One of the most impressive prehistoric rock shelters in Ohio is Ash Cave, located at the southernmost perimeter of the Hocking Hills State Park system.  Ash Cave, referred to as a recess cave, was carved into the softer lower layers of the colorful Ohio 'Blackhand' sandstone by millions of years of water and wind erosion. 

These photos are a bit deceptive in that the horse shoe shaped Ash Cave is over 700 feet wide and 90 feet high to the lip of its water fall.  The cave is immense and for perspective, consider that the large boulder in the creek bed to the left, is about six feet tall, and ten feet long.  The recess of Ash Cave is also fairly deep at around 100 feet, which made it a perfect shelter for ancient hunting parties of the stone age. 

In fact, the cave gets its name from the very large quantities of ashes found under its protective overhang.  The ash deposits were quite large and extended nearly the width of the cave, sometimes extending to a depth of more than three feet.   Archeologists theorize that the ashes were from hundreds of campfires built over the centuries by the hunter gatherer people that roamed this part of the state about 7,000 years ago.

Many stone artifacts, animal bones and plant residue have been found in the ashes and around the cave, indicating a long period of human use.  

There is also strong archeological evidence that indicates the cave was a stop-over in later centuries for travelers on the old Indian trails traveling to the Shawnee villages along the Scioto River.

The cave had also served as a workshop for the grinding of grains and the manufacture of stone tools. 

As you hike down the narrow quarter mile gorge you'll notice a number of small over hangs and caves.  You can only wonder how many weary ancient travelers took shelter in their recesses.  On a still fall day when you are there alone, you can almost hear the murmur  of ancient voices.

A number of uncommon and even rare plants are found in this area, including plants that are outside their normal range. Canadian yew, bigleaf magnolia and many others may be found here.
 

The colorful birds you see nesting and flying around the top recesses of the cave are Rock Pigeons.  Their original native habitat was on the high cliffs of Europe. Their early ancestors stowed away on the masts of sailing ships and crossed the Atlantic Ocean with the settlers into America.

When hiking in the Hocking Hills, be aware!  The terrain is rugged in some locations and the cliffs are quite high.  Many have had unfortunate accidents here so be smart, be safe.  Also watch out for Ohio's copperhead snakes, rattlesnakes, and poisonous plants.