What is it? | Where is it? | Trail information | History | FAQs
At the end of a quiet, worn-down bridle trail to the north of Hocking Hills State Park, you’ll stumble across a cave that looks straight out of a fantasy movie.
They call it 21 Horse Cave, on the bold assumption that you could fit nearly two-dozen horses and riders inside. Some prefer to call it Chapel Cave, which may be more fitting: The cave’s massive sandstone walls arch together to form a nearly-perfect triangle, much like that of an old-school chapel.
Whatever you want to call it, 21 Horse Cave is probably the most underrated cave in all Hocking Hills—it’s beautiful, and not many people know about it. Below, you’ll learn more about the cave, when you should visit, and how to get there.
What is 21 Horse Cave?
You’ll discover that 21 Horse Cave feels more like a “true” cave than most of the recess caves in Hocking Hills. While many Hocking Hills caves are deep, carved-out sections of cliffside, 21 Horse Cave is relatively deep and has a rock ceiling—it feels more like a “traditional cave” than most in the region.
Formed millions of years ago, the sandstone cave is a remnant of Ohio’s rich geological history—which mostly means that it’s a gorgeous, uniquely-eroded cave that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the country. Famous for its chapel-like, triangular shape, the cave is large enough to fit a couple dozen people inside.
The cave flies under-the-radar for a few reasons: It’s not in the main area of Hocking Hills State Park. It’s actually closer to Conkle’s Hollow, about a 10-minute drive from the main part of Hocking Hills. It’s also on a bridle trail (a trail for horses), which means that most people don’t think to hike on foot—though you absolutely can.
During the rainy season, you’ll get to see a couple of small waterfalls along the trail. Go in fall, winter, or spring if you’re looking for falls.
Where is 21 Horse Cave, and how do I get there?
21 Horse Cave is on a bridle trail located in Hocking Hills, roughly 10 minutes (by car) to the north of the trailhead for Old Man’s Cave.
The address: 21 Horse Cave, 24798 Big Pine Rd, Logan, OH 43138, United States
The trailhead is directly across the road from the Hocking Hills Climbing & Rappelling Area parking lot––if you’re having trouble finding it, head to that parking lot, then walk across the street.
21 Horse Cave hiking and trail information
The hike to 21 Horse Cave begins on the White Bridle Trail, across the street from the Hocking Hills Climbing and Rappelling parking lot.
In total, you’ll hike about 2.5 miles out-and-back; it shouldn’t take more than an hour or two to complete the hike, though you’ll probably want to spend some extra time exploring the cave when you arrive.
As you hike, you’ll see white markings on trees in the forest—these are here to mark the way for the horseback riders who frequent the trail. Once you arrive at two skinny white posts, you’re just a few minutes from reaching the cave.
If you want to extend your hike, you can continue past 21 Horse Cave towards Airplane Rock. The trail towards Airplane Rock is marked with orange blazes. It’s a nice loop if you decide to head to Airplane Rock, but Chapel Cave is the more impressive of the two attractions. Still, it’s worth a look if you’re looking to add some extra mileage.
If it’s rainy, be careful: Because the trail is mostly used by horses, it’s well-trodden and prone to getting very muddy when it’s raining. If there’s been any heavy rainfall in the past few days, you might have a rough time out there. That, or bring those heavy-duty Carhartts you’ve got stored away for when the weather turns sour.
The history behind 21 Horse Cave
21 Horse Cave is one of Hocking Hills’ many recess caves, formed millions of years ago. After an ancient, shallow sea over Ohio receded, sediments on the ocean floor condensed to form Black Hand sandstone. Because the middle layer of this sandstone is susceptible to erosion, recess caves were formed all over Hocking Hills.
FAQs about 21 Horse Cave
Can you hike to 21 Horse Cave?
Yes! You don’t have to be on horseback to get to 21 Horse Cave, though you can, if you’d like—the trail to the cave is a bridle trail.
Are 21 Horse Cave and Chapel Cave the same thing?
Yes, they are. They’re both fitting names, and you can call the cave whatever you like.
Is 21 Horse Cave close to Hocking Hills State Park?
Yes. It’s just a short drive (under 10 minutes) from the north end of Hocking Hills State Park to 21 Horse Cave.
Places to Stay
Wondering where to stay when you visit Hocking Hills? Clear Falls has 15 cabins situated on a secluded 500-acre wildlife preserve. It’s paradise in the wilderness—and just a few minutes’ walk from most of Hocking Hills’ most beautiful attractions. Browse cabins below.
Browse cabins by style:
- Luxury cabins
- Honeymoon cabins
- Pet friendly cabins
- Cabins with a pool
- Cabins with a hot tub
- Romantic cabins
- Secluded cabins
- Treehouse cabins
Browse cabins by size:
- Cabins for 2 people
- Cabins for 4 people
- Cabins for 6 people
- Cabins for 8 people
- Cabins for 12 people
- Cabins for 16 people
- Cabins for 20 people
The Bottom Line
It takes just under an hour of hiking to reach 21 Horse Cave, one of the most underrated caves in the Hocking Hills region. If you want to wander off the beaten path for a couple of hours, drive a few minutes north of the park and take the hike to this chapel-shaped cave: You won’t regret it.