conkles hollow state nature preserve

We hiked the lower area mid-Feb 2015; it was very cold, but we bundled up, wore our ice pick shoes and off we went. We love seeing the different areas in all seasons, and it was just beautiful!

Our group elected to connect to Conkles Hollow from the backside near the rappelling area which was a good choice. Initially, we had planned to hike Hocking Hills but the presence of 5000 hikers for the annual hike killed that idea so Conkles became our "Plan B".Although not as famous as Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave, the areas throughout were quite similar in formation and natural beauty. It was fun to discover a new place although hiking the outer rim trail was dicey and icy. Fortunately, folks found a way to make a new path a little farther from the edge.This is really a wonderful place to hike, although I think I'd make sure that the snow and ice are missing before doing it again.

This Preserve has two trails, one that goes around the outer rim and one that cuts directly into the bottom of the gorge. Both are fabulous!The outer rim is a lot more challenging - higher climbing around sheer drop offs and cliffs and longer in distance (2.5 miles). Not suited for young kidsThe inner trail is only a 1/2 mile, and very easy to walk.I definitely recommend both trails to get the full experience. I've been to this area multiple times and this Persevere is my favorite. My kids are 8 and 13 and did great on both trails.

Spectacular vistas and great trails. suggest weekday versus weekend to avoid crowds. Upper trail a must.

Very scenic along the Upper Rim, and can also be explored along the base of the cliffs. A great hike.

Love it every time we take the hike. Fall leaves are great. great picture locations. Made the trip several times over the years

it was like stepping back into Pre-historic times here....really relaxing and easy 1/2 mile trial.....or for you hard core....2.5 mile ridge trail...either one is awesome.

The Gorge trail was easy and beautiful, mostly handicap accessible. We didn't need to go up on the ridge to appreciate the beauty.

First time to the Hocking Hills area and it was so perfect! This is one of the last hikes we went on so were a little wore out -the trail is 2.5 miles if you take the rim but it's totally worth it! The views are spectacular especially this time of year. Not to be missed!

There are two paths, one at ground level straight into the gorge. This path is .5 miles each way. This path is paved part of the way and eventually becomes a dirt path. There are ferns everywhere. It is lush and moist and just so alive in here.The second path is up a lot of steps and leads you around the rim of the gorge and that trail is 2.5 miles around. If you have small children you may want to avoid this one it has some extremely dangerous areas. There is info posted about the number of people who fall to their death each year encouraging you to use extreme caution. While hiking the upper rim your focus is always on the path just in front of your feet, a lot of roots and rocks. The view is great but we like the lower path much more.There is plenty of parking, you can park on the grass as well, a porta potty or two and picnic tables. Bring your camera.

We return to this area year after year. We love hiking the rim trail but also enjoy the waterfall trail. The scenery is gorgeous!

Very beautiful scenery and at points a little scary due to the trail being close to significant drop offs. If you have knee issues I wouldn't recommend it as there are several stairs and an assent that might be a little tough.

We did the 2 1/2 mile rim trail and the 1/2 mile gorge trail. Fall colors are beautiful right now. The rim trail is an intermediate level hike with climbing and precarious footing at times. The trail is very close to the edge with no railing in most spots. You should have hiking shoes with good soles to do the rim trail. Walking poles and sticks are helpful too. I would not take young children on this trail as you are so close to the edge. (If you do, I would recommend a leash.) The gorge trail is wheel chair accessible for a good portion. If you want to take good photographs bring a tripod. There is a small parking area with overflow parking on the grass. Earlier in the day is your best time to go! Picnic tables and grills are available. Three portable toilets (two of which accommodate wheelchairs) were available.

take the stroller or wheel chair and enjoy this beautiful walk back into the gorge...the moss and the ferns are ageless.

While zip lining, one of the guides told us about Conkles Hollow. He said it is by far his favorite of all the attractions there and we should not miss it. Compared to Old Mans Cave and the sites around it, Conkles is not as 'commercialized'. It is, however, beyond beautiful. We made it our last stop on our weekend and I wish we had made it a priority instead. We did the lower level walk, which was 1/2 mile, as opposed to the Upper Rim, which is considerably longer. The walk itself is by far the easiest of all the sites at HH, and the never ending beauty is unreal. I promise you will get the most out of this one. While all HH attractions are amazing, Conkles had so much more. I cannot wait to go back and take the time to do the Upper Rim.