Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve
Conkle’s Hollow is notable for its deep, narrow gorge with cliffs over 200 feet high, dense hardwood forests, and wildflowers, making it one of the most scenic and challenging hiking destinations in the Hocking Hills.
The deep, cool gorge, which is only 100 feet wide in places and is considered by some to be the deepest in Ohio, has numerous waterfalls cascading over its sandstone cliffs. The cliff tops with their magnificent overlooks and the quiet gorge beneath offer visitors an opportunity to explore different habitats, each with its own unique plant and animal communities.
It was purchased in 1925 by the state of Ohio in order to preserve its scenic beauty. In 1977, the site was dedicated as a state nature preserve.
Reason for the name
Conkle’s Hollow in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio, is named after W.J. Conkle, an early visitor to the area who carved his name and the date 1797 into the sandstone wall of the gorge in that year. If you look carefully on the west wall, you can still see his inscription, a tangible connection to Ohio's history.
Local Legend
The site is steeped in local legends. One well-known tale tells of a group of Native Americans who raided a flotilla of settlers on the Ohio River and stashed the stolen goods in a recess on the west wall of the gorge. They carved an arrow pointing toward the hidden spot, which could only be reached by climbing a hemlock tree. Years later, when they came back, the tree had fallen, and the treasure remains lost to this day. Though the arrow carving has worn away, the story still lingers among locals.
Geology
About 350 million years ago, this portion of Ohio lay under the waters of a vast inland ocean. Rivers flowed into this ancient sea and carried sands. Then deposited them in large wide deltas much like the present-day delta at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Over millions of years, these sand deltas were buried by finer textured silt and clay sediments. Eventually these sedimentary deposits were compressed to form a thick hard layer of sandy textured rock, now referred to as Black Hand sandstone.
Location and Visitor Information
Conkle's Hollow is located near Rockbridge, Ohio, about 3 miles north of Old Man's Cave.
Address: 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149
GPS Coordinates: 39.4529, -82.5721
Distance from Columbus: Approximately 50 miles (about 1 hour)
Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round.
Important — No Pets Allowed: Because Conkle's Hollow is a state nature preserve (not part of the regular state park), dogs and other pets are NOT permitted on the trails.
Trails
Conkles Hollow has two trails totaling 3.5 miles. A portion of the Gorge Trail is wheelchair accessible.
Two Trails, Two Very Different Experiences
Conkle's Hollow features two unique trail experiences, and both are worth exploring if you have the time. Each offers a completely different perspective of the hollow.
Gorge Trail (Lower Trail)
- Distance: 1.1 miles out-and-back
- Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy — mostly paved and handicap accessible for most of the route
- Elevation gain: About 75 feet
The Gorge Trail winds along the valley floor, nestled between towering 200-foot cliffs. A paved stretch, nearly half a mile long, makes it easy for the whole family to enjoy, accommodating strollers and wheelchairs, though the pavement stops short of the end. The trail wraps up at a recess cave in a natural box canyon, giving the sense you’ve reached the edge of the world. It’s the perfect route if you’re after that awe-inspiring, cathedral-like feeling of walking between massive stone walls, where the sheer scale makes you feel small in the best way.
Rim Trail (Upper Trail)
- Distance: 2.5-mile loop
- Time: About 2 hours
- Difficulty: STRENUOUS — steep inclines, uneven steps, exposed cliff edges
The Rim Trail winds around the gorge atop the tallest cliffs in the Hocking Hills, offering some of the most breathtaking and dramatic views in Ohio. Along the way, you’ll pass scenic overlooks, catch sight of the seasonal Upper Falls of Conkles Creek, and gaze down into the gorge from thrilling heights.
Heads up: The Rim Trail can be risky any time of year. Expect sheer cliff drops of 70 to 100 feet with no guardrails, uneven paths tangled with roots, and steep inclines. It’s not suited for young kids, anyone with balance issues, or those uneasy with heights. Falls from these cliffs have been fatal, so take extra care out there. In the past week a woman fell from one of the cliffs and died.
That said, for experienced hikers who respect the dangers, the Rim Trail offers views that are simply unmatched in Ohio.
Don't Miss These
The Box Canyon
At the end of the Gorge Trail, you’ll find a natural amphitheater—a box canyon framed by towering cliffs, rocky overhangs, and seasonal waterfalls. It’s an enchanting place, especially in the morning when sunlight streams through the hemlock canopy, lighting up the mist. This is the deepest part of the hollow, with walls soaring more than 200 feet high on three sides.
Upper Falls
Just off the Rim Trail, the Upper Falls of Conkle's Creek is most stunning after a good rain, when water spills over the rocks. In drier times, it might shrink to just a trickle. When flowing, it tumbles down the rock face into the gorge below, offering a breathtaking view from the rim.
The Hemlock Forest
The gorge is home to magnificent eastern hemlocks and other species that thrive in the cool, shaded environment. The deep hollow creates its own microclimate — cooler and more humid than the surrounding forest. This allows boreal species typically found in Canada to grow here in Ohio. Some of these hemlocks are over 200 years old.
Unfortunately, many hemlocks are threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these ancient trees.
Wildflowers and Ferns
The moist gorge environment supports a rich diversity of ferns and wildflowers. In spring (April-May), look for trillium, bloodroot, and violets. Throughout the year, Christmas ferns and other species carpet the gorge floor.
Conclusion
Conkle’s Hollow stands out from the other Hocking Hills spots. It’s quieter, more intimate, and has that rare slot-canyon vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The Gorge Trail is great for families or anyone after an easy but awe-inspiring walk, while the Rim Trail offers adventure and incredible views for seasoned hikers ready to put in the effort.
Happy hiking!