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In the list of prehistoric rock
shelters and caves scattered across the southern part of Ohio, one
of the more impressive shelters is a cliff top cave known as Rock
House.
Located in Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park, this unique 200 foot
wide cave with gothic-like arched openings across its face, has a
truly fascinating history. Rock House has served as a shelter
for Paleolithic big-game hunters near the conclusion of the last Ice
Age, and a hide-out for outlaws and horse thieves in the 1800's when
it was know as Robber's Roost. Today, it provides a wonderful
portal into Ohio's colorful past.
Rock House is perched near the top of
a 150 foot vertical sandstone cliff which gave its occupiers a
highly defensible shelter. The cave is 200 feet long across
the face of the cliff and varies from 20 to 30 feet wide. With
it's 25 foot ceiling, Rock House provided excellent shelter
from the elements as well. |
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In this photo you see the entrance to Rock House from a narrow trail
gripping the cliff face.
The small pad-like stone (between the 3 trees) isolates the
visitor from the entrance and a 65 to 70 foot fall.
The little step protrusion to the left, takes you up through one of
the caves arch-like openings and into the main cave.
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Inside Rock House (you will need a
flashlight) you'll find a number of interesting natural and manmade
features. Most prominent are the vivid red, brown, and orange
color patterns on the walls and ceiling produced by the staining
process of naturally occurring iron compounds.
In the small recesses in the back wall of the cave, you will find
ancient baking ovens that were once used by the indigenous people
who lived here in prehistoric times. You will also find
intentionally carved troughs in the floor that archaeologists
believe were used to catch and store fresh water.
Many stone artifacts, animal bones and
plant residue have been found in and around the cave,
indicating a very long period of human use. |
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. |
by:
Dr. Von Zuko 2009 |
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Hocking Hills Index:
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