Grandma Gatewood Trail (Old Man's Cave to Ash Cave) Hiking Guide

Named for Emma Gatewood, who in 1955 became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, this is the long way to see the Hocking Hills' big three. It links Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave on the same path as the Buckeye Trail and American Discovery Trail. Most of the crowds stay at the waterfalls, so the middle miles can feel like a different park.

no permit neededdog-friendly
Difficulty
hard
Distance
5.6 mi
Elevation gain
440 ft
Trailhead
Logan
links Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Caveshared with the Buckeye and American Discovery trailsroute of the annual Winter Hikegorge, then state forest woodland
fallspringwinter

The Point-to-Point Hike

Hiking Project measures 5.6 miles with 440 feet up and 540 down from Old Man's Cave heading south. ODNR's list says 6 miles and its map says 5.3, both rated difficult. The Hocking Hills Organization describes it as 6 miles up and down steep hills, with several strenuous climbs on the northern half. Blue blazes mark the way. Hiking Project's elevation total looks low for how the trail feels on foot, so judge effort by the steps and the terrain rather than that figure.

Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls

Begin at the Upper Falls kiosk, since the gorge is one way. The route runs past Devil's Bathtub and the cave, then follows the creek with steep rises and sandstone steps; an A-frame bridge comes before the drop into Cedar Falls. Hiking Project warns of a confusing spot at its mile 2.76: at the top of a staircase beside a picnic loop, the trail continues uphill just left of the pavilion, with one lone blaze post and little else. Waterfalls and weeping cliffs are at their best after rain.

Cedar Falls to Ash Cave

Past Cedar Falls the crowds thin. The Hocking Hills Organization puts this leg at about 2.3 miles through Hocking State Forest, partly on old forestry road, past the Ash Cave Fire Tower and across Chapel Ridge Road. ODNR's forest page currently lists the tower cab as closed because of bees, so don't plan on climbing it. You reach a junction on the rim above Ash Cave. Parents should note that Hiking Project says there are no railings along that edge.

Getting Back

During January's Winter Hike, park staff run a shuttle from Ash Cave to Old Man's Cave for participants. Hocking Hikes also describes a free weekend shuttle linking the three areas in season, which we could not confirm with the park, so otherwise plan on two cars or a friend. Out-and-back also works: the Hocking Hills Organization describes Ash Cave to Cedar Falls and back as about 5 miles, and park staff have led a roughly 6-mile, 3-to-4-hour round trip between Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls. Parking is free at all three ends.

Hunting and Winter

Part of this walk crosses state forest, and hunting is allowed there and in designated areas of the park. Ohio's 2026-27 deer gun season runs November 30 to December 6 and December 19 to 20, 2026, with youth gun days November 21 to 22 and muzzleloader January 2 to 5, 2027. Wear blaze orange then. In winter the trail can be solid ice, and hikers at past Winter Hikes have crawled up frozen steps, so bring cleats and watch for closures.

Rules and Dogs

Dogs may come on a leash no longer than 6 feet, though local guides don't recommend bringing one to the Winter Hike's crowds. The trails are open only from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset, so start early enough to finish a 6-mile day in winter's short light. Stick to the marked route, stay out of the creeks, and carry your water, as the park's map advises.

Hiking tips for Grandma Gatewood Trail (Old Man's Cave to Ash Cave)

  • Set up a car shuttle before you start, or choose an out-and-back section.
  • Start from Old Man's Cave to stay with the one-way gorge flow.
  • Watch for the pavilion turn near Hiking Project's mile 2.76.
  • Wear blaze orange through the fall and winter hunting dates.
  • Start by mid-morning in winter to finish well before the sunset closure.

Nearby trails to explore

  • Old Man's Cave Trail (Hocking Hills State Park)
  • Cedar Falls Loop (Hocking Hills State Park)
  • Ash Cave Loop (Hocking Hills State Park)

Hike this trail with TrailMates

A point-to-point hike really wants a second car, which makes this one worth organizing. Set up the trip in TrailMates, then arrange who parks where in the event's group chat before you meet at Old Man's Cave. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.