Welcome to Devil's Bathtub in Hocking Hills!
As this is an Earthcache, there is no physical container. Answer the quesitons below to log this cache!
The Devil’s Bathtub is a striking geological feature found along the trail to Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills, Ohio. This natural formation appears as a small but deep, bowl-shaped depression carved into the rock, filled with swirling water that seems to bubble up from a mysterious source. The water in the Devil’s Bathtub flows over a tiered waterfall from a higher stream before continuing downstream into a narrow, steep gorge. Despite its small size, the constantly swirling water gives the impression that the pool is much deeper than it actually is, creating an eerie, mystical feel that has captured the imaginations of visitors for years.
History
The name “Devil’s Bathtub” comes from local folklore, where it was believed that the pool of water was an entrance to the underworld, hence the connection to the “Devil.” In reality, the feature is part of a larger network of erosional formations that have been shaped by water and weather over thousands of years. The nearby Old Man’s Cave has been a popular site for hikers and tourists since the 1800s, and the Devil’s Bathtub is one of several natural wonders along the trail that showcases the unique geology of the Hocking Hills region. The entire area was carved out over millennia by glaciers and erosion, creating deep gorges, cliffs, waterfalls, and rock formations.
Geological Formation
The Devil’s Bathtub is a classic example of erosional processes at work on Black Hand Sandstone, a relatively soft sedimentary rock found throughout Hocking Hills. Black Hand Sandstone is primarily composed of quartz grains, but its relatively loose structure makes it highly susceptible to erosion from water. Over time, the constant flow of water from the nearby stream has scoured out the circular depression, creating the bathtub-like shape seen today. The swirling action of the water at the base of the waterfall is particularly important in continuing to shape the feature, as it grinds away at the sandstone, deepening and widening the pool.
Geological Importance
The formation of the Devil’s Bathtub provides a clear example of how erosion and weathering can shape landscapes over time. The continual movement of water through soft sandstone slowly carves out deeper and more intricate features, transforming the terrain. The Devil’s Bathtub is also an excellent illustration of how local geology influences the appearance of natural features, with the soft sandstone creating unique formations that are not seen in areas with harder rock types like granite or limestone.
Erosion of Sandstone at Devil’s Bathtub
The sandstone at Devil’s Bathtub in Hocking Hills is primarily shaped by water erosion over thousands of years. This erosion process is a result of water continuously flowing over the rock, which gradually wears away the softer layers of Black Hand Sandstone, a type of sedimentary rock. Water carries small particles of sediment that act like sandpaper, grinding down the surface. This leads to the formation of the smooth, bowl-shaped depression seen at the site. As the water swirls in the basin, it accelerates the process by deepening the feature. Over time, water erodes different parts of the rock at varying rates, leading to cracks, cavities, and uneven surfaces. Additionally, freeze-thaw cycles in the area can cause water to seep into small cracks in the rock, freeze, and expand, further breaking apart the sandstone, contributing to the ongoing erosion and modification of the bathtub’s shape.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS
Please complete the tasks and questions below, and send me your answers. If logging for a group, please include the names of everyone in your group.
1) Observe the Layers: Look closely at the exposed rock surrounding the Devil’s Bathtub. Describe the color and texture of the sandstone. How does it differ between the top of the pool and the lower areas closer to the water?
2) Erosion Patterns: Identify and describe the different types of erosion you can see. Are there visible cracks, smooth sections, or jagged edges?
3) Estimate the Depth: The swirling water can make the bathtub appear deceptively deep. Estimate how deep you think the Devil’s Bathtub is. Is it as deep as it seems?
4) Take a photo of yourself (or personal item) with Devi's Bathtub or something cool you found in Hocking Hills area. You can attach it to your found it log (optional).
This EarthCache offers visitors a chance to observe these geological processes firsthand while enjoying the beauty and mystery of one of Ohio’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Placed with permission of Hocking Hills ODNR Permit HH-09-30-24. Please follow all park rules.