Here in Ohio, you might be surprised by how many caves you can explore. The next time you’re looking for a unique day trip destination or something adventurous to do, consider taking a short road trip to the caves closest to you. The following are 9 of the most amazing cave adventures you can have in the Buckeye State. See how many you’ve visited before and which ones you need to add to your summer bucket list:
- Ohio Caverns (West Liberty)
Ohio Caverns/Facebook
Brian Timmermeister/Flickr The Ohio Caverns were formed thousands of years ago when an underground river cut through ancient limestone and created vast rooms and passageways. Today, they’re filled with crystal stalactites, stalagmites and other fascinating formations. There are several different tours you can take at Ohio Caverns, including a Natural Wonder Tour, Historic Tour, Limestone Tour and Tree Tour. You’ll find the caverns at 2210 State Route 245 East, West Liberty, OH 43357.
- Old Man’s Cave (Hocking Hills State Park)
Vasenka Photography/Flickr
Jeremy Stump/Flickr Hocking Hills State Park is arguably Ohio’s most beloved state park, where waterfalls, caves, unique rock formations and hiking trails abound. Old Man’s Cave has an interesting history and origin to its name. Legend has it, a 19th-century hermit who once lived in the cave, (named Richard Rowe,) is buried under a cave ledge in the area. Take the 1-mile Old Man’s Cave Loop trail for an unforgettable day hike. Hocking Hills State Park is located at 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, OH 43138.
- Ash Cave (Hocking Hills State Park)
J Todd Poling/Flickr
Matt Chan/Flickr The Ash Cave Trail within Hocking Hills State Park features a .25-mile long Gorge Trail that is wheelchair accessible, as well as a .5-mile long Rim Trail. Most days, the falls that flow from the top of Ash Cave are fairly narrow but being able to walk behind them is a magical experience.
- Olentangy Indian Caverns (Delaware)
Olentangy Indian Caverns/Facebook
Olentangy Indian Caverns/Facebook History and geology blend at this unique attraction, which features caverns once used by the Wyandotte Indians. Formed by an underground river cutting through solid limestone rock, these caverns were formed millions of years ago, making them an exciting natural wonder to explore. Above ground, you can mine for gems, explore Frontier Town and even play mini golf at the Olentangy Indian Caverns. It’s a great family day trip destination. Olentangy Indian Caverns is located at 1779 Home Rd., Delaware, OH 43015.
- Rock House (Hocking Hills State Park)
daveryin/Flickr
See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr Within the Hocking Hills State Park area in Logan is the beloved Rock House, where visitors can freely explore this unique cave with a 25-ft. high ceiling and window-like openings. Evidence shows that the homey Rock House was often used for shelter by past visitors, Native Americans and even bootleggers, robbers and horse thieves.
- Whispering Cave (Hocking Hills State Park)
April Dray/Only In Your State With massive sandstone cliffs, a new cave, a towering waterfall and a swinging bridge, the brand new Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave at Hocking Hills State Park is an Ohio adventure you simply have to take. The Hemlock Bridge Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that leads to Whispering Cave, a 300 ft.-wide cavern many past visitors have yet to explore.
- Crystal Cave (Put-In-Bay)
dorsalmo/Trip Advisor Crystal Cave on South Bass Island lies 35 ft. below the surface and is about 12,000-15,000 years old. The cave is made up of celestite crystals ranging anywhere from 8 to 18 inches long. As you walk through it, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. It’s the world’s largest celestite geode, making it one of the state’s most unique attractions. Crystal Cave is located at 978 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456.
- Chapel Cave (Rockbridge)
April Dray/Only In Your State
April Dray/Only In Your State Many people are familiar with popular caves in Ohio such as Old Man’s Cave and the Rock House―but few people know about “Chapel Cave” (also known as “21 Horses Cave”) hiding in the Hocking Hills. It’s a hidden gem in the Hocking State Forest that you won’t find on any park or nature preserve maps, but you can find the trailhead less than 5 minutes away from the Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve entrance in Rockbridge, Ohio.
- Seneca Caverns (Bellevue)
Sonja/Flickr Located in Bellevue, Ohio is another geographical wonder that was first discovered in 1872. When you venture to these caverns you will travel through “The Earth Crack” and view the Ole’ Mist’ry River. You’ll find Seneca Caverns at 15248 E Township Rd, 178, Bellevue, OH 44811.
How many of these caves have you explored? Share your photos, memories and adventure recommendations with us!
Ohio Caverns/Facebook
Brian Timmermeister/Flickr
The Ohio Caverns were formed thousands of years ago when an underground river cut through ancient limestone and created vast rooms and passageways. Today, they’re filled with crystal stalactites, stalagmites and other fascinating formations. There are several different tours you can take at Ohio Caverns, including a Natural Wonder Tour, Historic Tour, Limestone Tour and Tree Tour. You’ll find the caverns at 2210 State Route 245 East, West Liberty, OH 43357.
Vasenka Photography/Flickr
Jeremy Stump/Flickr
Hocking Hills State Park is arguably Ohio’s most beloved state park, where waterfalls, caves, unique rock formations and hiking trails abound. Old Man’s Cave has an interesting history and origin to its name. Legend has it, a 19th-century hermit who once lived in the cave, (named Richard Rowe,) is buried under a cave ledge in the area. Take the 1-mile Old Man’s Cave Loop trail for an unforgettable day hike. Hocking Hills State Park is located at 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, OH 43138.
J Todd Poling/Flickr
Matt Chan/Flickr
The Ash Cave Trail within Hocking Hills State Park features a .25-mile long Gorge Trail that is wheelchair accessible, as well as a .5-mile long Rim Trail. Most days, the falls that flow from the top of Ash Cave are fairly narrow but being able to walk behind them is a magical experience.
Olentangy Indian Caverns/Facebook
History and geology blend at this unique attraction, which features caverns once used by the Wyandotte Indians. Formed by an underground river cutting through solid limestone rock, these caverns were formed millions of years ago, making them an exciting natural wonder to explore. Above ground, you can mine for gems, explore Frontier Town and even play mini golf at the Olentangy Indian Caverns. It’s a great family day trip destination. Olentangy Indian Caverns is located at 1779 Home Rd., Delaware, OH 43015.
daveryin/Flickr
See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr
Within the Hocking Hills State Park area in Logan is the beloved Rock House, where visitors can freely explore this unique cave with a 25-ft. high ceiling and window-like openings. Evidence shows that the homey Rock House was often used for shelter by past visitors, Native Americans and even bootleggers, robbers and horse thieves.
April Dray/Only In Your State
With massive sandstone cliffs, a new cave, a towering waterfall and a swinging bridge, the brand new Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave at Hocking Hills State Park is an Ohio adventure you simply have to take. The Hemlock Bridge Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that leads to Whispering Cave, a 300 ft.-wide cavern many past visitors have yet to explore.
dorsalmo/Trip Advisor
Crystal Cave on South Bass Island lies 35 ft. below the surface and is about 12,000-15,000 years old. The cave is made up of celestite crystals ranging anywhere from 8 to 18 inches long. As you walk through it, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. It’s the world’s largest celestite geode, making it one of the state’s most unique attractions. Crystal Cave is located at 978 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456.
Many people are familiar with popular caves in Ohio such as Old Man’s Cave and the Rock House―but few people know about “Chapel Cave” (also known as “21 Horses Cave”) hiding in the Hocking Hills. It’s a hidden gem in the Hocking State Forest that you won’t find on any park or nature preserve maps, but you can find the trailhead less than 5 minutes away from the Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve entrance in Rockbridge, Ohio.
Sonja/Flickr
Located in Bellevue, Ohio is another geographical wonder that was first discovered in 1872. When you venture to these caverns you will travel through “The Earth Crack” and view the Ole’ Mist’ry River. You’ll find Seneca Caverns at 15248 E Township Rd, 178, Bellevue, OH 44811.
For more outdoor adventure ideas in Ohio, check out our previous article: 10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Ohio.
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