Conkle’s Hollow Trails: Lower Gorge, Upper Rim, Map & Difficulty

Conkle’s Hollow Hiking Trails

Official Conkle’s Hollow hiking guide from TheHockingHills.org.

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve, 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149 | GPS: (39.452935, -82.572075)

Hiked and field-checked for The Hocking Hills Organization by Jannette Quackenbush

Last checked: July 2026

Routes checked: Conkle’s Hollow Upper Rim Loop and Lower Gorge out-and-back trail

GPS-recorded distances: Upper Rim Loop, 2.5 miles from the ascending steps to the descending steps; Lower Gorge out-and-back, 0.7 mile

GPS device: Garmin GPSMAP 64sx

Difficulty: Upper Rim Trail is difficult, with rugged ascents and descents, numerous steps, exposed cliff edges, and dirt trail with many roots. The Lower Gorge Trail is easy and partly paved and wheelchair accessible, followed by a dirt path to the waterfall.

Conkle’s Hollow is one of the seven major hiking areas in the Hocking Hills region.

There are two trails to hike:

1) Lower Gorge Trail: The Lower Gorge Trail is approximately 0.7 mile out and back. The paved section is wheelchair accessible but ends before the waterfall. From that point, a rugged dirt-and-stone path continues to the waterfall. Allow about one hour for the complete hike.

2) Upper Rim Trail: The Upper Rim Trail is a difficult, one-way loop approximately 2.5 miles long. It follows the cliff edge and includes steep ascents and descents, numerous uneven steps, exposed roots, slippery stone, and drops of 70 to 100 feet.

Hikers must watch their footing continuously. In several places, the rock-and-soil surface contains open gaps, holes, and narrow breaks beside or within the walking path. A misstep could result in a serious fall.

This trail may not be suitable for young children, inexperienced hikers, people with mobility or health concerns, or anyone uncomfortable with exposed cliff edges. Pets are not permitted at Conkle’s Hollow.

Hikers must remain on the marked trail. Wading and swimming are not permitted in the waterfalls or creeks.

Conkle’s Hollow Trails at a Glance

Lower Gorge distance: 0.7 mile out and back
Upper Rim distance: 2.5-mile one-way loop
Lower Gorge difficulty: Easy on the paved section; rugged dirt-and-stone path beyond the accessible portion
Upper Rim difficulty: Difficult
Typical hiking time: About one hour for the Lower Gorge Trail; allow several hours for the Upper Rim Trail
Trail type: Lower Gorge out and back; Upper Rim one-way loop
Wheelchair access: Paved section of the Lower Gorge Trail only
Upper Rim terrain: Steep ascents and descents, numerous steps, exposed roots, slippery stone, cliff edges, and open gaps in the trail surface
Cliff drops: Approximately 70 to 100 feet in places
Pets: Not permitted anywhere in the preserve
Waterfall access: The paved trail ends before the waterfall; a rugged dirt-and-stone path continues beyond it
Parking: Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve, 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, Ohio
Main features: Narrow gorge, waterfall, recess caves, boardwalk, rim overlooks, cliffs, and autumn views

The Lower Gorge Trail is partially wheelchair accessible. Conkle’s Hollow has an Upper Rim Trail and a Lower Gorge Trail.

The Upper Rim Trail has cliff views, steps, and is strenuous.

The Lower Trail also has small recess caves and a boardwalk. This is Horsehead Grotto. Midway to the left of the open cavern, you can see how it received its name-the natural stone horsehead.

Steps to the Rim Trail.

The kiosk and entrance to both trails.

Hocking Hills Park Trail Areas

Hocking Hills Trail System Map.

Seven major hiking areas in the Hocking Hills region include Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, Rock House, Conkle’s Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave.

Conkle's Hollow Trail Map

Start at Parking Area. End at Parking Area.

Green: Bottom of Gorge (Green Blazes on Trees)

Red: Top of Gorge Rim Trail (Red Blazes on Trees)

No pets in this preserve!

Take the complete route with you. The Hocking Hills Hiking Trail Guidebook includes field-checked directions, GPS coordinates, trail junctions, elevation information, parking details, and route combinations for Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve and many additional Hocking Hills trails.

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve

Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve

24858 Big Pine Road Rockbridge, OH 43149

Common Questions About Conkle’s Hollow

How long are the trails at Conkle’s Hollow?

The Lower Gorge Trail is approximately 0.7 mile out and back. The Upper Rim Trail is a one-way loop approximately 2.5 miles long.

Is the Lower Gorge Trail wheelchair accessible?

The paved section of the Lower Gorge Trail is wheelchair accessible, but it ends before the waterfall. A rugged dirt-and-stone path continues from the end of the paved section to the waterfall.

Is the Upper Rim Trail difficult?

Yes. The Upper Rim Trail is difficult and includes steep ascents and descents, numerous uneven steps, exposed roots, slippery stone, and cliff drops of 70 to 100 feet.

Are there dangerous openings along the Upper Rim Trail?

Yes. In several places, the rock-and-soil surface contains open gaps, holes, and narrow breaks beside or within the walking path. Hikers must watch their footing continuously because a misstep could result in a serious fall.

Is the Upper Rim Trail suitable for young children?

The Upper Rim Trail may not be suitable for young children, inexperienced hikers, people with mobility or health concerns, or anyone uncomfortable with exposed cliff edges and rugged terrain.

Are pets allowed at Conkle’s Hollow?

No. Pets are not permitted at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve.

Can visitors swim or wade at Conkle’s Hollow?

No. Wading and swimming are not permitted in the waterfalls or creeks.

How long does it take to hike the Lower Gorge Trail?

Allow about one hour for the complete Lower Gorge out-and-back hike, depending on trail conditions and how long visitors stop near the waterfall.

Does Conkle’s Hollow have a waterfall?

Yes. The Lower Gorge Trail leads toward the waterfall, but the paved wheelchair-accessible section ends before reaching it.

Where should visitors park for Conkle’s Hollow?

Parking is available at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve, 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, Ohio. The parking-area GPS is approximately 39.452935, -82.572075.

Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve

There is a legend that robbers buried treasure somewhere in Conkle's Hollow, the riches of thieves who stashed it there. But do not start digging - you have to stay on the trail at this nature preserve! Instead, visit in the autumn and discover another treasure - Ohio's top leaf peep views on the Upper Trail.

Conkle's Hollow Lower Trail

One of the major hiking areas in Ohio’s Hocking Hills region

Known for its spectacular autumn leaf viewing areas on the Upper Trail

Conkle's Hollow in autumn - Upper Trail.

OPEN ALL YEAR-ROUND FROM DAWN TO DUSK

There are seven major hiking areas in Hocking Hills State Park - All are one-way trail systems.

Click here for a Regional Hocking Hills Trail Area Map

Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave Trail. These park areas offer a unique experience for those who walk its paths no matter what season (the park is open year-round from dawn to dusk)—located on the southern edge of Hocking County. But those are just a handful. Other hiking trails in the Hocking Hills region include those at Wayne National Forest, Clear Creek Metro Parks, Lake Hope State Park, the Moonville Rail Trail, and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway.

Hocking Hills Where all the best roads lead . . .HIKE. STAY. PLAY. YOUR HOCKING HILLS ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE! Buy our Guidebooks!