Cantwell Cliffs

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Views

There is a restroom pit toilet at the trailhead along with a picnic shelter. Please follow the one way trail as marked so everyone can enjoy their time. The trail may be slippery when wet. Extreme caution should be taken if hiking in the winter when snow and ice are present. Keep a close eye on children and pets near the large cliffs.

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.

Ferns, moss, Hemlock, poplar, beech, oak, wildflowers, white-tailed deer, barred owls, wild turkey