Old Mans Cave lends its name to the full length of the magnificent scenic gorge that it is located in.  The gorge cuts through a 150 foot thick bed of Ohio Blackhand sandstone and rambles for approximately mile. This natural masterpiece is primarily the result of water erosion started many thousands of years ago, as the massive glacial ice sheets that once covered (what is now) Ohio, began to melt and formed running torrents of water at the edge of the Ohio plateau. The torrent that carved this canyon is now known as the rather placid Old Mans Creek.

The gorge is divided into five distinct topological areas; the Upper Falls, the Upper Gorge, the Middle Falls, the Lower Falls, and the Lower Gorge.

The main recess cave known as Old Mans Cave is located near the base of the Middle Falls along a vertical cliff about 75 feet above the stream bed. This recess cave is roughly 200 feet long, 75 feet deep and about 50 feet from rim to floor.

Old Man's Cave is named for an early settler and hermit Richard Rowe. Richard came to the Ohio Valley territory with his parents, who established a trading post around 1796.

Throughout his life Richard made numerous hunting forays into the wilderness which led him to find the Hocking Hills are and the sandstone gorge. Richard was so taken by the beauty and solitude of the area, he and his two dogs set up living quarters in one of the larger recess caves.

Rowe lived out his life here until (allegedly) he was killed by an
accidental discharge of his own rifle.

The Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave

 
According to local legend, Indians who had befriended Rowe discovered his body and buried him somewhere in the gorge he loved so well. Today, it is believed that his body lays buried beneath the ledge, near the entrance of the main recess cave.

Just as at Ash Cave, there is strong archeological evidence that indicates that the gorge, caves, and over-hangs provided shelter for native American hunters, explorers and settlers for many centuries.

The cave had also served as a temporary home for two brothers, Nathanial and Patrick Rayon who ventured into the area in 1795.  They later built a log cabin 30 feet north of the cave entrance, which of course was dismantled long ago.  Like Richard Rowe, the Rayon brothers are also said to be buried somewhere in the upper recesses of the main cave.  
 

Many of the fantastic rock formations hanging over your head seem to be perched quite precariously, but they have been here for centuries.  The greater danger is hiking the upper trails in winter or during the rainy seasons when the trails and rocks along the rim are quite slippery.  I have slipped off of a high ledge here several years ago and it was certainly no fun . . . however, I'm still here to tell the tale.   (Read my "Over the Cliff" account.)

Due to the gorge's cool, moist climate a number of uncommon and even rare plants are found in this area, some have persisted since the last Ice Age which subsided around 15,000 years ago.  Many of these plant species are well outside of their normal range, including the Canadian yew, the Eastern Hemlock, the Bigleaf magnolia and many other interesting species.
 

The hiking trails within Hocking Hills State Park are part of Ohios 1,445 mile "Buckeye Trail" and are segments of two national hiking trail systems as well, "The North Country Scenic Trail" and "Americas Discovery Trail."

When hiking in the Hocking Hills, be aware!  The terrain is rugged in some locations and the cliffs are quite high.  Many (such as yours truly) have had unfortunate accidents here so be smart, be safe.  Also watch out for Ohio's poisonous copperhead snakes (additional personal experiences), the large Timber rattlesnakes, and numerous poisonous plants.