If you’ve ever said, “Ohio’s just cornfields and flat land,” first of all… how dare you? Second of all, you couldn’t be more wrong. Ohio is, objectively, a gorgeous state with so much natural beauty.
Don’t believe me?
Let me introduce you to Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve, where the cliffs are dramatic, the waterfalls are flowing, and the scenery will make you forget you’re just a couple hours from Columbus.
Located in Rockbridge, Ohio, not far from the more well-known trails of Hocking Hills State Park, Conkle’s Hollow might just be the most beautiful place in the state. Maybe even the entire Midwest.
Here’s why…
Wait… This is OHIO??
The first time I walked into Conkle’s Hollow, I actually said out loud, “There’s no way this is Ohio.” Very loudly. To no one in particular.
The family I was walking behind gave me weird looks, but I was too entranced by the beauty to care.
This place feels like stepping into a real-life choose-your-own-adventure book. You can wander through a cool, quiet gorge surrounded by cliffs that rise hundreds of feet above you, or you can climb up to the Rim Trail, where you’ll catch sweeping views of the Appalachian foothills and question every previous “hike” you’ve ever been on.
But that’s not all.
Two Trails, Two Totally Different Vibes
The Gorge Trail
If you’re looking for something peaceful, magical, and maybe even a little dramatic, the Gorge Trail is it.
Good news: It’s mostly flat, paved, and wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
Better news: It ends with a group of waterfalls that come alive after a good rain.
You start in what feels like a cozy little valley, but the deeper in you go, the more the Black Hand Sandstone cliffs start to close in around you. It’s like nature’s version of a slow zoom or a hug.
And don’t get me started on the greenery. Ferns growing everywhere, mossy rocks, towering trees… It’s what you see if you look up the word “breathtaking” in the dictionary
The Rim Trail
Now, if you like your hikes with a side of danger and cardio, the Rim Trail is the move. This trail climbs up and around the top of the gorge, offering breathtaking views of the forest below and the foothills that surround you.
You’ll hit multiple overlooks, both natural and man-made, that are absolutely stunning — if you can stop your legs from shaking long enough to enjoy them.
There are also massive drop-offs, so maybe don’t try to take a selfie while leaning over the edge (I almost lost my phone and, therefore, my livelihood).
It’s definitely a challenge, but also one of the most rewarding hikes I’ve ever done in Ohio.
Some Nerdy (but Cool) Nature Facts
- Around 350 million years ago, this area was under a giant inland sea. Erosion over millions of years created the deep, narrow gorge we see today.
- The gorge is only 100 feet wide from cliff to cliff in some spots.
- Conkle’s Hollow is one of the deepest gorges in Ohio, and honestly, probably one of the most beautiful, too.
Know Before You Go
📍 Location: 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149 | ⏰ Hours: Open daily ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
- 🐶 No pets allowed
- 🥾 Stay on designated trails. This is a nature preserve. That means they’re preserving the nature from being destroyed by YOU!
- 🚻 There are restrooms at the trailhead, but bring hand sanitizer just in case
- 🥵 The Rim Trail is a difficult, one way trail that’s 2 miles long. Bring water and take your time. Don’t force it if you’re not sure.
Visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ page here for more rules and info about Conkle’s Hollow
Final Thoughts
Conkle’s Hollow isn’t just a good hike for Ohio. It’s a genuinely amazing place to experience nature, period.
So next time you need to escape the city, reconnect with nature, or just want to prove your out-of-state friends wrong about Ohio, head down to Conkle’s Hollow.
And maybe pack a snack. You’re going to want to stay a while.
Find more awesome things to do in Central Ohio and beyond by clicking here.