Hey, Ohio residents! Great news — you don’t need to venture far to find amazing caves and caverns. Ohio is home to a variety of stunning spots that invite you to delve into their mysteries and uncover breathtaking natural wonders. Here are what we consider to be the top caves in Ohio for your next adventure.
1. Ohio Caverns
Located in West Liberty, Ohio, are the vibrant and enchanting “America’s Most Colorful Caverns.” Visitors can explore a variety of stunning chambers, including “Fantasyland,” “Crystal King,” “Palace of the Gods,” and the expansive “Big Room.” These impressive caverns were shaped over thousands of years by an underground river that carved through ancient limestone, resulting in an intricate network of rooms and passages. Today, these passages are adorned with beautiful crystal stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations. The caverns are open for exploration all year round, situated at 2210 OH-245 E, West Liberty, OH 43357.
1a. Crystal King’s cave
Nestled within the Ohio Caverns lies one of the largest and most intricately shaped stalactites in the world. Known as the Crystal King, this stunning formation measures nearly five feet in length, has an approximate weight of 400 pounds, and is believed to be over 200,000 years old.
2. Hocking Hills Rock House
Located in the scenic Hocking Hills State Park near Logan, the Rock House is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This remarkable cave features a soaring ceiling that reaches 25 feet high and boasts impressive window-like openings that invite natural light inside. Throughout history, this beautiful site has attracted countless visitors. It served as a shelter for ancient indigenous tribes and later earned the name “Robbers Roost” after Ohio’s statehood, as it was rumored to be a hideout for notorious outlaws. As you wander through this ancient rock formation, you’ll be transported through centuries of intriguing human history. Make sure to check out Rock House located at 16350 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135.
3. Seneca Caverns
Nestled in Bellevue, Ohio, lies a remarkable natural wonder that was uncovered in 1872. Seneca Caverns has earned the distinction of being a Registered Natural Landmark, a title it richly deserves. When you explore these stunning caverns, you’ll traverse “The Earth Crack” and catch a glimpse of the Ole’ Mist’ry River, a section of Ohio’s largest underground cave system. Be sure to dress warmly, as the temperature inside the cave stays a constant 54 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. You can discover this subterranean treasure at 15248 E Township Rd 178, Bellevue, OH 44811.
4. Old Man’s Cave
Hocking Hills State Park is home to one of Ohio’s favorite hiking destinations, featuring a cave that once served as a refuge for a hermit. Richard Rowe, who traveled to Ohio during the American Revolution, is believed to have set up a trading post nearby and made the expansive recess cave his home. Local lore suggests that he, along with some of the area’s early inhabitants, found their final resting place within the cave. To explore this picturesque location, visit 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138.
5. Ash Cave
Nestled along the hiking trails of Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills State Park lies Ash Cave, a stunning natural wonder. The cave earned its name from an intriguing mound of ashes discovered by early settlers—a curious find in Ohio’s largest recess cave. You can easily access this remarkable cavern via OH-56, located in Logan, OH 43138.
Don’t let a fear of darkness (or bats, or anything else lurking in the shadows) hold you back! Pack your backpack, invite a friend, and make sure to bring a flashlight. Take a few days to delve into some of Ohio’s most captivating caves and uncover their hidden beauty.