Chapel Cave & Twin Falls in Hocking Hills
- 55 minutes ago
- 5 min read
"Adopt the peace of nature." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Chapel Cave is not one of the well-known Hocking Hills destinations. In fact, we only discovered it recently. It is tucked away in the Hocking Hills State Forest just past Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. When we entered the trail, there were only 2 other cars in the parking lot.
The forest was so peaceful. Birds were singing everywhere. Spring flowers were just beginning to pop. And the cave itself was larger and far more impressive than we expected. I could have sat in the cave and enjoyed the scenery all day.
If you choose to hike this trail, not only can you see the cave, but also the Twin Falls. If you enjoy discovering new places and are in the Hocking Hills area, Chapel Cave belongs on your list.
Getting to the Trailhead
The trailhead is not marked. So, we were skeptical we were at the right place. So, we went across the road to the Rock Climbing and Rappelling Area. Walked over the bridge and discovered there are a lot of trails there, but not Chapel Cave. So, we headed back to the gravel parking lot. There is a trail at the back of the parking lot next to a kiosk.
Once you pull into the gravel lot, the trail starts at the north end near the kiosk. Look for the white blazes. These mark the bridle trail that leads to the cave.
Even though this is a horse trail, it is not like most bridle paths you come across. The ground is fairy hard and not torn up too bad. The walking is surprisingly pleasant. I usually avoid horse trails because they are usually rutted and uneven. This one really surprised me.
A Peaceful Walk along the Chapel Cave Trail in the Hocking Hills
We had barely started walking when the birds began calling from every direction. Black throated green warblers were especially vocal. They were close, but I couldn’t spot them to save my life.
The trail winds gently through Long Hollow. The creek bends back and forth, and the path stays mostly level until the climb to the cave.
This is where Chapel Cave gets tricky. The trail is not difficult, but the markings are faint and the turns are not obvious. There are no big signs pointing you to the cave. You must pay attention.
Here is the simplest way to describe it from our experience.
Follow the white blazes from the parking lot. Stay left at every split. Keep following the trail as it curves along the creek. It even crosses the creek in areas, so wear waterproof boots. Eventually you will see a wooden fence up on the hill to your right. That fence is your landmark. The cave is right above it.
You do not see the cave from the main trail. You only see the fence. Once you spot it, you know you are close.
The Climb to the Cave
Once you start getting near the cave, the trail gets rocky and uneven. The closer you get, the steeper the climb. The climb is not long, but it definitely gets your legs working. We took our time and stopped halfway up to let a group of horseback riders pass by.
As you ascend the trail, you will begin to notice the massive rock outcropping. They are gorgeous! Once you reach the top the cave sits on your left. The cave entrance appears suddenly. One moment you are walking looking up at the outcropping, the next you are staring into a massive opening.
Stepping Inside Chapel Cave
Chapel Cave in the Hocking Hills is enormous. Much larger than we expected. This is why it is also known as 21 Horse Cave. You can actually fit 21 horses in it. I would say, even more. The ceiling towers overhead. The interior is deep and shadowy. It feels like a natural cathedral.
AS A WARNING… This is part of a horse trail, so horses do go into the cave. This means horse poop. It is dark in there, so be careful where you step.
I do not like to include people in the photos that I share. However, I did in this one so you can see just how large the cave is compared to the horses. I blurred the faced out.
We stood inside for a long time just taking it in. It would have been an awesome place to build a home. I would love to know the history of this place.
The Seasonal Waterfall
After you stop and visit the cave, continue down the original trail and check out Twin Falls. It is a seasonal waterfall in the Hocking Hills that flows during specific times of the year and after heavy rains.
On our visit, the falls were not running heavy, but they were running. We had not had much rain recently. Even so, the sound of water added a peaceful ambiance to out hike.
If you want the best chance of seeing the waterfall at full strength, visit after a few days of steady rain. Be careful though, because the trail will be muddy, but the payoff is worth it.
Twin Falls is a great addition to the Chapel Cave hike because it gives you a second scenic stop without adding much distance at all. The two locations complement each other well. One is a massive cave. The other is a quiet waterfall tucked into a rocky bowl.
Wildlife
The area is full of critters. There were birds and squirrels everywhere. Little fish swimming around in the shallow waters. And we also came across a huge gray rat snake crossing the dry creek bed.
Because the trail is part of the bridle system, you may also see riders. Horses always have the right of way. Most riders are friendly and used to sharing the path.
Tips for Visiting Chapel Cave in the Hocking Hills
Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes. The climb to the cave is steep and the bridle trail can be wet.
Follow the left side of the trail until you see the wooden fence. That is your landmark.
Bring water. The trail is short, but it can get hot.
Visit early for the quietest experience.
Expect lots of mud after rain.
Take your time on the climb. It is short but challenging.
Pair the hike with Twin Falls for a full morning or afternoon.
Watch for wildlife. The forest is active; you just have to keep your eyes open.
Final Thoughts
Chapel Cave ended up being one of our favorite quiet hikes in Hocking Hills. We had only just learned about it, and it immediately felt like a hidden gem. The trail was peaceful. The birds were singing nonstop. Spring flowers lined the path. And the cave itself was far more impressive than we expected.
Even with a confusing trail and the short, tough climb near the cave, the entire experience felt rewarding. The forest was beautiful. The wildlife was active. And the cave was worth every step.
What You Can Expect at Chapel Cave & Twin Waterfalls
Please note that trail rules and regulations can change at any time. The following information was in effect for Chapel Cave as of April 2026.
There are no restrooms.
There are no bike trails.
Is a great place for birding.
No bridges.
Concealed carry is permitted.
Pets are permitted provided they are leashed and under control at all times.
Trails are natural and can get muddy and slippery in spots.
Gravel parking lot.
No picnic tables.
No seating.
A lot of shade.
No shelter house.
No trashcan.
No ADA parking spots.
Special Features - Chapel Cave & Twin Waterfalls.
Comments