One of the park’s newest additions, reachable from the main visitor-center area. The trail crosses the Hemlock Bridge — a suspension footbridge swaying over the gorge — to reach Whispering Cave, a 300-foot-wide recess shelter (one of the largest in the park) with a seasonal waterfall draping across its mouth.
Because it was added more recently and sits a bit off the marquee loop, it sees a fraction of Old Man’s Cave’s traffic while delivering a comparable wow factor.
One of the park’s newest trails, Whispering Cave opened in 2017 and starts from the main Hocking Hills lodge and visitor area. The route crosses the Hemlock Bridge — a suspension footbridge that sways gently 180 feet over the gorge — to reach the recess shelter.
At roughly 300 feet wide, Whispering Cave is one of the largest recesses in the park, with a seasonal waterfall draping across its mouth. The name comes from the way sound carries and softens beneath the overhang.
Pro tip: Combine Whispering Cave with Old Man’s Cave — they share the same trailhead area, so you can knock out two showpieces from one parking spot before the lot fills.
- • Shares a trailhead area with Old Man’s Cave — do both from one parking spot.
- • As one of the newest trails, it sees a fraction of the crowds for a comparable payoff.
- • The suspension bridge sways; the seasonal waterfall is best after rain.
- • Leashed dogs are welcome.
- Where does the Whispering Cave trail start?
- It begins from the main Hocking Hills lodge and visitor-center area near Old Man’s Cave, crossing the Hemlock Bridge suspension footbridge to reach the cave. The two share a trailhead area, so you can do both from one parking spot.
- Is there a waterfall at Whispering Cave?
- Yes — a seasonal waterfall drapes across the mouth of the recess. It’s most impressive after rain or snowmelt and can slow to a trickle in dry spells.
