Types of Caves
- Solution caves are formed in carbonate and sulfate rocks such
as limestone, dolomite, marble, and gypsum by the action of slowly
moving ground water that dissolves the rock to form tunnels,
irregular passages, and even large caverns along joints and bedding
planes. Most of the caves in the world-as well as the largest-are
of this type.
- Lava caves are tunnels or tubes in lava formed when the outer
surface of a lava flow cools and hardens while the molten lava
within continues to flow and eventually drains out through the
newly formed tube.
- Sea caves are formed by the constant action of waves which
attacks the weaker portions of rocks lining the shores of oceans
and large lakes. Such caves testify to the enormous pressures
exerted by waves and to the corrosive power of wave-carried sand
and gravel.
- Glacier or Ice caves are formed by melt water which excavates
drainage tunnels through the ice. Of entirely different origin and
not to be included in the category of glacier caves are
so-called "ice caves," which usually are either solution caves or
lava caves within which ice forms and persists through all or most
of the year.
- Recess caves or overhangs - This kind of cave is usually an
opening above the ground that is carved out by centuries of water
and wind erosion. These caves are
usually found in another type of rock called sandstone.
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Ash Cave is
the most spectacular feature of the Park
Ash Cave is the
largest, most impressive cave in the state. Carved by water erosion
in the Blackhand sandstone, this spectacular area of Hocking Hills
State Park offers spectacular scenery. The path to Ash Cave
is a narrow gorge lined with stately trees. The
path displays wildflowers in all seasons including
lily, trillium, Dutchman's breeches, Jack-in-the-Pulpit and
jewelweed. The trail through the gorge is one-fourth
mile in length. You will be overwhelmed at the
beauty of this area in any season. You can feel a overwhelming
sense of the past. You may sense the presence of the ancient Indian
tribes. You can almost visualize the Indians as they cooked and
sheltered themselves here. |
Ash
Cave History
One of your tasks
is to find out why this cave is called "Ash Cave".
Recent uses of Ash
Cave were for camp and township meetings. The large boulder /
block at the cave's entrance served as the pulpit for Sunday
worship service until a local church could be built. Weddings
are often held here.
Park
Facilities & Hours
Picnic facilities, shelter
house and restrooms are offered adjacent to the parking lot.
The restrooms and trail leading to Ash Cave are wheelchair
accessible.
PARK CLOSES
AT DUSK
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Trail to the
Top
The horseshoe-shaped cave
is massive; measuring 700 feet from end to end, 100 feet deep from
the rear cave wall to its front edge with the rim rising 90
feet. A small tributary c ascades over the rim into a small
plunge pool below seasonally. The best waterfalls are during
spring. Ash cave was formed by the middle layer of the
Blackhand sandstone being weathered or eroded while the more
resistant upper and lower zones have remained intact.
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