Conkles Hollow was named after a German immigrant who carved his name in the west canyon wall in 1797. Today, the canyon is a state nature preserve, part of the Hocking Hills chain of scenic areas. The hollow itself is Ohio's deepest gorge, with cliff walls towering 200 feet above a narrow canyon floor.
     The canyon area can be explored over two distinct trails. The upper route climbs up along the rim for 2.5 miles. This challenging trail provides some spectacular views from up on the canyon rim. The lower gorge trail, pictured here, leads deep into the canyon, a one way trip. The paved pathway, wheelchair accessible for three quarters of the way, weaves through the valley for a half mile. The floor is shaded with hemlocks and hardwoods that grow up from fields of ferns. The canyon's end is graced by waterfalls, one visible from the lower trail during the summer.