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Ash Cave
4.9 ★★★★★ 4,230 Google reviews · Running trail in South Bloomingville, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ash Cave's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Enormous natural cavern with a waterfall surrounded by woodlands with hiking trails.
What runners say about Ash Cave
“The short, accessible trail leading to Ash Cave is surrounded by lush forest, making the journey as scenic as the destination.”
“The cave's open area is peaceful yet grand, making it an ideal spot for photography, quiet reflection, or picnicking.”
“Very easy loop trail that is handicap accessible in one direction and more traditional easy trail the other direction.”
Ash Cave + Cedar Falls – Hocking Hills (Perfect Day Trip from Louisville) Ash Cave and Cedar Falls are two of the best spots in Hocking Hills and make a perfect day trip from Louisville. Both are family-friendly and offer beautiful natural scenery.
This is a very cool place to stop and spend a little bit of time! The shear size if this is impressive and will definitely make you want to take a bunch of pictures. There is also a good bit of hiking after you visit the cave.
Very easy loop trail that is handicap accessible in one direction and more traditional easy trail the other direction. Easy parking. Picnic area. Beautiful cave views with small waterfall. Dog friendly. Child friendly.
Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio, is a breathtaking natural wonder that truly showcases the beauty of the region. The sheer size of the recessed cave is awe-inspiring, with its towering sandstone walls and the wide, horseshoe-shaped opening that creates a dramatic, open-air cathedral feel.
Trail conditions & character
“Visiting in spring or after a rainfall is especially magical, as the seasonal waterfall cascades gracefully from the rim of the cave into the sandy floor below.”
“The short, accessible trail leading to Ash Cave is surrounded by lush forest, making the journey as scenic as the destination.”
“Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio, is a breathtaking natural wonder that truly showcases the beauty of the region.”
“Ash Cave (26400 OH-56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152) Parking can be a little tricky, but we found a spot near the main entrance.”
“I got my shoe stuck in mud a couple times and there were some spots where the entire paved path was covered in rain water.”
“I do also want to mention the bathrooms they have there.”
“Very easy loop trail that is handicap accessible in one direction and more traditional easy trail the other direction.”
“This is an easy trail to get to the cave, level and paved!”
Plan your run at Ash Cave
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(740) 385-6842
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–5 PM |
Running trails near South Bloomingville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hocking Hills State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 17,731 reviews
Scenic park with hiking trails, archery, fishing, swimming & more amid waterfalls, cliffs & gorges.
Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve
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Tree-lined hiking trails along sandstone cliffs or at the foot of a gorge dotted with waterfalls.
Lake Hope State Park
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Swimming, boating, trails, camping & a lodge lure visitors to this 3,000-acre forested park.
Zaleski State Forest
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Backpacking & horse-riding trails, plus a landmark sawmill & the reputedly haunted Moonville Tunnel.
Clear Creek Metro Park
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Scenic park & nature preserve with forests, wildlife & extensive trails, plus canoeing & fishing.
Dorr Run-Sycamore Trailhead
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National forest offering color-coded and well-maintained trails suitable for all-day riding.