Ash Cave — Attraction in Logan

The Ash Cave area offers free parking, and handicap access, as well as water fountains, bathrooms, and dumpsters. Additional overflow parking is available on the opposite side of the road with an open style cabin and a working fireplace for cooking. Paved trails meander along strewn boulders to a crescent shaped cliffline that boasts a 100 foot waterfall (which can vary depending on rainfall.) Below there can be a small pool where water both falls and collects with a creekside run-off. Mosquito or bug repellent is advised. The cliffs are formed from sandstone, which over time has covered the ground in fine sand in mass quantity. It's a great spot to have a light stroll, picnic, and let the kids play. It is also a favorite spot to take photos. As per the Park Rangers, the upper trails can be very dangerous as there are very few hand rails, and falls occur annually. Stay back from the edges of cliffs a safe distance so as not to slip on the sandstone. Trees near the cliff edges cannot be trusted to take hold of to improve ones view as the roots are shallow, and the entire tree can come loose.

Years ago, when I began visiting, anyone could hike whichever direction they liked from the Ash Cave area to Spruce Falls. When I last visited, a few rubber covered steel cables had been installed along the upper trailhead, no doubt to serve as safety barriers. There are signs saying one way. but nothing preventing anyone from hiking whichever direction they like. It is a short walk on mostly level ground to reach Ash Cave, with a fair amount of elevation gain and many stairs to start the trailhead. It is not for the inexperienced hiker and easily more than a few miles to nearby Cedar Falls, or the upper rim loop trail. Some of the terrain can be extreme physically, but the trails provide amazing views of some of the biggest Hemlocks in the State. It isn't uncommon to see Deer, other wildlife, wild flowers, or foliage. Be smart, be safe, and enjoy your visit! Supervise your children as stairs may be void of hand rails or banisters, and the cables which have been installed are more a deterrent to keep people from getting too close to the cliff edges, but will not ultimately...

A gorgeous nature outing that most individuals are capable of experiencing due to the relatively flat (in and also out) entrance. Was able to visit on a sunny, 60 degree or so day weekday around 4 pm—this was optimal time & weather for us since there was less of a crowd (still ample parking when arrived) and the air temperature was refreshing. I will say, the views & scenery are breathtaking! The dirt path to the cave has a small incline and some benches scattered throughout. Once you get to the cave you can either walk back out the same way, or go up a steep set of wooden steps (see picture). We opted to exit via the steps and go right towards the exit, which has a steady decline. You can go left after the stairs and hike a trail that continues. I would think you can bring your dog(s) for the hike—I didn’t notice signs saying you couldn’t. It’s a scenic site to visit, but I’d recommend going during an off peak time. I really enjoyed not being surround by a bunch of other visitors—it made the experience that much more great. Also, there are restrooms towards the beginning of...

A beautiful hike. It is one of the shorter and easier hikes of the main popular trails. You can get to the waterfall and pool via a flat, wide path. The second half of the hike is more elevated and a little more difficult for anyone less inclined to hike, but most should find it very doable. Signs warn against entering the water, though it doesn't appear to be enforced in any manner and going in the water is clearly part of the main attraction. The weather was nice and hot (end of May) and a lot of people were in the water. The water is shallow all the way across.

There is a decent amount of parking across the street. The bathroom is there as well, and one of the cleaner, more accessible bathrooms (unlike the outhouses at Cantwell Cliffs). They aren't plumbed, but they are still pretty decent. Bring hand sanitizer and a spare roll of toilet paper to any of the Hocking Hills hikes as a precaution. Also have waterproof shoes with decent grip (not Crocs) for most of the hikes in Hocking Hills as they are damp and muddy from the humidity, stream, and...