The Rock House in Hocking Hills
is an ancient cave carved out of Blackhand sandstone prevalent in the area. Over millennia, water has worn away the softer rock, leaving the harder stone behind, creating the cave.
Since time immemorial, the cave has been used for shelter, making things, housing animals and hiding from the law. It has quite an interesting history if you care to look!
Rock House is a triangular-shaped cave with an entrance halfway up a 150 foot cliff face. The roof is 25 feet high, the walls are around 200 feet long and between 20 and 30 feet wide. It is thought that water seeping through a joint between two sections of rock was responsible for carving out the cave, that water still enters the cave today so it is easy to see how it could have happened. Soft sections of sandstone were eroded by this water, leaving harder sections above, below and all around.
The character of the cave is actually quite peaceful. It isn’t dank and dark like many, it has natural light allowed in by several arched “windows” which reflects off the light sandstone, offering a moody ambience that lends itself well to somewhere that was once used to escape the weather.
It is believed the windows of Rock House are also the result of water erosion. Each is located at a major joint in the rock and either the joint shifted to displace rock, or allowed water through to wear it away. Either way, the windows add a real character to the cave.
It is these windows and the appearance of a roof supported by rock columns that gave Rock House its name. That and the fact it was used as shelter by everyone from Native Americans and pioneers to villains and locals.
Rock House is just one of many geological structures around Hocking Hills. It is the only true cave though. Ash Cave is open to the elements and is made from a horseshoe-shaped ledge all around and Old Man’s Cave is a recess cave on the edge of a cliff face.
Talking of Old Man’s Cave, if you need somewhere to stay while you’re visiting Hocking Hills, our very own cabins would be ideal. They are centrally located, within a short distance from everything Hocking County has to offer and well worth a visit.
Our wooden lodges, A-frames and cottages all reflect the traditional, rustic character of the area while providing the warmth and comfort you deserve. All for an amazingly low price!
Visit our booking page to reserve yours today!
