Explore Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
Hiking at Conkle’s Hollow for a Summer Adventure in Ohio
Conkle’s Hollow is one of the most remarkable natural destinations in Hocking Hills, offering visitors a chance to experience towering sandstone cliffs, shaded hiking trails, and some of the most dramatic scenery in Southeast Ohio. For those seeking an adventure getaway in the Midwest, Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve provides a memorable summer experience filled with natural beauty and outdoor exploration. It’s one of the best things to do in Hocking Hills!
This Ohio nature preserve encompasses more than 80 acres of protected wilderness. Massive sandstone cliffs rise more than 200 feet above the gorge floor, creating a cool and inviting environment during the warmer summer months. The preserve is known for its lush vegetation, moss-covered rock formations, seasonal waterfalls, and quiet atmosphere, which attract hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts year-round.
The most popular route is the Conkle’s Hollow Trail, also known as the Gorge Trail. This easy, family-friendly hike follows a paved and gravel pathway through the heart of the preserve. Along the route, visitors encounter towering rock walls, dense forests, colorful wildflowers, and interpretive signs that highlight the area’s geology and ecology. The trail concludes at The Grotto, a natural amphitheater surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs. Following periods of rainfall, small waterfalls cascade down the rock faces, creating one of the most photographed scenes in Hocking Hills.
Another landmark worth seeing is Slump Rock, a massive sandstone formation resting along the trail. Covered in mosses and lichens, it showcases the preserve’s rugged natural character and geological history. For those seeking additional Hocking Hills hiking opportunities, the East and West Rim Trails provide a more challenging experience. These strenuous routes climb above the gorge and follow the cliff edges, rewarding experienced hikers with sweeping views of the preserve below. Proper footwear and preparation are recommended for these elevated trails.
Beautiful Hocking Hills Cabins for Your Adventure Getaway
After a day exploring Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve, Glenlaurel offers an exceptional place to relax and recharge. Guests can enjoy private Hocking Hills cabins and suites, the Scottish Links Golf Course, pickleball courts, hiking trails within Camusfearna Gorge, fire pits, spa services, and fine dining at Thistle and Stone. Thoughtfully appointed accommodations featuring fireplaces, private decks, whirlpool tubs, and comfortable sitting areas create the perfect setting for a summer adventure getaway in Hocking Hills. Whether planning a romantic escape, a hiking retreat, or a solo journey, Glenlaurel provides an inviting home base for exploring the region.