Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve: What to Do & Expect

Tucked into the heart of the Hocking Hills region, Conkles Hollow is one of the most dramatic natural sites in Ohio. While Hocking Hills State Park often draws larger crowds, this state nature preserve offers a quieter, more intimate experience within a narrow sandstone gorge.

If you're planning a trip to Hocking Hills, this guide covers what the preserve is like, which trail to choose, what to expect at the waterfall, and whether Conkles Hollow is worth adding to your itinerary.

Booking your stay with Hocking Lodging gives you easy access to both Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve and Hocking Hills State Park.

What to Know About Conkles Hollow

Open from dawn to dusk, Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve has been protected since 1977.

The nature preserve is best known for its steep gorge, carved into massive formations of Black Hand Sandstone. The towering cliff walls rise nearly 200 feet above the valley floor, and in some places the gorge narrows to only about 100 feet wide.

Inside the gorge, you’ll find a cool, shaded valley floor framed by sheer cliffs that rise dramatically on both sides. Thick patches of moss and ferns cover the ground, while hemlock and hardwood trees stretch overhead.

A seasonal waterfall flows at the back of the hollow, and after heavy rain, smaller seeps and numerous waterfalls cascading down the rock face add even more movement to the landscape.

Because this is a designated state nature preserve, regulations are stricter than at a typical park. That’s part of what keeps Conkles Hollow so pristine.

Getting to Conkles HollowShutterstock630925043

Photo Credit: Kenneth Keifer

Conkles Hollow is about 55 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio.

Directions:

The site entrance is clearly marked along Big Pine Road, and there’s a designated parking lot with vault restrooms and a trail kiosk. There is no entrance fee. Restrooms are available at the trailhead, but there are no concessions on site.

Parking can fill up quickly during peak season, especially fall weekends. If you want a quieter visit, arrive early in the morning.

Cell service can be limited inside the gorge, so it’s smart to download a map before you arrive.

The Gorge: What Makes It Special

The heart of Conkles Hallow is its narrow, deep gorge. Over millions of years, water cut through layers of Black Hand Sandstone, leaving behind steep cliff walls and overhanging ledges.

The rock itself formed roughly 320 to 350 million years ago from ancient river deposits, and erosion continues to shape the landscape today.

After heavy rain or during spring, the main waterfall flows steadily, and smaller streams appear along the rock walls. You might even catch numerous waterfalls cascading from the upper rim into the gorge below.

For photography, early morning or late afternoon offers the softest light.

Highlights Inside the Gorge

A few features are worth slowing down for:

Trails at Conkles Hollow

There are two main trail options at Conkles Hollow, and they offer completely different experiences. Together, they total about 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers). Both start from the same parking area.

Lower Trail (Gorge Trail)

The Lower Trail (Gorge Trail) is the easier and more accessible option, following the valley floor deep into the gorge toward the main waterfall. It's about 1.2 miles out and back on a mostly paved surface, with wheelchair accessibility for roughly ¾ mile. It's ideal for families and visitors who want a relaxed walk without any climbing.

Along the way, you'll walk beneath towering cliff walls and through a shaded, cool microclimate. Thick growths of ferns and moss-covered rocks line the valley floor, and highlights include The Grotto, a natural rock recess, and the main waterfall dropping about 20–25 feet.

The waterfall flows strongest in late winter and spring — in dry summer months it may slow to a trickle, though the setting remains impressive. Note that swimming and wading are not allowed.

If you only have time for one trail, the Gorge Trail delivers the classic Conkle's Hollow experience.

Upper Trail (Rim Trail)

The Upper Trail (Rim Trail) offers a completely different perspective from the Gorge Trail. Instead of walking the valley floor, you'll climb up to the rim of the gorge and hike along the top — about 2 to 2.5 miles in total.

The terrain is significantly more demanding, with steep stone and timber steps, uneven dirt sections, exposed roots, and mud after rain. There are also narrow stretches near the cliff edge that require caution.

The reward is a series of overlooks where you can peer down into the deep gorge and see the waterfall from above — a perspective you simply can't get from below.

This trail is more strenuous and not recommended for young children or anyone uncomfortable near heights. If you enjoy a more challenging hike, the Rim Trail adds a real sense of adventure to your visit.

How Conkles Hollow Compares to Hocking Hills State Park

If you’re already exploring Hocking Hills State Park, adding Conkles Hollow makes sense. It’s only about a 5-minute drive away.

While Hocking Hills State Park features large attractions like Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave, Conkles Hollow feels quieter and more contained. The narrow gorge creates a more enclosed atmosphere, especially along the valley floor.

Many visitors choose to:

It’s an easy way to experience a different side of the Hocking Hills region without adding much drive time.

Is Conkles Hollow Worth Visiting?Shutterstock241639198

Photo Credit: ehrlif

If you enjoy dramatic cliff walls, a shaded and peaceful gorge, a scenic but manageable hike, the chance to see a seasonal waterfall, and spending time in a well-protected state nature preserve, then Conkles Hollow is absolutely worth a visit.

It may not be as famous as Hocking Hills State Park, but many visitors say it’s one of the most beautiful and photogenic spots in Ohio.

If you’re planning your next stay in the area, consider setting aside a morning or afternoon to explore this remarkable gorge. It’s a short walk into a landscape that feels far removed from everyday life and is one of the hidden gems of Hocking Hills.

What to Know Before You Go

Conkle's Hollow is a protected nature preserve, meaning the fragile ecosystem takes priority above all else. Before you head out on the trails, keep these rules in mind:

Plan Your Trip to Conkles HollowShutterstock1132130960

Photo Credit: Jordan Kercheff

A trip to Conkles Hollow pairs perfectly with other highlights in the Hocking Hills area, including Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and Big Spring Hollow Falls. Plan to arrive early, especially on fall weekends, and dress in layers since the gorge stays cooler than the upper rim.

While you’re here, support local restaurants and shops in Logan and Rockbridge, and help protect this state nature preserve by staying on the marked trail and packing out what you bring in.

Whether you choose the easy Gorge Trail or tackle the scenic Rim Trail, Conkles Hollow is one of the most memorable outdoor experiences in Ohio. When you’re ready to plan your getaway, book your cabin with The Hocking Lodging Company and stay close to the best of the Hocking Hills region.

Hocking Hills State Park: What to Do & Expect