The vertical cliffs of this gorge reveal many of the characteristics of the sandstone in the parks. Deep recesses, potholes, and weathered joints or cracks are obvious in the upper gorge. In places, these natural cracks are widened by weathering so that massive blocks of rock tumble from the cliff. These so-called slump blocks litter many of the gorges in the Hocking Hills. Cross-bedding, where diagonal layers occur within a horizontal layer, is also evident in the gorge and records changing ocean currents.
Erosion then carries away the sand, leaving the unusual pitted surface.
Botanically, the gorge boasts eastern hemlock, American beech, and black birch, Canada yew, roundleaf catchfty Sullivantia, liverworts, and a variety of ferns. The assemblage of plants here is unique and reflects the unusual past and present climatic influences in the area. Northern species such as the yew and hemlock, remnants of Ohio's glacial past, are found in the cool, damp gorges, white southern, Appalachian species such as the mountain laurel exist on the dry, sandy ridge tops.