Hocking Hills Ash Cave Shelter

Open — Open year-round for day use. Shelter reservations available through ReserveOhio.com.

About

The Ash Cave Shelter is a reservable day-use shelter house at the Ash Cave area of Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio. Located adjacent to the parking lot, the shelter provides picnic facilities for gatherings near one of the most spectacular natural features in the state. Ash Cave itself is the largest recess cave east of the Mississippi, spanning 700 feet from end to end, 100 feet deep, and 90 feet from floor to ceiling. The shelter serves as a base for exploring the wheelchair-accessible quarter-mile gorge trail that winds through a narrow valley lined with stately hemlocks, massive beech trees, and seasonal wildflower displays including trillium, Dutchman's breeches, and Jack-in-the-Pulpit. The trail leads to the enormous overhanging ledge and cave shelter, which features a seasonal runoff waterfall cascading 90 feet. The cave's natural acoustics and historic significance as a Native American gathering place and shelter add to its appeal. The shelter house is part of the broader Hocking Hills State Park system, which includes multiple recess caves and hiking areas connected by the Buckeye Trail. The Ash Cave area offers restrooms, picnic tables, and accessible facilities, making it suitable for family gatherings and group events. The site is located in the southernmost section of Hocking Hills State Park along State Route 56, approximately 10 miles from Logan, Ohio.

Directions

Located along State Route 56 in southern Hocking Hills State Park, approximately 10 miles south of Logan, Ohio. The parking area and shelter are directly off Route 56.

Nearby Campgrounds