Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Old Man’s Cave

A Feature of Ohio’s Geology

Photographed By Heather Crawford, May 11, 2007

1. Old Man's Cave Marker

Inscription. This recess cave was named for the “old man” Richard Rowe, a recluse who made the cave his home in the 1800’s and is a part of the scenic Hocking Hills State Park. Hocking comes from the Wyandot Indian word “hockhocking,” referring to the Hocking River’s bottle-shaped gorge near Lancaster. Streams and percolating groundwater carved the hollows and caves in this area from layers of sandstone bedrock that vary in hardness. The hollow’s moist, cool climate preserves more typically northern tree species such as eastern hemlock trees and Canada yew, which have persisted since the glaciers retreated 15,000 years ago.

Erected 2003 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, The International Paper Company Foundation, and the Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 5-37.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Exploration • Horticulture & Forestry • Natural Features • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list.

Location. 39° 25.987′ N, 82° 32.584′ W. Marker is in Hocking Hills State

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Park, Ohio, in Hocking County. Marker can be reached from Gorge Overlook Trail (Ohio Route 664). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20160 State Route 664 S, Logan OH 43138, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Old Man’s Cave (within shouting distance of this marker); Sphinx Head (within shouting distance of this marker); Devil’s Bathtub (approx. ¼ mile away); Our Inspirations (approx. 0.6 miles away); Whispering Cave (approx. 0.8 miles away); Cedar Falls Bent Bridge (approx. 1.3 miles away); Cedar Falls (approx. 1.4 miles away); Ash Cave (approx. 2.4 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker cannot be seen from the road. It is at one of the walkways to Old Man’s Cave inside the park.

Also see . . .
1. Hocking Hills. (Submitted on September 10, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio.)
2. Go Waterfalling. Shows spectacular pictures of Old Man’s Cave and nearby sites, along with additional information. (Submitted on September 10, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 9, 2018

2. Old Man’s Cave Marker

Old Man's Cave image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Heather Crawford, May 11, 2007

3. Old Man's Cave

Inside Old Man's Cave image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Heather Crawford, May 11, 2007

4. Inside Old Man's Cave

This photo was taken from inside the cave looking up.

Photographed By Heather Crawford, May 11, 2007

5. Inside Old Man's Cave

This photo was taken from inside Old Man's Cave looking out.

Photographed By Heather Crawford, May 11, 2007

6. Upper Falls

A walking bridge crosses over the falls.

Underground Tunnel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Heather Crawford, May 11, 2007

7. Underground Tunnel

Steps leading into underground tunnel near Old Man's Cave.

Inside Underground Tunnel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Heather Crawford, May 11, 2007

8. Inside Underground Tunnel

Trails around Old Man's Cave image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Heather Crawford, May 11, 2007

9. Trails around Old Man's Cave

This photo was taken on top of a ledge. There are steps in the distance on the right-hand side.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5,445 times since then and 81 times this year. Last updated on September 15, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio. Photos: 1. submitted on September 10, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio. 2. submitted on July 3, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on September 10, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio. 5. submitted on September 11, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio. 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 10, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio. 9. submitted on September 11, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.