Buckeye Trail (Old Mans Cave)
~5 days · 52.6 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Buckeye Trail (Old Mans Cave) is known for
Point-to-point section of the Buckeye Trail through the Hocking Hills, passing Old Man's Cave and its gorges and waterfalls before continuing into rural Vinton County. The Buckeye Trail Association lists the Old Man's Cave section at about 53 miles; it is one of the most-hiked stretches of the statewide loop.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,110 ft to 3,540 ft over 52.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 22.6 mi · 43%
- Downhill 19.5 mi · 37%
- Flat 10.3 mi · 20%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Buckeye Trail (Old Mans Cave) take?
Most backpackers hike the Buckeye Trail (Old Mans Cave) in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 52.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Buckeye Trail (Old Mans Cave)?
The Buckeye Trail (Old Mans Cave) climbs roughly 5,371 ft total — about 102 ft per mile, topping out near 1,086 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.