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Whispering Cave Hiking Trail

Official Whispering Cave hiking guide from TheHockingHills.org.

Whispering Cave, State Route 664, Logan, OH 43138 | Parking/ trail access: Old Man’s Cave parking area, GPS: (39.437176, -82.539667)

Hiked and field-checked for The Hocking Hills Organization by Jannette Quackenbush

Last checked: July 2026

Route checked: 1) Loop from the Old Man’s Cave Upper Falls kiosk to Hemlock Bridge, then to Whispering Cave and back to Old Man’s Cave

2) Lodge to Whispering Cave

GPS-recorded loop: 3.3 miles from the Upper Falls entrance to the exit near the Visitor Center. Spur trails to Broken Rock Falls, Lower Falls, and Old Man’s Cave add distance.

Lodge route: 1.0 mile total.

GPS device: Garmin GPSMAP 64sx

Difficulty: Difficult; repeated ascents and descents, rugged terrain, rock scrambles, numerous stone and wooden steps, and sections of dirt trail that may be overgrown

Trail notes: The route is continuously rugged, with repeated uphill and downhill sections. Numerous wooden steps descend toward Whispering Cave, followed by a steep uphill climb after leaving the cave area.

Whispering Cave/Hemlock Trail is one of the seven major hiking areas of Hocking Hills State Park in southern Ohio. The main one-way loop is approximately 3.3 miles and includes Hemlock Bridge and a seasonal waterfall.

There are three places you can hop on the trail. For the first two, remember, trails are a 1-way system and you cannot turn around so prepare for a 3.3-mile hike.

1) You can start at the Visitor Center. There are steps near the Visitor Center kiosk. Follow the marked trail until reaching the signed purple Whispering Cave Trail.

2) You can start at Upper Falls near the kiosk. Follow the blue trail markers and signs approximately 1.5 miles to the Whispering Cave Trail, marked in purple. The one-way route continues to Whispering Cave and returns toward the Visitor Center.

3) Hikers can also park at the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge. From the lodge, the hike to Whispering Cave is approximately 1.0 mile total as an out-and-back route. This route is also difficult, with numerous steps and steep uphill sections. Limited parking available.

This hike may be considered strenuous for those who are not physically fit, do not hike regularly, or have health issues such as knee surgeries or heart problems. It involves a moderate to a steep incline, uneven steps, cliff edges, and steeper terrain. It may not be suitable for young children or some pets.

HIKERS MUST REMAIN ON THE MARKED TRAIL. Well-behaved, non-aggressive pets are permitted on a leash (not recommended because of cliffs). There is NO wading or swimming allowed in the waterfalls or creeks.

Whispering Cave Trail at a Glance

Main loop distance: 3.3 miles from the Upper Falls entrance to the exit near the Visitor Center
Lodge route: Approximately 1.0 mile total as an out-and-back hike
Typical hiking time: Allow several hours for the main loop
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail type: One-way loop from Old Man’s Cave; out-and-back from the lodge
Terrain: Repeated ascents and descents, rugged dirt trail, rock scrambles, and numerous stone and wooden steps
Whispering Cave approach: Many wooden steps descend to the cave, followed by a steep uphill climb
Wheelchair and stroller access: Not accessible
Pets: Permitted on leash, but the route may be difficult for some pets because of cliffs, steps, and rugged terrain
Parking: Old Man’s Cave parking area or Hocking Hills State Park Lodge
Main features: Whispering Cave, seasonal waterfall, Hemlock Bridge, swinging bridge, cliffs, and forested gorge
Additional distance: Spur trails to Broken Rock Falls, Lower Falls, and Old Man’s Cave add mileage

Whispering Cave trail access at the kiosk at Hocking Hills State Park Old Man's Cave Parking Lot.

You can access Whispering Cave/Hemlock Trail at the kiosk by the parking lot at Upper Falls.

The GPS-recorded one-way loop is approximately 3.3 miles, not including optional spur trails.

Whispering Cave Hiking Trail: Hocking Hills State Park in "The Hocking Hills" Along the trail from lodge.

A breathtaking view along the trail.


Upper Falls: Old Man's Cave. Whispering Cave Hiking Trail: Hocking Hills State Park in "The Hocking Hills"

After starting at the Kiosk, you will pass Upper Falls.

 

 

Whispering Cave hike-take a peek to see what is in store for hikers along the trail to Whispering Cave!

Old Man's Cave Stepping Stone Bridge: Whispering Cave Hiking Trail: Hocking Hills State Park in "The Hocking Hills"

The Stepping Stone Bridge within the gorge.

Sphinx Head: Within the Gorge of Old Man's Cave. Whispering Cave Hiking Trail: Hocking Hills State Park in "The Hocking Hills"

Can you see the Sphinx Head central to the picture? Hikers pass this right after passing the Old Man's Cave above-

Trail to Whispering Cave.Whispering Cave Hiking Trail: Hocking Hills State Park in "The Hocking Hills"

After passing Old Man's Cave, instead of taking the steps up and into Old Man's Cave, hikers go straight following the Blue Blazes of the Buckeye Trail. (Although hikers can take the super-short walk up the steps to visit the cave, of course, and return to the trail)

 

Whispering Cave.Whispering Cave Hiking Trail: Hocking Hills State Park in "The Hocking Hills"

Whispering Cave. After Whispering Cave Side Trail, return to the path and follow the purple blazes.

Trail to Whispering Cave. Whispering Cave Hiking Trail: Hocking Hills State Park in "The Hocking Hills"

 The area opens up into the most beautiful section of the gorge--after Old Man's Cave

Purple Blazes on Trail to Whispering Cave.Whispering Cave Hiking Trail: Hocking Hills State Park in "The Hocking Hills"

Follow the trail to the left. When coming out, you will go straight (which is to the right in this image) and turns to the purple blazes. (Note tree to the left)

Saw some pink blazes. I assume this was once purple, have faded, and the blazes have not been repainted in a few years. Also saw some of the purple blazes had green, orange, and blue like someone had accidentally marked them and then came back through and marked over them a bit with purple.

Hemlock Swinging Bridge along Trail at Whispering Cave - 1-way loop trail.Whispering Cave Hiking Trail: Hocking Hills State Park

The swinging bridge located along the trail.

Trail at Whispering Cave - 1-way loop trail.

This difficult trail may not be suitable for everyone. Hikers may encounter downed trees, exposed roots, overgrown sections, and unauthorized paths that appear to lead away from the marked trail.

Hocking Hills Trail System Map.

7 different hiking areas of Hocking Hills State Park- Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave.

 

 

Trail at Whispering Cave - 1-way loop trail.

Hidden waterfalls in Hocking Hills: A scenic new bridge leads hikers off the main trail and into a secluded hollow where quiet cascades flow through untouched forest.

Whispering Cave Trail Map

Parking: Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center at Old Man's Cave

20343-20347 OH-374 Logan, OH 43138 GPS Tracking: (39.437176, -82.539667)

There are two places you can hop on the trail-Remember; trails are a 1-way system.

1) You can start at the Visitor Center-There are steps at the Visitor Center near the kiosk.

2) You can also start at Upper Falls near that kiosk.

Follow the blue trail markers and signs 1 1/2 miles to the Whispering Cave Purple Trail (It is marked with a sign). It will loop around 1-way to Whispering Cave and back to the Visitor Center

Yellow: Whispering Cave Loop Trail (Yellow Blazes on Trees)

Purple is the Old Man's Cave to Whispering Cave Trail Loop Trail (Purple Blazes on Trees)

Blue: Grandma Gatewood Trail (Blue Blazes on Trees)

 Take the complete route with you. The Hocking Hills Hiking Trail Guidebook includes field-checked directions, GPS coordinates, trail junctions, elevation information, parking details, and route combinations for Whispering Cave and many additional Hocking Hills trails.

Whispering Cave Trail Map

 

 

Trail at Whispering Cave - 1-way loop trail.

 

Hocking Hills State Park Trails - Whispering Cave Loop Trailhead #1 - Upper Falls

 

 

Whispering Cave Loop

Logan, OH 43138

Parking Access for both trailheads is at Old Man's Cave: 39.437176, -82.539667

Common Questions About Whispering Cave

How long is the Whispering Cave hiking trail?

The main loop from the Old Man’s Cave Upper Falls entrance to the exit near the Visitor Center is approximately 3.3 miles. Spur trails to Broken Rock Falls, Lower Falls, and Old Man’s Cave add distance.

Can hikers reach Whispering Cave from the lodge?

Yes. Hikers can park at the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge and follow an approximately 1.0-mile total out-and-back route to Whispering Cave.

Is the Whispering Cave trail difficult?

Yes. The trail is difficult, with repeated ascents and descents, rugged terrain, rock scrambles, numerous stone and wooden steps, and sections that may be overgrown.

Are there many steps near Whispering Cave?

Yes. Numerous wooden steps descend toward Whispering Cave, and hikers face a steep uphill climb after leaving the cave area.

Where should hikers park for the main Whispering Cave loop?

Parking for the main loop is at the Old Man’s Cave parking area. Hikers can enter near the Upper Falls kiosk or near the Visitor Center, depending on the route being followed.

Is the Whispering Cave trail one-way?

The main route from Old Man’s Cave is part of the park’s one-way trail system. The shorter lodge route is an out-and-back hike.

Is Whispering Cave wheelchair or stroller accessible?

No. The trail includes steep grades, rugged surfaces, rock scrambles, and numerous uneven steps.

Are dogs allowed on the Whispering Cave trail?

Well-behaved, non-aggressive pets are permitted on leash, but the cliffs, rugged terrain, steep climbs, and numerous steps may make the route unsuitable for some pets.

Does Whispering Cave always have a waterfall?

No. The waterfall at Whispering Cave is seasonal and is most dependable after substantial rainfall and during wetter seasons.

What are the main features along the Whispering Cave trail?

The route includes Whispering Cave, a seasonal waterfall, Hemlock Bridge (a swinging bridge), cliffs, rock formations, and forested gorge scenery.

Whispering Cave - Hocking Hills State Park

Whispering Cave Loop is a strenuous, one-way trail day hike.

Swinging bridge along the Day Hike Loop Trail.

Part of the 7 trail systems within Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park


 

Home to one of the larger recess caves in the trail system.

Rock formations and hiker along the trail before Whispering Cave Day Hike trail.

OPEN ALL YEAR-ROUND FROM DAWN TO DUSK

There are seven major hiking areas in Hocking Hills State Park - All are one-way trail systems.  

Click here for a Regional Hocking Hills Trail Area Map

Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave Trail. These park areas offer a unique experience for those who walk its paths no matter what season (the park is open year-round from dawn to dusk)—located on the southern edge of Hocking County. But those are just a handful. Other hiking trails in the Hocking Hills region include those at Wayne National Forest, Clear Creek Metro Parks, Lake Hope State Park, the Moonville Rail Trail, and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway.