Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve - Rockbridge, OH
Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve – A Scenic, Dog-Friendly Hiking Experience in Rockbridge, Ohio
Explore one of the most beautiful parks in the Hocking Hills region with your furry companion! Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, located at 24858 Big Pine Rd in Rockbridge, Ohio, is known for its breathtaking natural rock formations, easy-to-moderate hiking trails, and dog-friendly atmosphere. The lower gorge trail is wheelchair accessible and offers a smooth, paved walk through lush ferns, mossy boulders, and a scenic creek, perfect for pet-friendly adventures and families alike.
While Conkles Hollow is not a traditional fenced dog park, leashed pets are welcome on the trails. The park offers picnic tables, public restrooms, free parking (including accessible spaces), and kid-friendly hikes. If you’re seeking dog-friendly hiking or pet-friendly activities near Rockbridge, OH, Conkles Hollow is a top pick for enjoying Ohio’s outdoors with your pup.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must remain on leash at all times while visiting Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is no designated fenced area for dogs here—dogs are welcome to join you on the hiking trails while leashed.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? All dogs must be on a leash while anywhere in the park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available at the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? The lower trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and entrance.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Picnic tables are available for seating and rest.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a free, accessible parking lot at the main entrance.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are multiple scenic hiking trails, including a paved lower gorge trail and the more adventurous upper rim trail.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The park is known for kid-friendly hikes and is considered good for families with children.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park can get crowded, especially during weekends and peak seasons.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Mosquitoes and bugs are present during the warmer months, so repellant is recommended.
Reviews
Short trail following the creek that leads you to a smaller waterfall at the end. Pretty trail that is flatish and easy. My only complaint is that it was crowded which is not what I’m after in nature.
Beautiful trails with amazing nature surrounding you. You can take the main trail in and out, which is super easy. Or take the upper rim for a longer hike with sky view. Amazing!
One of the best parks in Hocking Hills area. Upper rim can be sketchy but a lot of fun. Rocks are are grippy on upper rim lower gorge hike is easy both have great photo opportunities
I wish we had more resources to make this more pet friendly. We saw people with their pets and another review image literally has horses. We strolled our cats about a mile in before it got dark. It was a 7/10 place. For the Google Maps listing saying handicap accessible, 1/2 of it was wheelchair accessible. Though if you have a cane or something of that effect you’ll be ok on a less wet day
Ever since my first visit with my son, I have continued to go back year after year. Parking is free and there is handicapped / wheelchair access with ramps and an entirely paved lower trail. Be ready to view to an array of boulders, cliff views, a creek, and a stream of falling tricking water that can resemble a small waterfall after a good rain. This lower area of Conkle’s Hollow is gorgeous in the spring and summer with lots of ferns, moss, and foliage. Great for kids or the elderly, and not too far of a hike, maybe 3/4 of a mile there and back. Some bug or mosquito repellent is advisable.
Above is a 5+ mile Upper Rim Trail with quite a few stairs to begin or end with, and hand rails to assist in the ascent or descent. Along the way are a few places that offer views from above overlooking the area. Like most of Hocking Hills, there are very few banisters, so stay away from the cliff edges. As per the Park Ranger, one danger is that the tree roots don’t go very deep into the soil and cannot be relied on to hold onto to lean out, or used for support. They may uproot. Multiple deaths occur annually in the park. Be smart, be safe, and enjoy the area.