Northeast Ohio Outdoors

Fall Foliage in the Hocking Hills

By Lou Yuhasz on October 10th, 2009

COLUMBUS, OH – Some of the best colors of the season will be on display at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve for the 17^th Annual Fall Foliage Event. Coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, this open-house styled event runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18.

“Conkle’s Hollow offers visitors brilliantly-colored hills, winding trails and spectacular autumn views of the Hocking Hills,” said Jeff Johnson, district preserve manager at ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. “Uniformed naturalists will be on hand to direct visitors to the most scenic features of the preserve.”

Visitors to this year’s event can explore 3.5 miles of trails, including the 1-mile handicapped accessible Lower Gorge trail. The weekend will include a re-enactment of a 1790s encampment, complete with period tents, settlers in pioneer dress and late 18th century cooking. The early Ohio settlers, portrayed by the Hock-Hocking Historical Trekkers, will set up camp west of the parking lot to show visitors what life was like for area pioneers.

The 87-acre Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is one of 134 state nature preserves managed by the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Known for its spectacular views and deep gorges, Conkle’s Hollow features cliffs of Black Hand sandstone rising nearly 200 feet above the valley floor. Named after an area inscription, “W.J. Conkle 1797,” the preserve is home to Canada yew, teaberry, various ferns and several species of native orchids, as well as white-tailed deer, turkey, fox and beaver. The preserve is open sunrise to sunset year-round.

To obtain directions to Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve, visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com. For additional information, contact the preserve manager, Jeff Johnson, at 740-380-8919.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

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