Sandstone cliffs nearly 200 feet tall squeeze this gorge down to about 100 feet wide in spots. Some folks call it the deepest gorge in Ohio. That’s a big claim, and those walls make a pretty convincing case.
The floor stays shady and cool, with ferns, mossy boulders, and a small creek beside the path. A waterfall waits at the far end. Up top, a rim trail hugs the cliff edges for views over the treetops.
I like how one place gives you two completely different ways to see autumn. You can look up at blazing color from below. Or you can look down on it from above.
I can’t imagine a better excuse for a fall road trip. The thought of standing high above the gorge, surrounded by brilliant autumn colors, and then exploring the towering cliffs from below makes me want to experience both views in person.
1. Two Trails, Two Totally Different Moods
Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve keeps things simple with just two trails. That sounds small until you realize they feel like two separate trips.
The Gorge Trail runs along the valley floor between towering sandstone walls. It’s roughly a mile out and back, and much of it is paved and level.
The Rim Trail climbs up and loops along the cliff tops. It’s about 2.5 miles, with plenty of steps, roots, and rocky stretches to keep your legs honest.
So which one should you choose? Honestly, if you have the time and the energy, do both.
Hiking the rim first gives you a real sense of how deep the gorge is. Then walking the floor afterward makes those cliffs feel even taller.
Autumn makes this combo extra rewarding. From above, you see color spread across the treetops like a patchwork quilt.
Down below, you look up at leaves glowing against the rock walls. Same trees, totally different show.
Both trails are free to use, which is a nice bonus. Just plan your day around your comfort level, because the rim is a lot more demanding than the stroll below.
2. The Gorge Floor Feels Like A Secret Green Hallway
Ferns, fallen boulders, and a small creek line the walk through the bottom of the hollow. The walls rise so high on both sides that daylight has to work hard to reach you.
Here’s the good news for families and anyone using a wheelchair. Much of the Gorge Trail is paved and relatively level, making the main section accessible to many wheelchair users and families with strollers.
The final stretch toward the waterfall, however, becomes rocky and is not wheelchair accessible.
That accessibility is a big deal in a region known for steep, rugged hiking. Grandparents, little kids, and strollers can all share the same jaw-dropping scenery.
Watch the giant boulders along the way. Each one broke off the cliffs at some point and now sits there like a moss-covered sculpture.
In fall, the shade keeps the air cool and the colors soft. Leaves drift down onto the path, and the creek carries a few of them along.
Morning and late afternoon light can look especially lovely as it filters through the trees. Bring a camera, and maybe some patience for the folks stopping for photos.
The trail does get busy on nice days. Pull to the side when you stop, and everyone keeps moving happily.
3. Keep Going Past The Pavement For The Waterfall
The pavement ends before the gorge does. Plenty of people turn around there, and they miss the grand finale.
Past the paved section, the path turns rocky and a bit uneven. You’ll scramble over some stones and handle a few small elevation changes.
It’s not a long stretch, but it asks for careful footing. After rain, expect mud and slippery spots, so shoes with real grip are worth wearing.
At the very end, a waterfall spills down into the narrow back of the hollow. The canyon closes in around you here, which makes the spot feel tucked away from the world.
The flow changes with the seasons and recent rainfall. Spring often brings the strongest show, while autumn can be calmer.
Even a gentler trickle looks dramatic against those tall stone walls. Add some fallen gold leaves on the rocks, and the scene practically frames itself.
Kids especially tend to love that last rocky bit. It feels like a mini adventure after the easy stroll.
Take your time on the way back too. The cliffs look different when you’re facing the other direction.
4. Your Legs Will Complain, Your Eyes Will Not
Steps. Lots of them, right at the start of the Rim Trail. A couple of landings give you a spot to catch your breath before the real fun begins.
Once you’re up top, the trail follows the cliff edges around the gorge. The overlooks open up across the treetops, and in autumn that view becomes a sea of red, orange, and gold.
This is the part of Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve that earns all the fall hype. Few spots in Ohio let you peer straight down into a canyon full of color.
The trail is rated moderate to difficult for good reasons. You’ll deal with roots, rocky footing, uneven steps, and some small streams that flow over the cliff edge.
Many hikers recommend going counterclockwise. Plan on a solid chunk of time and bring water.
This loop isn’t a good match for young children or anyone uneasy with heights. Stay on the trail, keep your distance from the edge, and skip it in heavy rain if you can.
Do it right, though, and you’ll be talking about those views all week.
5. Rocks That Started Out As Sand In An Ancient Sea
About 350 million years ago, this part of Ohio sat under a shallow inland sea. Rivers dumped sand into big deltas along its edges.
Over a very long time, that sand pressed together into a thick, tough rock called Black Hand sandstone. It’s the same stone forming those sheer cliffs you see today.
Later, forces deep within the Earth pushed the land upward. Then water and weather went to work, slowly carving the gorge out of the stone.
That makes every wall here a kind of history book. You don’t need a geology degree to appreciate it, either.
Look closely at the cliffs during your walk. You might spot layers, rough textures, and curved hollows shaped by erosion.
The fallen boulders on the gorge floor tell part of the story too. Each one is proof the carving process never really stopped.
Here’s a fun way to think about it. The rock is far older than the trees, the trails, and pretty much everything else in sight.
Autumn color lasts a few weeks. The sandstone has been holding its pose for millions of years.
6. A Name Scratched Into Stone Long Ago
According to local accounts, the hollow takes its name from W. J. Conkle, who reportedly carved his name and the date 1797 into one of its sandstone walls.
That signature gave the hollow its name.
It’s a funny thought. One person’s rock autograph turned into the official title of an entire state nature preserve.
Of course, carving into the walls today is a big no. The preserve protects these cliffs, and leaving them untouched keeps them special for everyone.
The state of Ohio bought the land in 1925 to protect its scenery. Then, in 1977, it was officially dedicated as a state nature preserve.
That nature preserve label matters. It means protecting plants, wildlife, and the landscape comes first here.
As a result, rules are a bit stricter than at a typical park. Visitors stick to marked trails, and pets and bikes aren’t allowed past the parking lot.
Some hikers also enjoy the old Civilian Conservation Corps cabin along the Rim Trail. Displays nearby share how the CCC shaped the region.
History and nature blend together nicely here. It’s hard not to feel a little connected to everyone who wandered this hollow before you.
7. The Shade Down Here Grows Its Own Little World
Cool and shady air settles into the bottom of the gorge. Those tall, close walls block a lot of sunlight, so the floor stays damp and green.
That moisture helps ferns and mosses thrive along the rocks. It also supports native plants, wildflowers, and thick hardwood forest that make the preserve so lush.
Many visitors compare the hollow to stepping back into prehistoric times. Honestly, with all those ferns, you half expect something with scales to wander by.
Spring brings wildflowers, and fall brings the big color change. The mix of green ferns below and golden leaves above is a pretty great combination.
Wildlife shows up too. Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and plenty of birds call the area home.
Keep your voice low and your eyes open, and you might catch a glimpse. Mornings and evenings are often quieter times on the trails.
Remember that this is a protected preserve. Please leave plants, flowers, and rocks exactly where you found them.
That small effort keeps the hollow healthy. It also means the next visitor gets the same magic you did.
8. Timing Your Fall Visit Makes A Big Difference
Fall color doesn’t follow a fixed calendar. Weather, rain, and temperatures all shift when the leaves hit their peak.
Wind can also play spoiler. A gusty night can knock down a lot of colorful leaves, so a little flexibility helps.
Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve opens a half hour before sunrise. It closes a half hour after sunset, giving you a nice long window.
Arriving early can help with parking on busy days. The lot does fill up, especially on pleasant weekends in the Hocking Hills.
Early light also looks beautiful filtering into the gorge. Late afternoon can be lovely too, as the sun drops and warms up the cliff tops.
Check trail conditions before you go. Sections may close for repairs or rehabilitation, and the Rim Trail has had closures before.
Wet weather makes rocky spots slippery. Waterproof shoes with good tread are a smart call this time of year.
Bring layers since the shaded gorge can feel chillier than the sunny rim. Then you’re ready for whatever Ohio autumn decides to serve up that day.
9. Getting There And Making A Day Of It
Set your GPS for 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149. The preserve sits in the Hocking Hills region of southern Ohio.
It’s easy to lump this spot in with Hocking Hills State Park nearby. Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve is actually separate, managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.
You’ll find a large parking lot with improved accessible parking. There’s also a picnic area, perfect for a snack before or after your hike.
Restroom options include portable toilets, and newer facilities have been in the works. Plan for basic amenities rather than a full visitor center.
Leave the dog and the bike at home for this one. Pets and bikes aren’t allowed beyond the parking lot.
Since the trails are free, it’s an easy stop to add to a bigger Hocking Hills weekend. Other famous spots in the region sit within a reasonable drive.
Still, this gorge has a way of becoming the highlight. Pack a lunch, wear sturdy shoes, and give yourself enough time to linger.
Those cliffs deserve more than a quick glance.
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