The Devil’s Bathtub at Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Do a quick Google search for “Devil’s Bathtub”, and you’ll see that the frothing pool in Hocking Hills shares its name with dozens of locations across the world. And though they’re all rumored to be portals to the underworld, the waterfall in Hocking Hills is one of the most beautiful.

If you’re visiting Hocking Hills, the Devil’s Bathtub is a must-visit. It might be the most distinctive waterfall in the park—and at just 0.1 miles from the trailhead, it’s accessible to almost anyone.

Here’s what you need to know about the Devil’s Bathtub:

It’s in the famous Old Man’s Cave region of Hocking Hills. When you visit the Devil’s Bathtub, there’s a good chance it isn’t the only attraction you’ll want to see. Nearby, you can find the popular Sphinx Head rock formation and the Lower Falls.
To see it at full power, you’ll have to time your visit. If you want to see the Devil’s Bathtub at its angriest, plan your visit for late winter or early spring – that’s when the water is at its highest volume.

What is the Devil’s Bathtub?

The Devil’s Bathtub definitely isn’t your typical waterfall. It has a unique shape – the water slides into a hollowed-out bowl of sandstone, a natural tub for the Devil’s Fork Creek to tumble down. Unlike some of the other waterfalls in Hocking Hills, the Devil’s Bathtub doesn’t follow the rules; it’s a swirling, multi-tiered waterfall that seems to go in every which way before finally hitting an turbulent pool at the bottom.

This frothy basin is located on the Grandma Gatewood trail, just to the south of Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave. There’s also a picturesque footbridge over the falls that’ll give you a breathtaking view down. Just be careful and stay back from the edge of the bowl. Hikers have fallen in before and it’s not easy to get out.

Where is the Devil’s Bathtub located?

The Devil’s Bathtub is tucked in the north end of Hocking Hills State Park, just 0.1 miles south of the Grandma Gatewood trailhead at the Upper Falls of Old Man’s Cave.

Here are a couple more reference points if you’re driving from one of Ohio’s bigger cities: the Devil’s Bathtub is about 3 hours from Cleveland, and 2 hours from Cincinnati, and roughly 1 hour from Columbus.

Hiking to the Devil’s Bathtub

Note: The map above is one possible trail route that can take you to the Devil’s Bathtub. Read on for more details about how to get there.

Getting to the Devil’s Bathtub is simple. Start at the north end of the Grandma Gatewood trail, just 100 yards to the east of the parking lot at Upper Falls. From there, head south for 0.1 miles until you reach the Devil’s Bathtub.

Chances are that if you’re heading to the Devil’s Bathtub, you’ll want to check out more of what the area has to offer. Here are a couple potential trail routes you can take:

Devil’s Bathtub, Sphinx Head, and Lower Falls: Once you reach the Devil’s Bathtub, you can continue for roughly another mile until you reach Sphinx Head and the Lower Falls. On the way, you’ll be walking through an ancient gorge filled with trees and wildlife. It’s one of the most popular routes in the park, and for good reason. This route is around 2 miles round-trip.

Devil’s Bathtub to Broken Rock Falls: If you want to get off the beaten path, try venturing to Broken Rock Falls. You’ll have to take the Grandma Gatewood trail initially, passing Sphinx Head and Lower Falls. Then, take the Old Man’s Cave access trail for a few hundred yards before heading west on the Broken Rock Trail for about 0.2 miles.

You’ll find that there aren’t quite as many crowds at Broken Rock Falls, and it’s a special place worth visiting. This adds an extra quarter-mile to the trip, so you’ll be hiking about 2.3 miles out-and-back.

To extend your trip even further, try continuing on the Grandma Gatewood trail down to Cedar Falls. It’s a fun route, and because it’s longer, you won’t encounter quite as many people on the trail. And remember: There’s plenty of great signage all throughout the park. It’s pretty difficult to get lost in Hocking Hills.

The Devil’s Bathtub history: and how it got that name

It was a long time ago, and the Devil was exhausted. So he found his way into the Hocking Hills region in search of a bath: A good choice, really, as Hocking Hills is one of the most beautiful areas in the whole of the Midwest. Exhausted and dirty, the Devil found his spot beneath a small waterfall. He climbed into the bowl, took a dip, and left a portal to the underworld behind him when he moved on. As Devils do.

Of course, if you ask a scientist, they’ll tell you something less fantastical—but equally interesting. More than 300 million years ago, a shallow sea covered Ohio. As the sea began to recede, sediments condensed and formed Black Hand sandstone, which is the characteristic rock you’ll see all around the park.

Over millions of years, streams began to carve gorges out of the sandstone. One of those streams was the Devil’s Fork of Old Man’s Creek, which is the stream that cascades down the centuries-smooth rock today.

The erosion pattern at the Devil’s Bathtub is special. Unlike most waterfalls, which freefall down from large cliffs or off boulders, the Black Hand sandstone at the Devil’s Bathtub has eroded into a natural bowl shape. The water glides off of the smooth stone on its way down, eventually hitting the bottom where it forms a foamy pool.

FAQs about the Devil’s Bathtub

Can you swim at the Devil’s Bathtub?

Swimming is not allowed at the Devil’s Bathtub, or anywhere else in Hocking Hills. It’s unfortunate for some, but the rules are in place to protect the nature that’s developed over millions of years.

Are dogs allowed at the Devil’s Bathtub?

Yes! Most trails in Hocking Hills State Park are dog-friendly, and the Devil’s Bathtub is one of those trails.

When should I visit the Devil’s Bathtub?

Like all of Hocking Hills, the Devil’s Bathtub is beautiful year round and each season offers its own rewards. Fluffy white snow in the winter. Blossoms and flowers in the spring. Rich forest growth in the summer. Stunning colors in autumn. That said, if you want to see the waterfall at full force, try planning a trip for late winter or early spring, when snowmelt and rainfall are at their peak.

If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, aim for weekdays, both in the mornings and evenings. Regardless, this is going to be a busy spot. It’s part of the Old Man’s Cave area (the most popular section in the park) and is just 0.1 miles away from the parking lot. The beauty of the area is still the same, though, regardless of how many fellow hikers you’re sharing the trail with.

What attractions are near the Devil’s Bathtub?

There are many things to see and do around the Devil’s Bathtub. Follow the trail itineraries mentioned earlier to extend your trip to Sphinx Head, Lower Falls, and Broken Rock Falls. You can hit all of these spots in one trip. For a longer hike, trek all the way to Cedar Falls. When you’re done, jump back in the car and head out to other top attractions like Ash Cave or Rock House. There are plenty of options, no matter how much you want to explore.

Places to stay near the Devil’s Bathtub

Wondering where to stay when you visit Hocking Hills? Clear Falls has 15 cabins situated on a private, 500-acre wildlife preserve. It’s paradise in the wilderness—and just a few minutes’ walk from most of Hocking Hills’ most beautiful attractions. Find your cabin below.

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The Bottom Line

The Devil’s Bathtub is one of the most unique waterfalls in Hocking Hills. And though it’s just 0.1 miles from the trailhead, it’s worth stopping to marvel at as you make your way further into the Old Man’s Cave region.