Cantwell Cliffs | Official Visitors Guide of Hocking Hills, Ohio

Looking for places to visit in Ohio? A trip to Cantwell Cliffs in southeastern Ohio's Hocking Hills requires visitors to go the extra mile...literally, but the experience is well worth it. In the eyes of many, Cantwell Cliffs is the most scenic spot in Hocking County, a region known for its natural wonders. Cantwell Cliffs is one of the best places to visit in Ohio and is one of six natural areas located at Hocking Hills State Park. It's also the farthest north, a fact that keeps many visitors away. Those who do make the effort to visit Cantwell Cliffs will see a reddish-brown sandstone cliff shaped like a giant horseshoe that towers 150 feet over the gorge below. A one-mile trail leads hikers to Lookout Point on the east rim, where they're rewarded with a striking view of the cliff and a rock shelter. Along the way, visitors to Cantwell Cliffs will come across inclines and descents, slump rocks (large boulders) on the valley floor, a recess cave and an especially narrow passage nicknamed "Fat Woman's Squeeze." Although it's relatively short, the Cantwell Cliffs hiking trail can be a challenging way to spend an hour and a half. During springtime, Ohio wildflowers dot the area.

Situated on a high outcropping of Black Hand sandstone, Cantwell Cliffs offers hikers the best of two worlds. The high rim trails offer far-reaching vistas of breathtaking beauty, while the valley trail makes the visitor feel diminutive when walking at the base of the cliffs. The massive stone wall seems to reach the clouds. The forces of nature have etched an endless mosaic of crevices and patterns on the towering sandstone portico.

Cantwell Cliffs was named for Josiah Cantwell, a pioneer in the in Hocking Hills State Park area. Various springs and drainage systems here make up the headwaters of the stream known as Buck Run that flows away down the valley. Cantwell Cliffs has a mile of hiking trail, but it isn't for the faint of heart. There are challenges aplenty that remind the hiker to stay alert.

The parking lot of Cantwell Cliffs is located off of S.R. 374, near the community of Rockbridge. Cottages, campgrounds and other overnight accommodations are available within Hocking Hills State Park and from numerous nearby Hocking Hills cabins, cottages, inns, B&Bs and hotels.

Cantwell Cliffs Fees
Admission to Hocking Hills State Park is free.

Cantwell Cliffs Hours
Day-use areas of Hocking Hills State Park open half an hour before sunrise and close half an hour after sunset. The park is available for recreational use year-round, and we strongly recommend Cantwell Cliffs as one of the top places to visit in Ohio.

Cantwell Cliffs Contact Information
Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 S.
Logan, OH 43138
Park Office: (740) 385-6842

Hocking Hills State Park Attractions

Hocking Hills State Park