Old's Hollow Cave via N - O Trail and Old's hollow Trail

This is a short, low-effort loop in Lake Hope State Park (within Zaleski State Forest) near McArthur, Ohio, using the N–O connector and Olds Hollow Trail to reach Olds Hollow Cave—a shallow rock-shelter style “cave” tucked into a wooded hollow. Expect a quiet, shaded walk on dirt tread with minimal elevation change, ideal for families, casual hikers, or anyone looking for a quick nature break.

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

By car: The most practical access is via the Lake Hope State Park / Hope Furnace area (the historic furnace site and park hub). Aim your navigation toward Hope Furnace (Lake Hope State Park), near McArthur, OH—it’s the most recognizable landmark for the north side of the park and a common jumping-off point for nearby trail segments. From there, use HiiKER to pinpoint the closest legal parking pull-off/trail access for the N–O Trail and Olds Hollow Trail junctions, since small connectors and parking options can vary by season and management.

By public transport: There’s no reliable bus/train service directly into Lake Hope State Park. The closest towns (e.g., McArthur) may have limited regional options, but you should plan on driving or arranging a rideshare for the final miles. If you’re coming from a larger city (Columbus/Athens/Chillicothe), the typical approach is: regional bus to the nearest town you can reach, then rideshare/taxi to the park—confirm availability ahead of time because cell coverage and driver supply can be inconsistent in the forested hills.

What the trail is like (distance, grade, footing)

• Distance: ~2 km / 1.2 mi
• Elevation gain: ~0 m / 0 ft (expect only gentle undulations)
• Difficulty: Easy, but still a natural-surface trail

The tread is usually packed dirt with leaf litter, with occasional roots and small rocks. After rain, low spots can hold water and become slick—especially in shaded hollows where the ground stays damp longer. Because the route is short, it’s tempting to under-pack, but sturdy shoes help a lot if the hollow is muddy.

Landmarks and the “cave” feature

The highlight is Olds Hollow Cave, which is less a deep cavern and more a rock overhang / shallow recess in the hillside—still a fun destination and a classic southeastern Ohio sandstone-and-shale woodland feature. The hollow itself tends to feel cooler and more humid than the surrounding forest, and you’ll often notice mosses, ferns, and moisture-loving plants clinging to shaded rock and soil.

Use HiiKER to watch for the short spur/turn that brings you closest to the cave; in leafy seasons, the entrance can be easy to walk past if you’re chatting and not checking your position.

Forest, wildlife, and what to watch for

This part of Zaleski/Lake Hope is typical mixed hardwood forest—think oak, hickory, maple, and beech depending on slope and soil—plus dense understory in summer.

Common things to look (and listen) for: - Songbirds in spring and early summer; woodpeckers year-round. - White-tailed deer are frequent, especially near dawn/dusk. - Small reptiles/amphibians in damp areas near the hollow (watch your footing on wet leaves). - Ticks are a real consideration in Ohio woods from spring through fall—long socks and a post-hike check are worth it.

Also keep an eye out for poison ivy along sunny edges and where the trail corridor opens up.

Historical context of the area

Lake Hope State Park sits within Zaleski State Forest, a landscape shaped by 19th-century iron production and timbering in southeastern Ohio. The Hope Furnace area (near the park hub) reflects that iron-furnace era, when local ore, timber (for charcoal), and labor supported small industrial communities. Even on a short hike like this, you’re walking in a forest that has regrown after heavy historical use, which is part of what makes the region interesting—second-growth woods reclaiming old industrial ground. (en.wikipedia.org)

Practical planning notes (for a smooth 2 km / 1.2 mi outing)

• Time: 30–60 minutes at an easy pace, longer if you linger at the cave.
• Water: A small bottle is enough for most people, but bring more in humid summer weather.
• Navigation: Keep **Hii