There was a dead quiet as I approached the trail head for the Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail.  I had just completed the two and a half mile Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail and was ready to tackle the three mile hike through the gorge.  Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is a part of the Hocking Hills State Park near Athens, Ohio with some of the best hiking in Ohio.

The temperatures had been below freezing for several days.  While the gorge sheltered me from the cold winds from the rim, the wintry conditions within the crevices and caves protected the spectacular frozen waterfall formations.

Looking up from the gorge trail, I noticed the path I had just taken along the rim. As I took a moment in search of a hiker or two along the edge, I became more aware of the tall, still trees and the outcropping of rocks.

Through the trees there were several small crevices that were not reachable from the path.  Escaping the cold, I wondered what animals could be hibernaring inside of them.

I passed a cave-like structure of sandstone to my right and then climbed the stairs to explore the beautiful colors and pitted markings unique to each of the rocks.

Looking up into the rock formations, the porous sandstone seemed to make a great home for insects.

Ice Formations

Several frozen water features seemed to be growing up from the rocks below.

One of the largest frozen waterfalls along the trail.

I enjoyed finding images in the rock formations.

The scenic views of hiking

Exposed root systems

What a spectacular sight

I looked up towards the sky one last time making my way back to the trailhead.  I was reminded of the beauty of winter hikes and the unique features of the gorge.  Considered a favorite of many, I have always made a stop along the gorge and the rim during my visits to Hocking Hills State Park.

The trail took nearly an hour to complete and I was ready to move on to Old Man’s Cave.  What a great start to a beautiful day of hiking.

Have you hiked Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve Gorge Trail?  I would love to hear if you enjoyed it as much as I did if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks and Happy Trails!

What to See and What to Do:

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
24858 Big Pine Rd.
Rockbridge, OH 43149
Telephone:    614 265 6561

• Admission Fee:  Free. All state parks in Ohio are free.
• Hours:  Open daily and closes at dark.
• Tips for Your Visit:  While there are no campsites nor lodges, cottages and cabins.  There are several local business that offer these services.  Stay on the trails to ensure you do not become lost.  Wear appropriate hiking shoes/comfortable shoes for hiking. While dog are permitted at the park they are not allowed in the state nature preserves such as Conkle’s Hollow and Rockbridge.

Where to Stay:

Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp
23937 Big Pine Road
South Bloomingville, OH  43152
Telephone:  740 478 2520

While I usually stay with my sister and her family in nearby Athens, I learned about Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp for a local friend.  This property offers gorgeous luxury cabins as well as campsites and is perfect for visitors bringing their horses for trailriding.

Where to Eat:

Cutler’s Restaurant at the Ohio University Inn
331 Richland Avenue
Athens, OH  45701
Telephone:  740 589 3714

If you visit the park on a Saturday, take time to enjoy brunch at the OU Inn.

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