Ohio · Hiking

Buzzard Cave Trail

0.5 mi
loop
102 ft
climb
921 ft
high point
Loop
route
Jun–Oct
best months

Buzzard Cave Trail is a short, easy hike in Lake Hope State Park in Ohio, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. The trail is 0.45 miles long, and it rises from about 803 feet to about 921 feet, with a total elevation gain of 102 feet. The steepest part comes at about 0.28 miles in, with a grade of 9 percent. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Athens run to highs around 72°F in May and 76°F in September, with fewer wet days in September than in most other months. The trail takes about half an hour to complete. It sits close to several other routes. Furnace Trail is 0.2 miles away, Habron Trail is 0.3 miles away, and the Zaleski Backpack Trail - Middle Loop and Old's Hollow Trail are each about 0.6 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Buzzard Cave Trail

    Best months: June–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      38° / 22°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      42° / 23°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      52° / 30°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      65° / 40°

      13 wet

    5. May

      72° / 50°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 59°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 63°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 61°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      76° / 54°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      65° / 42°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 32°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 27°

      13 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Athens Ou, OH, 13 mi away at 684 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors