Whispering Cave, Hocking Hills: What to Expect

Whispering Cave, Hocking Hills' newest major sight, is a huge recess cave with a 105-foot seasonal waterfall pouring from its rim. Ohio DNR lists the trail with Hemlock Bridge at 4.5 miles and rates it difficult, so plan on a long morning. Go in spring, when the fall carries the most water.

It opened to the public in 2017, which is why older guidebooks skip it. From our cabin, the park's Old Man's Cave area is about an 18-minute drive.

Whispering Cave, Hocking Hills at a glance

The figures come from Hocking Hills State Park. Ohio DNR calls it the second largest cave in the region, after Ash Cave.

What you'll see

The cave is a recess cave, a deep overhang worn into Black Hand sandstone, like the other Hocking Hills caves. It's named for its acoustics, which are said to carry a whisper from one end to the other.

The waterfall drops 105 feet from the rim to the cave floor. It's seasonal, so after a dry spell it can shrink to a thin trickle, and after rain it's one of the best sights in the park.

The trail and Hemlock Bridge

Before 2017, the way to Whispering Cave was an unmarked path. A volunteer named Jim Schaefer, a regular visitor, pushed to make it an official trail, and starting in 2015 volunteers built a swinging bridge and wooden boardwalks with the park.

The Hemlock Bridge and Whispering Cave trails opened on May 8, 2017, WSYX reported. The park said they would connect with the gorge trail to Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls.

Ohio DNR rates the route difficult, the same as the Conkle's Hollow rim and Cantwell Cliffs. Take that seriously: wear shoes with real grip and bring water.

Where to start

There are two ways in. The park's 4.5-mile figure covers the route that links Whispering Cave with the Old Man's Cave area. The visitor center and the main lot there are off State Route 664.

The shorter approach is the Hemlock Bridge Trail, which starts by the state park lodge. The park doesn't publish a separate distance for it, so check the sign at the trailhead and the park map before you set out.

Many trails in the park are one way. Follow the arrows, and plan to be off the trail before it closes at dark.

When to go

Spring is the best season for Whispering Cave, Hocking Hills' waterfall included. Rain and snowmelt keep the fall running, and wildflowers come up along the trail.

Summer is shady, but the waterfall thins out. Fall brings color to the ravines. Winter can be beautiful and quiet, but the trails are often icy, and Ohio DNR recommends ice cleats.

The Old Man's Cave area is the park's busiest spot. Start early or go on a weekday, and pair the two for a full morning.

Before you go

• Stay on the marked trail. It's required, and the sandstone gets slick when wet.
• No swimming or wading anywhere in the park, including under the falls.
• Dogs are welcome on a leash of 6 feet or shorter.
• Bring water and a layer. The ravines run cooler than the ridgetops.
• Cell signal can drop out, so download the park map first.

Is Whispering Cave worth the hike?

Yes, if you have a half day and the legs for it. Whispering Cave, Hocking Hills' newest trail destination, gives you a tall waterfall and the second largest cave in the region in one walk.

If you have less time, our Hocking Hills waterfall guide has quicker stops, and so does our ranking of the best Hocking Hills hikes. For everything else in the region, start with things to do in Hocking Hills.

Then head back to 97 quiet acres. To see the trails and pond you'll have to yourselves, browse our page on secluded cabins in Hocking Hills.

Whispering Cave Hocking Hills FAQs

How long is the hike to Whispering Cave?

The hike to Whispering Cave is 4.5 miles by Ohio DNR's count, on the route with Hemlock Bridge that links the cave to the Old Man's Cave area. A shorter approach starts by the state park lodge. The park doesn't publish its distance, so check the trailhead sign and plan on a long morning either way.

Is the Whispering Cave trail difficult?

The Whispering Cave trail is rated difficult by Ohio DNR, the same as the Conkle's Hollow rim and Cantwell Cliffs. It crosses a swinging bridge, and at 4.5 miles it's one of the longer walks in the park. Wear shoes with real grip, bring water, and add ice cleats in winter.

When does the Whispering Cave waterfall run?

The Whispering Cave waterfall runs best in spring and for a day or two after heavy rain. It's a 105-foot seasonal fall, so in a dry summer or fall it can slow to a trickle. In winter, a hard freeze can turn it to ice, and the trail gets slick.

Can you bring a dog to Whispering Cave?

Yes, you can bring a dog to Whispering Cave on a leash of 6 feet or shorter, the rule across Hocking Hills State Park. Bring water for them, since the route is long. Nearby Conkle's Hollow is the exception, a state nature preserve where pets aren't allowed.

Why is it called Whispering Cave?

Whispering Cave is named for its acoustics. The curved sandstone overhang is said to carry a whisper from one end of the cave to the other. Try it quietly on a calm morning, before the trail gets busy, and you'll hear why the name stuck.