Trail Upgrades Unveiled at Conkle’s Hollow

On November 1, 2004 the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) unveiled its newest access upgrades at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. Located in Southeastern Ohio, the preserve had long been inaccessible to anybody with a physical disability. Gladly that is no longer the case.

Traditionally nature preserves feature low impact non-developed (and non-accessible) trails; however since Conkle’s Hollow is one of the most heavily visited preserves in the state the decision was made to construct an improved trail in order to protect the environment. Says Jeff Johnson, District Preserve Manager for ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, “Once it was decided that an improved trail would be constructed at Conkle’s Hollow, we also decided to make it as accessible as possible.”

The new Gorge Trail is 1/2 mile long and features a 6-foot wide concrete path on approximately 2/3 of the trail. There are no railings along the trail so there are some small drop offs on the sides. Although it’s not technically billed as “totally ADA compliant” it’s just as accessible as the nearby Ash Cave trail. There are no steps at all along the trail and it’s really a great improvement.

Conkle’s Hollow is located approximately 12 miles south of Logan on State Route 664 in the heart of Ohio’s Hocking Hills region. Visit www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnap/location/conkles_hollow.html for information about Conkle’s Hollow and 1800hocking.com for information on the Hocking Hills region.

The Hocking Hills region is well known for its natural beauty, intimate inns and spectacular fall colors. For more information about accessible lodging, trails and tourist attractions in the area, consult the Winter 2005 issue of Emerging Horizons.