If you're coming to Hocking Hills specifically for fall color, Conkle's Hollow is the trail to build your trip around. The 2.5-mile rim loop puts you above the canopy, looking down into a 200-foot-deep gorge as the trees turn below you. It's consistently rated the best fall foliage hike in the region, and cabins nearby put you within minutes of the trailhead.

Why Conkle's Hollow for Fall

The rim trail runs along the top of sheer sandstone cliffs, giving you a rare above-the-canopy vantage point. In mid-October, you're looking down at a carpet of red, orange, and gold filling the gorge while the ridge around you blazes with sugar maple crimson. The gorge floor is shaded and peaks later than the rim, so on a good year you can see multiple stages of color change in a single view.

Because Conkle's Hollow sits at a higher elevation with more exposure, it tends to peak earlier than the main park areas — roughly October 10 through 18 for the rim, with the gorge floor holding color through late October.

The rim trail is rated moderate to difficult, with some narrow sections and exposure along the cliff edge. It's not suitable for young children or anyone uncomfortable with heights. The gorge floor trail is flat and easy but closes seasonally — check ODNR for current status.

Nearby Cabin Areas

Conkle's Hollow is on Big Pine Road (Township Road 16), south of SR 374. Cabins along SR 374 between Rockbridge and South Bloomingville are the closest options — many are within a 5-to-10-minute drive. This corridor also runs through the famous sugar maple tunnel that makes SR 374 one of the best fall drives in Ohio.

The Rock House and Cantwell Cliffs areas are also close. Rock House is the only true cave in the park system, and Cantwell Cliffs is the least-visited major hiking area — both tend to have earlier fall color due to elevation and exposure.

Combining Conkle's Hollow with Other Fall Hikes

A full fall color day from a nearby cabin: start with the Conkle's Hollow rim trail in the morning (allow 2–2.5 hours), then drive to Old Man's Cave for the Upper Gorge trail through mid-afternoon, and finish at Ash Cave for the easy half-mile walk to the state's largest recess cave. Each trail shows fall color differently — above the canopy, through the gorge, and beneath a massive rock overhang.

Booking Tips

The second and third weeks of October are prime time for this area. Book as early as possible — properties along SR 374 know they have the best fall location and price accordingly. Midweek stays open up more availability and let you hike in relative solitude.