ABOUT ASH CAVE STATE PARK

Ash Cave is the largest recess cave in Ohio, measuring nearly 700 feet from end to end, 100 feet deep, and 90 feet from floor to roof. Hikers visiting Ash Cave approach through a tree-lined gorge and valley floor rich with native wildflowers. A tributary of the East Fork of Queer Creek, which created Ash Cave, still flows over the rim forming a pool below. Visitors will note that the cave is not only enormous in size, but also possesses incredible acoustic qualities.

Ash Cave offers picnic facilities and is also handicap accessible.

State Parks

The History

The horseshoe shaped cave is in the southern portion of the Hocking Hills State Park, and is named for the large amount of ashes early settlers discovered in the cave. It’s believed that Native Americans used Ash Cave for shelter, building fires to stay warm and resulting in ash buildup. The cave was also used as a temporary church by early settlers in the region.