Conkle's Hollow, Hocking Hills: Gorge vs. Rim

Conkle's Hollow, Hocking Hills' cliff-walled gorge, gives you two very different walks. The gorge trail is an easy, partly paved mile round trip to a small waterfall, and the 2-mile rim loop follows cliff tops nearly 200 feet above the floor. Pets aren't allowed on either one.

It's a state nature preserve run by Ohio DNR, next to Hocking Hills State Park, and about 22 minutes from our cabin. Like the park, it's free.

Conkle's Hollow, Hocking Hills at a glance

The two trails add up to about 3 miles. Ohio DNR opens the preserve from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.

The gorge trail

The gorge trail runs along the floor of the hollow and up to the falls at its head. Walls of Black Hand sandstone rise nearly 200 feet on both sides, and in places the gorge is only 100 feet wide. Some consider it the deepest gorge in Ohio.

The floor is thick with ferns, hemlocks and wildflowers. The first stretch is paved, and the park map marks it wheelchair accessible to the end of the sidewalk.

It's about a mile out and back. Numerous waterfalls pour over the cliffs after rain, so spring is the best time to walk it.

The rim trail

The rim trail is a 2-mile loop around the top of the gorge, rated difficult. The views straight down into the hollow are some of the best in the Hocking Hills.

It's also one of the most exposed walks in the area, with long stretches along the cliff edge. The Athens Conservancy notes long climbs at each end of the loop.

Take the edge seriously. A hiker died after a fall from the overlook in 2022, and Ohio DNR's advice afterward was to stay on the trails. Keep kids within reach, and skip the rim in ice, heavy rain or wind.

Why dogs can't come

Conkle's Hollow is a state nature preserve, not part of the park, and pets aren't permitted in Ohio's nature preserves. Visitors also have to stay on the designated trails to protect the plants on the cliff tops and gorge floor.

Leave the dog at the cabin for this one. Most of the park's other Hocking Hills dog friendly trails welcome leashed dogs, and our page on pet friendly cabins in Hocking Hills covers bringing your dog to the cabin.

A little history

Ohio bought Conkle's Hollow in 1925 to protect it and dedicated it as a state nature preserve in 1977. It covers 87 acres.

In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps had a company working nearby, and the main cabin of their Camp Hocking still stands next to the preserve.

When to go

Spring brings the most water over the cliffs and wildflowers on the gorge floor. Summer is green and shady down low. For Hocking Hills fall colors, the rim is hard to beat, and winter is quiet, though Ohio DNR warns that trails are often icy and recommends ice cleats.

Rock House pairs well with Conkle's Hollow on one drive. It's the park's only true cave, and dogs are welcome there. Our guide to Hocking Hills caves covers it.

Which trail to pick

At Conkle's Hollow, Hocking Hills visitors with kids or grandparents should take the gorge trail. It's short, easy and ends at a waterfall. Confident hikers should do both: the gorge first, then the rim loop for the view down.

For more walks, see our ranking of the best Hocking Hills hikes and the Hocking Hills waterfall guide. Everything else is in our guide to things to do in Hocking Hills. Then come back to a Hocking Hills cabin with hot tub for the evening.

Conkle's Hollow Hocking Hills FAQs

Are dogs allowed at Conkle's Hollow?

No, dogs aren't allowed at Conkle's Hollow. It's a state nature preserve, and pets aren't permitted on either the gorge trail or the rim trail. Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails in neighboring Hocking Hills State Park, including Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls and Rock House.

How long is the Conkle's Hollow rim trail?

The Conkle's Hollow rim trail is a 2-mile loop around the top of the gorge, and Ohio DNR rates it difficult. It runs along cliff edges nearly 200 feet above the floor, with climbs at each end. Wear shoes with real grip, and skip it in ice or heavy rain.

Is the Conkle's Hollow gorge trail accessible?

The Conkle's Hollow gorge trail is partly paved, and the park map marks it wheelchair accessible to the end of the sidewalk. The full trail is about a mile round trip, rated easy, and ends at a small waterfall at the head of the gorge. The rim trail is not accessible.

Is Conkle's Hollow part of Hocking Hills State Park?

Conkle's Hollow is not part of Hocking Hills State Park, though it sits right next to it. It's a separate state nature preserve run by Ohio DNR, which is why its rules differ: no pets, and you must stay on the designated trails. Hours are the same, and it's free.

Is Conkle's Hollow the deepest gorge in Ohio?

Conkle's Hollow is considered by some to be the deepest gorge in Ohio, according to Ohio DNR. Its sandstone cliffs rise nearly 200 feet, and the gorge is only 100 feet wide in places. Whatever the official ranking, standing on the floor and looking up is the reason to go.