Pros & cons
PROS
- Short, scenic walk to a photogenic dual waterfall
- Towering Black Hand sandstone cliffs and lush, narrow gorge
CONS
- Water flow can shrink to a trickle in dry spells
- Parking fills on busy weekends and holidays
Overview
This is the payoff at the end of Conkles Hollow’s Gorge Trail: a cool, shaded box canyon capped by a delicate dual waterfall. The setting feels hidden—sheer Black Hand sandstone walls rise nearly 200 feet while the gorge squeezes to roughly 100 feet wide in places. It’s one of the most atmospheric short walks in the area, and a great add to any Hocking Hills itinerary.
What You'll See
- A narrow, mossy gorge with layered sandstone, dripping seeps, and ferns.
- The falls themselves are a two-stream cascade spilling into a rocky alcove. After rain, they’re lovely; during dry spells they may be just a trickle.
Trail & Terrain
The Gorge Trail is largely level and begins on paved/boardwalk path; the final approach to the waterfall switches to natural surface with rock hopping and shallow stream crossings. It’s an easy outing for most, but expect wet, muddy, or slick footing after rain.
Plants, Wildlife, and Microclimate
Hemlock, black birch, Canada yew, and a carpet of mosses and ferns thrive in the gorge’s cool shade. Typical Appalachian-Ohio forest wildlife frequents the hollow—keep an eye out and walk quietly.
Rules and Hours
This is a State Nature Preserve: stay on designated trails and do not bring pets. Hours run from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset.
Amenities
There’s a paved parking lot at the trailhead. Restrooms are by the main lot; at times the permanent building has been closed with portable toilets substituted. Bring your own drinking water—there are no fountains. Picnic tables sit near the parking/restroom area.
History & Lore
The state acquired Conkles Hollow in 1925 and dedicated it as a State Nature Preserve in 1977. Local lore tells of a hidden stash once indicated by a carved arrow in a recess cave—fun to imagine as you wander the hollow.
Best Time to Visit
For the best waterfall, go the day after steady rain. To dodge crowds and snag parking, aim for early morning or late afternoon; Saturdays late morning through mid‑afternoon are busiest. Soft side-light late in the day makes the sandstone glow and brings out the greens for photos.
Where it is
39.4537, -82.5731Tips for Lower Falls at Conkle's Hollow
- 01Visit a day after steady rain for the best waterfall flow.
- 02Go early morning or after 4 pm; Saturdays late morning is the busiest window.
- 03Bring your own drinking water—there are no fountains on-site.
- 04Expect the final stretch to leave pavement for rocks and shallow streams.
- 05No pets are allowed on the trails; plan accordingly.
Amenities
Near Lower Falls at Conkle's Hollow
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayConkle’s Hollow Rim OverlookAiry rim views into a sheer, 200-foot sandstone gorgeScenic Viewpoint
0 mi awayConkle's Hollow State Nature PreserveTowering sandstone gorge with an easy walk and big-rim viewsTrailhead · Restroom
0.5 mi awayAirplane RockClifftop overlook on horse trails with a plane-shaped ledgeTrailhead · Parking
0.6 mi awayBig Spring Hollow FallsShort forest walk to a lovely but seasonal waterfallTrailhead · Parking
2.1 mi awayWhispering Cave TrailA one-way loop to a vast recess cave and a swinging bridge.Moderate · 5 mi · 2.5 hr
2.1 mi awayWhispering Cave LoopBig recess cave, swinging bridge, and a one-way 5-mile adventure.Moderate · 5 mi · 2.5 hr
2.1 mi awayGrandma Gatewood TrailWaterfalls and recess caves on a 6 mile blue blazed traverseModerate · 6 mi · 4 hr
2.1 mi awayBroken Rock Falls TrailShort, stair-steep detour to a tucked-away waterfall alcoveModerate · 1 mi · 45 min
