Hocking Hills Forest Road 16 Ash Cave Circuit
Sandstone gorges and forgotten quarry roads
Forest Road 16 cuts through the heart of Hocking Hills State Forest, connecting the iconic Ash Cave recess to Old Man’s Cave via a network of maintenance roads that most tourists never see. The route passes through dense hardwood forest and crosses Queer Creek multiple times, with the old sandstone quarry at Conkle’s Hollow serving as a midpoint landmark where early settlers carved millstones from the cliff faces.
This is a moderate technical route requiring high-clearance 4WD for the creek crossings and muddy climbs after rain. Best tackled April through October when water levels are manageable. No permits needed, but respect private property boundaries marked along the northern section. Pack extra traction aids for the clay-over-sandstone sections that turn greasy when wet. You’ll earn solitude in one of Ohio’s most scenic regions and access to primitive camping spots away from the RV crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1180 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Logan, Ohio |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail without a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — bone-stock Wranglers and 4Runners can run it, but the creek crossings and rutted sandstone climbs will scrape anything with factory bumpers or low-hanging skid plates. Lockers aren't required but will save you on the steeper muddy pitches after rain.
What months is Forest Road 16 actually drivable?
April through October is the reliable window. Ohio winters turn the sandstone clay sections into a greasy mess, and spring snowmelt can push the creek crossings above safe wading depth — check ODNR trail conditions before heading out in early April.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to run this trail?
No permit is required for vehicle travel on FR 16, but if you're camping in the dispersed areas you need to follow Ohio DNR fire and camping regulations — no fee, but pack out everything and don't expect any managed facilities out there.
What's the hardest section and what makes it gnarly?
The steep sandstone climbs approaching the Ash Cave connector are the crux — wet sandstone gets slicker than ice and the ledge drops on the shelf sections leave zero room for a botched line. Take them slow, pick your line before you commit, and don't rely on momentum alone.
How far is the nearest gas station and is there any water on trail?
Logan, Ohio is your last fuel stop — roughly 10-15 minutes from the trailhead — so fill up before you roll in. The creek crossings mean surface water is present, but treat anything you drink; there are no potable water sources on trail and cell service is spotty at best, so don't count on a quick call out if something goes sideways.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.