Ash Cave is a dramatic recess cave that is easily accessible from a paved walkway. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Caves are cool. Really cool. They are known for staying a nice cool temperature at all times of the year, even during the hottest days of summer. Ohio has its share of caves as well as other natural features.

Many of these caves are in the state’s Hocking Hills region. The epicenter of Ohio’s cave region is Hocking Hills State Park, which is rich in caves, rock formations and waterfalls. The best known of these are Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave, and there are many other features that make Hocking Hills State Park a worthwhile visit.

State parks, state nature preserves, the Wayne National Forest, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and other areas of the state also have caves and natural features.

A number of the places listed here and on a new page in Dusty Tires are privately owned tourist attractions with guided tours and gift shops as well as other activities offered for fees. Others are free and open to the public year-round.

Ash Cave – Ash Cave is the largest and most accessible recess cave in the state. Located in Hocking Hills State Park, the recess cave is just off SR 56 southeast of Laurelville. A quarter-mile disability accessible paved walkway leads to the cave.

Blackhand Gorge – Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is so named for the type of sandstone most prominent there. At one time, a Native American petroglyph of a black hand was carved into a high sandstone cliff face. The area also includes bike trails and remnants of the Ohio & Erie Canal system. 2200 Gratiot Road, Newark.

Nelson Kennedy Ledges – Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park features rugged cliffs, waterfalls and spectacular rock formations like Devil’s Icebox, Goldhunters Cave and Old Maid’s Kitchen. SR 282, Nelson Township, northwest of Warren.

Ohio Caverns – “America’s Most Colorful Caverns,” these are the largest in the state with one mile of surveyed passage ranging from 30 to 103 feet underground. Gift and gem shop, picnicking also available. 2210 E. SR 245, West Liberty (937) 465-4017.

Old Man’s Cave – Old Man’s Cave is the focal point of Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County. The cave area complex includes Upper Falls, Upper Gorge, Devil’s Bathtub, Middle Falls, Lower Falls, Lower Gorge and Whispering Cave, all connected by hiking trails. Other features of the state park include Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs and Rock House. Visitor center and lodge are located nearby. SR 664 south of Logan.

Learn more about Ohio’s caves and other natural features in Dusty Tires.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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