COLUMBUS, Ohio — A state park in Ohio garnered national attention after one of its hiking trails was recently ranked as one of the best hiking spots in the country.
At Hocking Hills State Park, 2,356 acres offer dozens of trails, camping options, activities and scenic landmarks. One of those trails, the Whispering Cave Trail, was voted the top hiking trail in USA TODAY’s 2024 Readers’ Choice list “10 Best” list.
The 4.5-mile loop is listed as “difficult” and has a swinging bridge, the region's second-largest cave and a 105-foot seasonal waterfall along the route.
Whispering Cave at Hocking Hills
An expert panel voted for the locations based on scenic views.
Other trails on the national list include:
- #10: Hollywood Sign via Innsdale Trail – Griffith Park: Los Angeles
- #9: Tunnel Creek Trail: Incline Village, Nevada
- #8: Scenic Overlook via Bald Mountain Trail: Ketchum, Idaho
- #7: Cliff Walk: Newport, Rhode Island
- #6: Indigo Trail – J.N. “Dining” Darling National Wildlife Refuge: Sanibel, Florida
- #5: Fairy Falls Trail – Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming
- #4: Bridal Veil Falls – DuPont State Recreational Forest: North Carolina
- #3: Fairlyand Loop – Bryce Canony National Park: Utah
- #2: Porters Creek Trail – Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Tennessee
- #1: Whispering Cave – Hocking Hills State Park: Logan, Ohio
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources posted the news, saying “Well, well, well...Hocking Hills State Park beat out some impressive hikes to claim the top spot for USA TODAY's 2024 Readers' Choice for 10 Best Hiking Trails!”
According to the USA TODAY website, the nominations were submitted by a panel of experts and 10Best editors narrowed the field to select the finals set for the Readers’ Choice Awards.