Near Cantwell Cliffs
Top of Cliff Wall
Near Cantwell Cliffs
One Cliff Wall
Near Cantwell Cliffs
Cliff Walls and Forest
Near Cantwell Cliffs
Cantwell Cliffs

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Hike Trail

Cantwell Cliffs

4.7 (6 Ratings)
One of the most picturesque hikes in the Hocking Hills area with difficult and breathtaking terrain.
1.1
mi
Distance
661
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsGeologically SignificantOne Way OnlyViews
Access Issues
This trail is a one way loop, please follow the correct signage. Parking may be somewhat limited at the trailhead at busy times.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.07mi
Distance
661ft
Elevation Gain
667ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
1,097ft
High Point
889ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
This trail starts in the northern region of the remote Hocking Hills area about 15 miles north of the main Hocking Hills State Park attractions. From the parking lot, head down the trail on the correct one way direction. Descend the steps down the fairly steep grade and you'll be greeted with the most narrow passage, "Fat Woman's Squeeze". Don't worry, you'll make it through just fine! Just after this section, you can head off on the yellow trail (Bottom of Gorge), but stay on the red trail (Top of Gorge Rim Trail) to continue this loop. Connections to the yellow trail are at waypoints C & D on the posted signage. As you continue taking in the scenery, you'll climb up and down some fairly steep areas with breathtaking views of the rock geology. Once you reach waypoint G on the red trail, head to your left. If you head up, you'll miss half of the trail and you don't want to do that! From here, its a steep climb up the stairs, but the trail will level out as you reach waypoints F and H. As you continue along the trail, you'll have some great views of the trail below that you just hiked on. Watch the kids and pets here as a fall would be catastrophic. Just before waypoint I, you'll reach a small rest shelter. Continue on the hike across a small bridge where you'll likely see some people below that you can yell down and wave at. You've almost finished your hike, but don't get too excited! The last 0.2 miles are pretty steep as you climb up and out of the gorge.

Route Conditions

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