Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Chapel Cave

4.3 (4 Ratings)
A quick, mostly flat trail to a unique cave.
0.8
mi
Distance
161
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
CaveGeologically SignificantViews
Access Issues
Note that this is a bridle trail, but hikers are allowed.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.78mi
Distance
161ft
Elevation Gain
42ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
875ft
High Point
757ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trailhead starts opposite the Hocking Hills State Forest Rock Climbing and Rappelling Area on Big Pine Road. As you head into the forest, you'll reach a sign, do not head left, but stay straight and follow the orange blazes on the trees. The trail here is pretty flat and may likely be very muddy if it has just rained. Hope you brought the correct footwear! Continue to follow the orange blazes and you'll eventually reach a creek crossing with an orange arrow pointing to the left. Follow that trail and look for the while blazes. You'll then want to follow this trail. As you hike, be on the lookout for a wooden fence on your right up the hill. Keep going until you reach the start of this fence and make a right. This will take you to Chapel Cave. Explore the cave and the views there and head back out the way you came. If you'd like, you can also connect to the Airplane Rock Bridle Trail. See the map at: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-state-forest

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

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
Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve

Hike Route

Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve

Fall Colors
moderate
4.59 mi
+741 ft
Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve

Hike Route

Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve

Cave
moderate
7.95 mi
+1,528 ft
Zaleski Backpack Trail South Loop

Hike Route

Zaleski Backpack Trail South Loop

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
10.71 mi
+1,623 ft
Iron Furnace Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Iron Furnace Out-and-Back

Family Friendly
easy
5.4 mi
+619 ft
Contributors
Scott Brewer