Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park.

Caves are cool. Really cool. They are known for staying a nice cool temperature at all times of the year. 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. State parks, state nature preserves, the Wayne National Forest, Cuyahoga National Park and other areas of the state also have caves and natural features.

A number of the caves listed here are privately owned tourist attractions with guided tours and gift shops as well as other activities offered for fees.

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 handicap 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.

Crystal Cave – Crystal Cave is the site of the world’s largest geode. Made of crystals, geodes in the formation are up to 3 feet wide. The formation of celestite is so large you can walk into it, just below the Heineman Winery. 978 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay.

Glacial Grooves – The Glacial Grooves are a Natural Historic Landmark on Kelleys Island. The 400-foot-long, 35-foot-wide grooves were gouged into rock by a massive glacier that once covered much of Ohio. 739 DIvision St., across the street from Kelleys Island State Park.

Hocking State Forest – This area features 9,815 acres in Hocking County, including 59 miles of hiking on three trails, 40 miles of bridle trails, 23 horse campsites, and a fire tower. More than 90 acres of Hocking State Forest has been set aside for rocking climbing and rappelling. The area is near Conkles Hollow on Big Pine Road.

Leo Petroglyphs and Nature Preserve – A large flat sandstone slab contains remarkable rock art left by ancient indigenous people. More than 35 figurative drawings in the stone portray humans and animals. 400 Park Road, Ray, just off US 35 south of Richmond Dale.

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 are clustered in the area, including Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs and Rock House. Visitor center and lodge are located nearby. SR 664 south of Logan.

Olentangy Caverns – This privately-owned cavern has been an Ohio tourist destination since 1935. Activities include self-guided cavern tours, rock and gem shop, petting zoo, mini-golf and more. 1779 Home Road, Delaware.

Perry’s Cave – Located about 52 feet underground, Perry’s Cave is the main draw of this local tourist spot. The attraction also includes mini-golf, butterfly house, gem mining, rock wall, auto museum and more. 979 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay.

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve – Said to be the largest rock bridge in Ohio, Rockbridge is a natural stone arch more than 100 feet long and 10-20 feet wide, arching 50 feet across a ravine. 11475 Dalton Road, Rockbridge, about 1/2 mile from US 33.

Rock House – A tunnel-like corridor halfway up a 150-foot cliff of Blackhand sandstone, Rock House is the only true cave in Hocking Hills State Park. Located on SR 374 near Logan.

Seneca Caverns – An Ohio Registered Natural Landmark, Seneca Caverns is one of the area’s largest underground caverns. Features include a crystal-clear underground river flowing through the cavern. Offers one-hour guided cave tours, gem mining, gift shop and picnic area. 15248 E. Twp. Rd. 178, Bellevue.

Tinker’s Cave – A large overhang cave in the Wayne National Forest, Tinker’s Cave is reputed to be a 19th-century horse thief’s hiding place. 12318 Burton Hill Road, New Straitsville.

Wayne National Forest – The Wayne National Forest is a patchwork of public land that covers over a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio. Some notable natural features include Irish Natural Bridge. Wayne also has campgrounds, covered bridges, and trails for hiking, equestrian and ATVs.

Zane Shawnee Caverns – Zane Shawnee Caverns are currently under renovation. An adjacent campground, Southwind RV Park, is open. 7092 SR 540 E, Bellefontaine.

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