, the rim trail is not
- Rock House — cliff-edge approach with significant drop exposure on one side
John Glenn Astronomy Park
The ODNR-run John Glenn Astronomy Park sits 0.9 miles west of the Old Man's Cave Visitor Center and is one of the best free stargazing experiences in Ohio. Guided programs run on clear Friday and Saturday nights from March through November, beginning 30 minutes after sunset. A free parking pass (register at registration.jgap.org) is required. The site features a 28-inch telescope and some of the darkest skies remaining in the state — an experience that tends to permanently shift how kids relate to the night sky.
Lake Logan — The Swimming Hole
Swimming is prohibited at Hocking Hills State Park. Lake Logan State Park, about 15 minutes north on SR-664, has a 527-foot swimming beach and boat rentals. On a hot summer day with kids, build Lake Logan into your itinerary — it's the place where families actually cool off.
Cabin Tips for Families
| Feature | Why It Matters for Families |
|---|---|
| Game room / arcade games | Keeps kids occupied on rainy days; many cabins include foosball, pool, or arcade machines |
| Outdoor fire pit | S'mores and campfire time is often the trip highlight for kids |
| Fenced yard | Critical if bringing toddlers or dogs — lets you relax without constant supervision |
| Full kitchen | Feeding kids three meals out is expensive; a kitchen with standard equipment changes the math |
| No loft-only sleeping | Open loft bedrooms with ladder access can be a safety concern for young children — look for bedrooms with doors |
Find a Family-Friendly Cabin
Search pet-friendly cabins with game rooms, fire pits, and full kitchens near Hocking Hills State Park.
Browse Family CabinsFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you stick to Ash Cave. The 0.25-mile fully paved trail is stroller-accessible and reaches one of the park's most dramatic features. Old Man's Cave is manageable for toddlers who can handle stone steps and some uneven terrain. Avoid Cantwell Cliffs and the Conkle's Hollow rim trail with small children.
A stroller works well at Ash Cave (fully paved trail) and on the paved Upper Falls access at Old Man's Cave. The gorge trails themselves are too uneven and step-heavy for strollers. A hiking backpack carrier is a far better option for the main trails.
Cantwell Cliffs involves full-body scrambling through narrow cliff passages and requires physical confidence and good judgment. It's generally not appropriate for children under 10, and even older kids should be comfortable with heights and tight passages. It's the most physically demanding trail in the park.
The caves at Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave are still worth visiting in light rain — they're naturally sheltered and the waterfalls run stronger. For a fully rain-day option, the Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center has exhibits, and the area has several cabin rental properties with indoor game rooms and amenities that make a rainy day worthwhile.