Date: 10/24/2020 – Distance: 3.7 mi – Elapsed Time: 2.0 hr – Ascent: 469 ft – Descent: 413 ft – Difficulty: Medium
After my hike on the nearby bridle trails, there was still daylight and I still had energy. So I decided to tackle another, more familiar place, that I knew had some great views. Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve is one of my favorite places in Ohio. Two completely different trails offer views of an incredible gorge from the bottom as well as the top rim. The Gorge Trail is an easy short trail which is even sidewalk up to about 75% to the falls at the end and steep cliff walls keep narrowing to the falls at the apex. In contrast, the Rim Trail climbs to the top and skirts along the cliff edge with spectacular views of the valley. I did them all in this hike.
Please note the rim can be dangerous and special care needs to be taken to avoid dangerous falls. Many people have died here unfortunately.
I want to also say, please don’t bring your dogs to State Nature Preserves, I see them all the time. There are lots of reasons why the State doesn’t allow it. It’s mostly the same reasons you should not go off the trail, or poop on the path. Delicate species…
Special rules have been put in place to practice distancing during this pandemic.
This is only the beginning of this great Gorge Trail.
This wall rises about 200 feet.
Numerous slump rocks create some interesting passages.
A side waterfall on the right before the main falls.
This gorge has interesting, even rare species. In this case a hydrangea.
I’m at the end of the paved part of the trail.
Some of the slump rocks are immense.
The Gorge continues to narrow.
The apex of the Gorge has a deep cut waterfall, although today it’s really dry.
This hollow leads to Diagonal Cave. It is off limits because of the delicate structures there. Please honor the law, it’s not just there to piss you off.
This young Dogwood is full of color.
This entrance (right from parking) is one way now, thanks COVID.
There is a strenuous climb but it’s worth the reward…
Watch your step at all times.
Mountain Laurel.
If you can concentrate on that enough.
This crevice could fit a small child, or bread an ankle, or throw you over the edge.
I was on that promontory on the left earlier.
Watch your step here.
This crevice could swallow an adult.
Notice the multiple layers to this gorge.
The west rim is different in structure.
That’s about 200 feet down.
This cliff actually is hanging over just like the other side.
I felt like i could slip left at any moment.
This recess cave must have a name?
Then the trail descends back to the valley floor via a million twenty one stairs.
There is an old foundation at the base of the wooden stairs.
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