Chapel Cave Trail Head and Rappelling Area Parking
Chapel Cave Trail Head is a scenic and tranquil dog-friendly hiking area nestled in Hocking Hills. The trail features a mostly level hike alongside a beautiful creek, with natural log and rock crossings. Key highlights include a hidden cave with a serene, spiritual atmosphere and nearby Twin Falls waterfalls. The area is great for families and kids, offering peaceful nature views and cool rock formations, though it lacks extensive signage and some typical dog park amenities.
Reviews
Chapel Cave was absolutely magical—tucked deep in Hocking Hills, it felt like stepping into a hidden sanctuary carved by nature itself. The peaceful atmosphere, soft light filtering through the trees, and the towering rock arch gave it a quiet, almost spiritual vibe. We sat under the natural ceiling just taking it all in, the echo of birds and rustling leaves making it feel like time slowed down. Pictures don’t do it justice—you really have to be there to feel how surreal and grounding it is. Definitely one of the most breathtaking spots we saw on the trip.
If you like to hike alongside a beautiful creek, see twin waterfalls, and visit two different caves, this is the hike for you! My absolute favorite in Hocking Hills!
There is no real signage to get you there other than a small 8×10 inch sign halfway out the trail. Other than that it was a beautiful guess on which way to go. For future reference follow the Orange and Blue trail hashes until you eventually come to a creek crossing (where the only sign is) and then start following the tan/greyish hashes up to Twin Falls and the cave.
An actual cave! Not a bad trail to get to it, follow the orange and white blazes, and then when you see the split rail fence to your right, go up the hillside to it. Follow that around and it will lead you to the cave on the left. If you go back to the original trail, and keep going you will find Twin Falls, worth seeing as well.
The hike to this cave is actually quite a bit longer than the map shows but the walk is mostly level and easy until you get close to the cave. It will be on the right of the main trail about a mile or more from the road. You do have to cross a creek few times but there are logs or rocks to walk on