Gorge Overlook Trail
Gorge Overlook Trail
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Wise Woman Wanderer
Mount Orab, OH700 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
I did not know about the Gorge Overlook Trail during my first few visits to Hocking Hills. I found Old Man's Cave, the Gorge Trail, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Rock House and other features, but somehow I kept missing the Gorge Overlook Trail! I do not want you to miss this fantastic trail!
This trail is about 3 miles and runs between the Upper Falls of Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls. The trail is wide with hardly any rocks or roots and so is easy relatively easy to walk. There are some gentle ups and downs in the midst of the mostly flat trail. Drainage for many crossing small streams is accommodated by culverts with brick sitting/resting locations.
The trail rises slightly from either end point until you reach Rose Lake which is located approximately midway. Right before Rose Lake is a steeper incline in either direction.
About 1/2 mi from Rose Lake on the Old Man's Cave side are two metal benches that overlook the ravine. Then, about 1/2 mi from Rose Lake on the Cedar Falls side is a cute walking bridge over a substantial stream.
You can even hike around Rose Lake for about a mile. The trail is small and not well-defined, but just keep the lake in view.
So, how do you find this trail?
If you are at the parking lot near the Upper Falls of Old Man's Cave, walk down the wood ramps and cross over the stone bridge at the Upper Falls. Continue walking away from the Upper Falls until you find the well-delineated trail just about 50-100 feet away.
Alternatively, if you are at the Visitor's Center at Old Man's Cave, cross over the A frame bridge over the gorge and keep walking until you run right into this trail.
Or you can start at Cedar Falls. If you are at the big parking lot, go down the stairs, to the falls, and then straight up the stairs, walk in a U turn, and cross the suspension bridge to get on the trail. If you are at the small parking lot, you can see the suspension bridge on the far right.
I should add that my dog did not like crossing the suspension bridge because it was rough metal and see-through. I think that it freaked him out. So, I just carried him across. Most dogs seem to do fine though.
Yes, dogs are definitely allowed on this trail. This trail is great for all ages - toddlers, kids, teens, adults, older adults. During the drier seasons, the trail can be accessed from Old Man's Cave for wheelchairs, but it is a bit rough (not paved).
Because I have two hip replacements, I do not do this trail straight through because I never know if I will hold up. So, I start on one end and walk to Rose Lake and back. Then, I drive my car to the other end and again walk to Rose Lake and back. On occasion, I have to turn back earlier but at least I am closer to my car!
I hope that you enjoy the Gorge Overlook Trail as much as I have enjoyed it. It is my favorite trail in Hocking Hills!
This trail is about 3 miles and runs between the Upper Falls of Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls. The trail is wide with hardly any rocks or roots and so is easy relatively easy to walk. There are some gentle ups and downs in the midst of the mostly flat trail. Drainage for many crossing small streams is accommodated by culverts with brick sitting/resting locations.
The trail rises slightly from either end point until you reach Rose Lake which is located approximately midway. Right before Rose Lake is a steeper incline in either direction.
About 1/2 mi from Rose Lake on the Old Man's Cave side are two metal benches that overlook the ravine. Then, about 1/2 mi from Rose Lake on the Cedar Falls side is a cute walking bridge over a substantial stream.
You can even hike around Rose Lake for about a mile. The trail is small and not well-defined, but just keep the lake in view.
So, how do you find this trail?
If you are at the parking lot near the Upper Falls of Old Man's Cave, walk down the wood ramps and cross over the stone bridge at the Upper Falls. Continue walking away from the Upper Falls until you find the well-delineated trail just about 50-100 feet away.
Alternatively, if you are at the Visitor's Center at Old Man's Cave, cross over the A frame bridge over the gorge and keep walking until you run right into this trail.
Or you can start at Cedar Falls. If you are at the big parking lot, go down the stairs, to the falls, and then straight up the stairs, walk in a U turn, and cross the suspension bridge to get on the trail. If you are at the small parking lot, you can see the suspension bridge on the far right.
I should add that my dog did not like crossing the suspension bridge because it was rough metal and see-through. I think that it freaked him out. So, I just carried him across. Most dogs seem to do fine though.
Yes, dogs are definitely allowed on this trail. This trail is great for all ages - toddlers, kids, teens, adults, older adults. During the drier seasons, the trail can be accessed from Old Man's Cave for wheelchairs, but it is a bit rough (not paved).
Because I have two hip replacements, I do not do this trail straight through because I never know if I will hold up. So, I start on one end and walk to Rose Lake and back. Then, I drive my car to the other end and again walk to Rose Lake and back. On occasion, I have to turn back earlier but at least I am closer to my car!
I hope that you enjoy the Gorge Overlook Trail as much as I have enjoyed it. It is my favorite trail in Hocking Hills!
Written April 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla S
Akron, OH30 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
We were amazed by the beauty of the area and the lovely trails and stone steps . It was fun to explore the caves.
Written April 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keithegan2018
West Chester, OH27 contributions
Nov 2018
One of the better short/medium length day hikes in Ohio. It may be my favorite and this review discusses the hike from Old Man Cave to Cedar Falls along the Gorge Trail and returns on Buckeye Trail. The Gorge Overlook section is relatively flat and travels thru beautiful pines, hemlocks, and hard woods at the top of the cliff. It's a beginners trail, no rocks, roots, wide, good for running. Its a good way to get warmed up. The trail passes a lake and soon descends along wooden stairs into Cedar Falls which is nice but crowded. Return along the Buckeye Trail that parallels the creek. It has lots of short up and downs, and is treacherous in sections. Appropriate shoes and some experience are recommended. Start early, before 10. Otherwise, expect a zoo along the start and at Cedar Falls.
Written November 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoeieWitte
Madeira, OH864 contributions
Jun 2021
We hiked the overlook trail from Cedar Falls to The Upper Falls. It was a quiet but boring experience. The wide, well maintained unpaved path provides no views down the gorge and limited views across the gorge.
Sign posting is good.
Sign posting is good.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabe10101
Lexington, KY890 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
The Gorge Overlook Trail is one of many named trails accessible from the Old Man's Cave parking lot in Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park. As its name would imply, this trail does not dip down into the gorge. It has no stairs, but is uneven dirt (or mud) on the South rim of the gorge. The North Rim is paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and strollers. Two crossings of the gorge are made by bridges, so the trail is a complete loop, a little less than a mile in length. Views from the bridges and edges are stunning, but be careful - there are no railings!
If you are able, I highly recommend taking the trails down into the Gorge to see the water and its carvings up close. The gorge is especially interesting after heavy rains. Head to the Lower Falls and beyond if you can manage dozens of stairs. Additional trails head off for many miles in multiple directions to other sites in the Hocking Hills.
The paved parking lot is huge, suggesting that summer crowds can be overwhelming. The further you go, the more solitude you will find!
If you are able, I highly recommend taking the trails down into the Gorge to see the water and its carvings up close. The gorge is especially interesting after heavy rains. Head to the Lower Falls and beyond if you can manage dozens of stairs. Additional trails head off for many miles in multiple directions to other sites in the Hocking Hills.
The paved parking lot is huge, suggesting that summer crowds can be overwhelming. The further you go, the more solitude you will find!
Written April 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Marion1,513 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
A lot of people still don't know about the smaller parking lot just north of the entrance and main parking lot for Cedar Falls, or just don't want to walk a little farther, so there are usually spaces available here there even on a weekend. From the parking lot you can hike down to the base of Cedar Falls and connect with the Grandma Gatewood trail to Old Man's cave through the floor of the gorge or you can cross over Queer Creek above the falls and follow along the top of the gorge a safe distance back from the rim. If you are energetic you can make a loop and do both. No matter how far you go, please do not go off trail like the girl in the first picture. She is in a precarious position and the rangers do enough rescue and retrieval missions each year as it is. Enjoy the views but go home in your own car, not a long black one.
Written September 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Germangirl
Tampa, FL926 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
The Gorge Trail Overlook is worth a hike any time of the year. I would recommend closed shoes for it.
Written December 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marylou H
Ohio City, OH163 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
we walked up and was like wow what a view..the trail and walk was great to go thru...we seen alot and loved it all..
Written August 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bellatako
Nashville, TN1,758 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
A dog friendly hiking trail with multiple views and small pools in which to wade?! yes please! This is an absolute must for anyone who lives near the area and even for those looking for a nice weekend get away. The trail has something for everyone - it has beautiful views and hardy terraine mixed with quick ways to easier paths if you find you are in over your head. The trails are dog friendly complete with areas they can go wading and even swimming. Would higherly recommend.
Written May 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightsee_Eat
Worthington, OH706 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
I did not make it the whole 2.5 miles from Cedar Falls, but turned around at beautiful Rose Lake, because I wanted to walk at several of the other attractions, but this would be a good trip in itself. At Cedar Falls, go over Queer Creek that provides the falls. The trail is flat and easy. Leaving from the Old Man's Cave Lower Falls, the trail is quite challenging with elevation, fall offs, roots and rocks, made more difficult by recent rains.
Written August 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this trail or at least part of it handicap accessible? Looking to take my mom to a few places but she’ll be in a wheelchair.
Written September 16, 2018
I visited with little kids and I was too nervous about the high cliffs. You definitely want to be prepared to hike with non-slip shoes. We ended up going to Ash Cave which was VERY pleasant as it ran along the BOttom of the Cliffs! Sweet Relief!
Written October 9, 2019
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