Hocking Hills State Park: Ice Hiking

Kid-friendlyOhioFamily Day TripsHikingBridgesParksNatureOutdoor ActivitiesOhio State Parks

Mar 6

Hocking Hills State Park Old Man’s Cave trail Upper Falls frozen waterfall Logan, Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park is one of our favorite spots in Ohio to visit. It is great during the summer but winter hiking can be even better if you pick the right day. If you wait until there has been extended freezing temperatures, the water falls will freeze and the gorge can be covered in dazzling icicles. Your best chances to see it is typically in January and February.

We decided to venture out on a sunny day in February. It was still freezing temperatures but not too cold to be miserable. The hike can be a fun time for the family as long as you are prepared.

The park is free and open to the public.

Hocking Hills State Park Old Man’s Cave trail icicles, ice hiking Logan, Ohio

Here is a list that I recommend so everyone can be comfortable and safe on the ice hike:

Winter coats
Hats
Scarves
Gloves
Warm socks
Long underwear - if it is a particularly cold day
Water
Snacks
Hand warmers (like HotHands)
Sunglasses - if it is sunny out
Hiking boots
*Ice grips for your shoes* - It will be extra slippery on the steps and inclines. Ice grips are rubber with little spikes the stretch over your boots. I definitely recommend these for safely hiking on the ice. I try to avoid trips to the hospital!

Hocking Hills State Park Old Man’s Cave trail icicles Logan, Ohio

Great Hiking Trails

Short Hike

If you want to see the icicles and have a more leisurely hike, you can go to the visitor center and look over the A-frame bridge or take a short hike to Old Man’s Cave upper falls (20 minutes round trip).

Long Hike

For the more adventurous, like we did, you can hike down Old Man’s Cave trail to the curved staircase bridge. On the way, there is plenty to see in the gorge, tons of icicles, and two frozen waterfalls. (Upper and Lower Falls) Broken Rock Falls is just past the curved staircase bridge if you want a bonus. The hike is around 2 hours round trip depending on how crowed the trails gets, but is totally worth it.

Having trouble finding the bridges at Hocking Hills? I have marked Hemlock swinging bridge, curved staircase bridge, and the A-frame bridge on the Hocking Hills State Park map. Sign up to see bridge locations.