Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve
A cool, narrow Black Hand Sandstone ravine offers an accessible lower approach beneath 200-foot walls, while an exposed rim loop climbs above the canopy for demanding cliff-edge views.
Artwork inspired by Elizabeth Nourse
Conkles Hollow concentrates Hocking Hills geology into a deep slot where groundwater, shade, and sandstone walls create a cool microclimate. The lower Gorge Trail is broad and paved for most of its length before narrowing near the falls; the upper Rim Trail is a separate, strenuous loop with steep climbs and unguarded cliff edges. They are not easy and hard versions of one identical view.
Choose the gorge if you want scale, plants, and accessibility; choose the rim only if every member of the party is steady around exposure and prepared for uneven tread. No pets are allowed because this is a state nature preserve, not a state park unit. Waterfall flow can be slight in dry weather, but the rock, hemlocks, and acoustics remain the primary experience.
- Gorge Trail
- About 0.6 mile
- Rim Trail
- About 1.9 miles
- Cliff height
- Up to roughly 200 feet
Quick guide
- Take the lower route
- Paved access reveals the gorge’s height and cool plant community.
- Assess the rim honestly
- Steep ascent and exposed edges require confident footing.
How to choose gorge or rim safely
- Take the lower route
- Paved access reveals the gorge’s height and cool plant community.
- Assess the rim honestly
- Steep ascent and exposed edges require confident footing.
- Look beyond the waterfall
- Sandstone walls and microclimate do not depend on recent rain.
- Protect preserve rules
- No pets, off-trail travel, climbing, or collecting.
Good to know
The lower trail is accessible only to the end of pavement; the upper rim is exposed and hazardous in rain, leaves, ice, or strong wind. Pets are prohibited.
Notice these
- Narrow lower gorge
- Hemlock microclimate
- Upper rim viewpoints