LOGAN, Ohio — When it comes to the best hiking trails in the United States, the Whispering Cave at Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio is getting national attention after it was recently ranked the top spot in the entire country.
"Whispering Cave is just one of the many hikes in Hocking Hills State Park, which stretches across 2,356 acres," according to the USA Today 10Best poll. "This five-mile loop is moderately challenging and offers hikers access to a fun swinging bridge, the second-largest cave in the region and a picturesque seasonal waterfall."
If you're interested in experiencing the Whispering Cave at Hocking Hills, parking is located at Old Man's Cave in Logan, Ohio.
"This hike may be considered strenuous for those who are not physically fit, do not hike regularly, or have health issues such as knee surgeries or heart problems," according to the Hocking Hills site. "It involves a moderate to a steep incline, uneven steps, cliff edges, and steeper terrain. It is not suitable for young children or pets."
So what other hiking trails were included in the top 10? Here's the full list from the USA Today 10Best poll:
- #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 celebrated the news with the following post on their Facebook page this week:
Nominees for the best hiking trails were submitted by a panel of experts, which were then narrowed down by 10Best editors. The top 10 were then decided by a nationwide vote.