A Winter Walk Through Conkle’s Hollow, Where Ice Meets Stone
On a cold December day in 2025, I first stepped onto the Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail, and I knew I’d be back. Perfectly tucked into the rich Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio. This State Nature Preserve draws hikers for its towering Black Hand sandstone cliffs rising nearly 200 feet (ca. 61 m) above the shaded valley floor. And of course for the narrow gorge that feels carved by time itself. The frozen ground, fallen leaves and winter hush slowed us down just enough to allow us to experience the full beauty of winter in Ohio.
The Return After Cantwell
After the icy return from Cantwell Cliffs, on January 23, I came back to Conkle’s Hollow. This trip my partner Kelsey and our friend Kylie came along also. We visited the grotto, and saw two frozen falls while we made new memories.
The Gorge Trail starts out accessible a paved path through a cool canyon of ferns, moss, and deep shadows. Flat enough that people often think of it as very easy in warm weather. In winter, when ice seals every rock and forms frozen patches, it demands respect and slow steps.
We left the concrete walkway and entered the dirt-trail stretch. This is where the gorge narrows, and tree roots twist across worn rock. The cold was sharp between cliff walls, silent except for our footsteps, conversation, and laughter.
At the head of the hollow, the waterfall lay before us, a sculpted cascade of ice and black stone. It was not rushing with spring thaw, but frozen into quiet architecture. A tall and inviting angel of ice. It felt like a reward, for my commitment to return, in December the fall was void of even ice.
Icy Steps, Butt Slides, and Winter Realities
There was one part that tested us all. the steps back out. Kelsey found the ice so slick that they had to carefully slide down on their butt. Smart, one controlled tug at a time, rather than risk a fall. Winter on stone is beautiful, but it’s also unpredictable. The paved trail that’s easy in summer turned into glassy slope in January, and footing matters more than speed.
Conkle’s Hollow’s lower trail (paved portion) is often about 0.5 miles each way but in winter it feels longer, each step a negotiation with ice and shadow. Hikers should always check current conditions, wear suitable traction, and move with intention when temperatures dip and water becomes more like stone.
Have you ever had to make a safe exit creatively? Tell me how you did it in the comments.
Why Conkle’s Hollow Stands Out
Conkle’s Hollow isn’t just a trail, it’s a deep, cool gorge named for early explorer W.J. Conkle, whose name was once carved into sandstone within the hollow. The valley floor supports a rich ecosystem of ferns, hemlock, wildflowers, and moss that thrives in the shaded canyon. This is one of the deepest gorges in Ohio despite its modest trail length.
The rock here is ancient Black Hand sandstone, formed long before Ohio was dotted with trails and preserves. Over eons water and climate slowly carved this gorge. cliffs Today the hollow holds cascading waterfalls in wetter months and dramatic ice in winter.
Trail Tips for Winter Hikes Like This
Traction devices are worth having. Things like winter boots with microspikes or traction will change an almost impassable section into a managed stretch. Poles help balance especially on packed ice and uneven terrain. Respect the preserve’s rules. Luna stayed home dogs are not permitted in Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. So plan hikes depending on location and land regulations.
A Season to Return
We may save the rest of the dirt trail for a visit in spring. When ice melts and water flows edge to edge over the stone. Standing before that frozen cascade was a moment in itself. Quiet, still, and deeply rooted in place. There’s something in winter hiking that makes a trail feel like a secret told only to those who return with patience, preparation, and a little warmth in their pack.
Conkle’s Hollow reminded me that running into winter on a trail is not about distance, it’s about presence. It’s about the cold ice on stone, the hush between trees, the sound of boots on packed earth, and the ice-sealed waterfall waiting for another season. I walked it in winter with friends twice, and it felt like finding a story already in the landscape, just waiting for us to step in and read it.
Share with a friend you want to explore Conkles Hollow or another Gorge with this winter season.
Conkles Hollow Rim Conkles Hollow Gorge 1
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