Near Hemlock Bridge Trail
Whispering Cave
Near Hemlock Bridge Trail
Looking down ravine off Whispering Cave Trail.
Near Hemlock Bridge Trail
Cliffs along Queer Creek

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
View Map
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Hemlock Bridge Trail

4.0 (5 Ratings)
A nice out-and-back or connector to the Gorge Trail with a spur to the recently opened Whispering Cave.
0.8
mi
Distance
37
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekSpringViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.82mi
Distance
37ft
Elevation Gain
301ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
994ft
High Point
721ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Departing the trailhead near the State Park Lodge (which is in the process of being rebuilt), descend into the forest gradually. This trail is new and there are still quite a few roots to trip you up, so be cautious! Soon after you pass underneath the pool deck, the woods deepen, and you'll come to a great overlook across Queer Creek. Continue your descent and in about another 0.1 miles, you'll begin to see the rock formations that make the region famous. About a half mile in, you'll see a spur with signs for Whispering Cave (Whispering Cave Trail). Take this trail! It leads to one of the most beautiful recess caves in the area. After returning from this diversion, continue down to the creek bed, looking up occasionally to take in the cliff line. Cross the bridge and connect to the Gorge Overlook Trail or turn around and head back the way you came. If you are like me, you might just take in Whispering Cave twice in the same day!

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Logan Trail North Loop

Hike Route

Logan Trail North Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
9.18 mi
+1,944 ft
Tar Hollow South Loop

Hike Route

Tar Hollow South Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
11.32 mi
+2,137 ft
Zaleski Backpack Trail South Loop

Hike Route

Zaleski Backpack Trail South Loop

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
10.71 mi
+1,623 ft
Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve

Hike Route

Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve

Cave
moderate
7.95 mi
+1,528 ft
Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve

Hike Route

Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve

Fall Colors
moderate
4.59 mi
+741 ft
Iron Furnace Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Iron Furnace Out-and-Back

Family Friendly
easy
5.4 mi
+619 ft
Contributors
Chris Davis