Category Ohio

Hiking Highlights of 2024: My Favorite Adventures

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For me, my year in hiking has had a lot of ups and downs! At the beginning of the year, I was hiking and traveling a lot. Then, I was training for an ultramarathon so hiking took a backseat. I also tackled a lot of house projects and finished a major writing project (more details soon!) so was out on the trails a bit less. Despite all of that, I’m still pleased that I hiked over 200 miles this year! With all of that time on trails, here is my round-up of my favorite trails I hiked in 2024 (preference to new-to-me hikes).

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

  1. Minister Creek Loop – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

This stunning loop in Allegheny National Forest was by far a highlight of my year. Although it was cold and the creek waters were very high, I could not have asked for a better introduction to ANF. This 7-mile loop includes deep woods, clambering through rocky crevices, and stunning overlooks. Not exactly a trail for the faint of heart, this hike was a true challenge with a huge payoff at the end.

  1. Hector Falls – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

When the locals give you a hiking tip, you better take it! That’s exactly what happened on a weekend trip to Allegheny National Forest region. The owners of a brewery we were visited highly recommended this lesser known waterfall and I’m so glad we checked it out. Although the hike to the trail itself isn’t very interesting, the stunning double-sided waterfall at the end made it so worth it! The unique water feature flows over a rectangular rock jutting off a cliffside so when water flow is high enough, it creates two separate streams plunging off the rock. This was one of the coolest waterfalls I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, although I would recommend visiting in the spring when the water runoff is highest. Although the falls have low foot traffic, the parking area is quite small, so try to plan to visit outside of peak times.

  1. Hearts Content Natural Area – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

If you’ve been following our hikes for a while, you know that Justin loves a big tree. So we always make a point to visit old growth forest areas when we can. Hearts Content is a relatively small hemlock and white pine old growth forest nestled in Allegheny National Forest. The trails are easy and it is a great hike for all ages. We were lucky to visit at golden hour and had the trails completely to ourselves. Prepare to be amazed by towering trees that are between 300-400 years old along the 1-mile scenic interpretive trail.

  1. Ledges Trail – Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH)

On our very first trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park we tackled the much-anticipated Ledges Trail and it did not disappoint. We loved meandering through the impressive cliffsides and peering through narrow crevices. We did a big loop from Kendall Lake to Ledges, which combined the geological beauty of Ledges with the scenic Kendall Lake. This loop can easily be shorten to accommodate little legs and would be a great trail for all ages.

Make it a Hike & Hop – Check out Ledges Trail & HiHo Brewing!

  1. Rock City & Rattlesnake to Overlook – Coopers Rock State Forest (WV)

Despite being just over an hour away from Pittsburgh, it took me until 2024 to finally visit Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia. There’s so much to see at this park, but if you only have time for one hike, definitely make it the Rock City & Rattlesnake trails. This incredible path leads from dense woods into sudden corridors surrounded by rock face. Finally the Rattlesnake Trail ends at the impressive Coopers Rock overlook, the crown jewel of the park.

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Coopers Rock & Screech Owl!

  1. Endless Wall Trail – New River Gorge National Park (WV)

Okay, I’ll admit, this wasn’t a new hike for me in 2024. But its so great that I had to include it as one of my favorites of the year and is one of the few repeat trails on this list. We visited New River Gorge NP at the beginning of October right as the leaves began to change. We did a LOT of hiking but the Endless Wall Trail remains my favorite of the park. The stunning views throughout the short loop just get more beautiful each time I visit. However, this is a very popular spot, so try to visit at off-times or during the week. Parking is a challenge here so please leave no trace and only park in designated areas!

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Endless Wall & FreeFolk Brewery

  1. Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail – Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve (OH)

Another easy hike to take my end of the year round up! I’ve done the Conkles Hollow Rim hike a few times now (also highly recommend) but this time around, we wanted to do the Gorge trail. This 1-mile out and back flat trail leads you deep into the gorge with towering trees and cliff wall climbing up on either side. During wet seasons and after rain, there are various waterfalls spilling down the sides of the gorge. On a hot, sunny September day, it was amazing the temperature difference in the deepest reaches of the gorge. This is a must-hike during a visit to the Hocking Hills Area!

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Conkles Hollow & Double Edge Brewing

Want to explore more of Hocking Hills, OH? See my guide to visiting the state park and more.

  1. Red, Yellow, and Blue Loop – Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (PA)

This was by far my hardest hike of the year, but the challenge made it that much more fun! Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a non-profit wild raptor preserve with an educational facility and miles of hiking trails. It’s the only hike on this list with a fee to visit (Adults $10, Seniors $7, Children between 6-12 $5, Under 5 FREE), but its supporting a fantastic cause so don’t let that hold you back. There’s a number of trails with varying difficulty, but we did a heart-pumping loop that began on the River of Rocks Trail (red) then climbs the steep Golden Eagle Trail (yellow). At the top, take the Skyline Trail (blue) along the ridge, ending with some of the most difficult and exhilarating rock climbs I’ve encountered on a trail. You’ll hoist yourself up onto the North Lookout and follow around the Lookout Trail (orange) for multiple vistas of the surrounding valley and soaring raptors. Be sure to check migration times for peak birdwatching months!

  1. Maurice River Bluffs – (NJ)

A writing project took me to New Jersey this year and I’ll admit that I didn’t go in with high expectations. But I was quickly proven wrong with this incredible hike along the Maurice River in Millville, NJ. This 500-acre preserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy and provides a key stopover for migrating birds and presents a uniquely hilly landscape in the lowlands of NJ. We completed a 5-6 mile loop of the entire preserve which included boardwalks along the water with spots to observe wildlife and sandy walks out along the bluffs for vistas of the surrounding wetlands. This hike was incredible but what made it one of my most memorable hikes this year was finally seeing a stunning lady slipper orchid in the wild. I cried.

  1. Pochuck Valley & Stairway to Heaven – Appalachian Trail (NJ)

Another of my Jersey adventures took us along the Appalachian Trail in northern NJ. 72 miles of the famed trail run through the rugged northern region of New Jersey which boasts a markedly different landscape than the rest of the state. This 7-mile out-and-back trail includes boardwalks over wets and ends with a rocky climb to a stunning overlook. Along the way, you’ll encounter day- and thru-hikers all enjoying this unique path. Don’t let the easy path at the beginning fool you; the trek up the “stairway to heaven” is challenging but highly rewarding. From the soaring overlook on a clear day you can see all the way to the Catskill Mountains in New York!

Thanks for joining me on another year of hiking adventures! I can’t wait to see where 2025 takes me.

Ledges Trail & HiHo Brewing

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Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

Did you know there’s a National Park in Ohio? Cuyahoga Valley NP is just outside of Cleveland; only a 2 hour day trip from Pittsburgh. Designated a national park in 2000, this area is unique from other major parks. It’s tucked just outside of a major metropolitan region. But even more interestingly, it is a success story of the rehabilitation of the natural world. For years, the Cuyahoga River was subject to waste and sewage dumping from the nearby industrial centers. The pollution was so bad that the river caught on fire multiple times. But over the next few decades, major strides were made to clean up the polluted waters. Now, the park welcomes over 2 million visitors a year to enjoy its trails and history!

There are over 125 miles of trail to enjoy at Cuyahoga Valley. The geologically unique Ledges Trail is the most popular spot in the park and for good reason! Despite being in a relatively flat state, these massive sandstone cliffs emerge from the woods in a stunning display. At only 2.2 miles, this is a great hike for all ages that offers beautiful views and some fun, rocky sections. Ledges Trail is a must when visiting Cuyahoga!

THE HIKE: Ledges Trail via Kendell Lake

Length: 5.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 488 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time:  2-2.5 hours
Trail use: Hiking, Leashed Pets
Parking: Ample parking at Kendall Lake, restroom facilities

Cuyahoga National Park is the only National Park in Ohio! While it might not have the mountains of the West, it offers stunning waterfalls, unique geological features, and a fascinating history.

Where to Park: Ledges Trail is one of the most popular trails in Cuyahoga National Park. Because of this, I recommend taking the longer route which starts at Kendall Lake but offers more parking. If you’re a newer hiker, have less time, or are hiking with little ones, I’d suggest tackling just the 2.2-mile Ledges Trail by parking here. Just be aware that this lot fills up quickly so try to aim for an off-peak time!

The Route: From the Kendall Lake Parking area, follow the Connector Trail across the road. Make sure to look both ways and cross carefully! Suddenly you’ll find yourself in thick woods. At the first trail junction, turn left to get on the Pine Grove Trail. While not the most interesting part of the trek, this is a pleasant loop through thick woods. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and fungi! After 1.6 miles, the trails meets back up with the Connector Trail. Continue along the Connector Trail passing over a road and then through a parking lot. At the edge of the parking is a trail kiosk with a map and information about the trails around Ledges. Continue forward after the kiosk, now on the Ledges Trail. You’ll notice almost immediately the rocky cliffside that rises up beside you along the trail. Keep an eye out for interesting rock features! At 2.6 miles, you’ll pass the Ice Box Cave, a unique spot where the temperature drops dramatically earning its fitting name. Continue along peering through rock crevices and tight squeezes. At about 3 miles, you’ll pass over the road to the main parking area. Just after this, you’ll reach the Ledges Overlook, a rocky outcropping perfect for a quick rest. The view isn’t super spectacular with the heavy foliage but might be better in the winter! Continue along the Ledges Trail to finish the loop and meet back at the trail kiosk and Connector Trail. Now you can retrace your steps along the Connector Trail, this time bearing to the left at the junction with Pine Grove Trail. This will lead you right back to the parking lot for Kendall Lake. But instead of heading to your car, take the tranquil Lake Trail for an easy loop around the lake. Make sure to end with a jaunt out onto the fishing pier!

This is just one of the many awesome trails to check out at Cuyahoga Valley! On the same day, we also visited Blue Hen Falls and Brandywine Falls. Looking for a general guide to the park and the various trails? Check at the My Trails are Many guide here.

THE BEER: HiHo Brewing Co.

Address: 1707 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Distance from Trail Head: 9 miles, 16 mins 
Website: http://www.hihobrewingco.com/
Food?: Full Menu
Details: Indoor and Outdoor seating, Leashed dogs on patio

HiHo Brewing began as the dream of Jon and Ali Hoven, a beer-loving husband and wife team. While living in Colorado, the couple discovered a passion for craft beer, even starting a homebrew club. They grew more serious about the industry and Jon eventually trained as a professional brewer. in 2015, they moved back to their hometown in Ohio and began the long process of building out their dream brewery. In January 2017, HiHo Brewing Co officially opened!

Formerly a car showroom, the 6,000 sq ft taproom offers amble seating, from high top bar spots to banquet style seating. In the warmer months, there’s a patio outside overlooking the Cuyahoga River where leashed dogs are welcome to hang out with you. With such a large space, you won’t be surprised to see a hefty taplist! Most drafts come in a variety of sizes (5 oz, 10 oz, 16 oz) for your tasting pleasure. HiHo doesn’t limit itself to specific styles so you’re sure to find something you love!

After all that hiking and exploring, you’re sure to be ready for a snack. The house menu features a perfect mix of bar food like pizza and sliders, with healthier salad options. I’m always a sucker for a pretzel with beer cheese, and these did not disappoint!

There’s several brewery options around Cuyahoga, but I highly recommend a stop at HiHo!

Our Beer:

  • Front Street Wheat – American Wheat – 5.8%
  • HiHazyHo – Hazy IPA – 7%
  • Bossy Lady – American IPA – 6.7%
  • Chuckery Trail Red – Red Ale – 5.5%

Looking for more adventures in Ohio? Check out the NCT Ohio/PA border & Ill Will Brewing, Hocking Hills Gorge Loop & Brewery 33, and Conkles Hollow & Double Edge Brewing Co. Also take a look at my Guide to Hocking Hills.

Guide to Hocking Hills State Park

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Hocking Hills is a beautiful state-run park and forest in Ohio, just south of Columbus. The stunning region is known for its waterfalls, caves, and cliffs. There are so many incredible places to explore that it can be hard to know where to start! Use this guide to plan your ultimate visit to Hocking Hills and beyond.

Table of Contents

  1. Know Before You Go
  2. How to Get to Hocking Hills
  3. Where to Stay
  4. Best Time to Visit Hocking Hills
  5. Best spots to visit in Hocking Hills

Know Before You Go

  • No Entry Fee
  • Open Year-Round – but be sure to check conditions before heading out, especially in the winter
  • Navigation – Some areas in and around the park have poor service so download maps beforehand
  • Getting around – The area is split up into small individual parks so driving between trailheads is a must
  • Pet-Friendly – leashed pets are welcome on all trails except the State Nature Preserves (Conkles Hollow and Rockbridge)
  • Accessibility – Both Ash Cave and Conkles Hollow have wheelchair-accessible trails

How to Get to Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills is located about an hour south of Columbus. Take US 33 East to Logan, then follow OH-664 to the state park. The park is only three hours from Cleveland and 2.5 hours away from Cincinnati. It’s a great weekend trip from Pittsburgh at only 3.5 hours away.

Where to Stay

There are tons of places to stay near Hocking Hills from primitive camping to high-end lodges and everything in between! We’ve stayed in a variety of places including campsites and Airbnb cabins. There are many options, but its best to book as early as possible as places fill up, especially in peak season!

Airbnb/VRBO: We loved this pondside cabin for a visit with our parents. It was the perfect size for 4 people and we really enjoyed drinking our morning coffee on the front porch. I also stayed at this cabin for a girl’s trip and it was a fantastic stay with a hot tub and firepit!

Hipcamp: If you’re looking for camping outside of traditional campsite, try Hipcamp! We stayed at a lovely secluded campsite on private property and it was one of the best camping experiences I’ve ever had.

State Park Lodge: Hocking Hills State Park has a beautiful, newly renovated lodge, as well as cabins onsite. The facilities are open year-round, and although we’ve not had the pleasure of staying, we’ve only heard wonderful things about the upscale facility.

Camping: There’s no shortage of campgrounds in the area for those who prefer sleeping in the great outdoors!

Best Time to Visit Hocking Hills

  • Summer: This is definitely peak season so expect to share the trails with many families and visitors. The upside is that the longer days mean more time on the trails! A drier summer will also lead to less water flowing.
  • Fall: The park is magical during peak fall foliage. Expect crowds but also an escape from the heat of the summer and the bugs that frequent the streams and rivers.
  • Winter: Winter is the slowest time at the park so it’s the best time for avoiding crowds. Be aware that trails can get icy and that some campgrounds might not be in full service.
  • Spring: This is the best time for waterfalls as the spring showers lead to roaring waters throughout the park. Expect crowds to pick up in mid to late Spring.

Best spots to visit in Hocking Hills

Old Man’s Cave

Old Man’s Cave is probably the most famous spot in the state park but funnily enough, it’s not a true cave! It’s actually considered a rock shelter which erosion carved out of the cliffside. A one-mile loop from the Visitor Center loops past Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, then down through the gorge before heading up through Old Man’s Cave. It’s a moderate hike that is short but will take between 45-60 mins. There are opportunities to length the trek and see more of the parking including Lower Falls (1.5 miles), Whispering Cave (3 miles), and Cedar Falls (6 miles).

Ash Cave

Access Ash Cave from a short 1/4 mile hike from the ample parking lot. The Ash Gorge Trail is handicap-accessible and leads right into the rock shelter. From there, you can take the stairs up through the overhang to the Ash Rim trail for another 1/4 mile back to the parking lot. Extend your hike to Cedar Falls for a roughly 5-mile round trip.

Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls is a 1/2-mile one-way trail that leads to a seasonal waterfall. The steep trail travels down a staircase to a beautiful waterfall that flows mostly in the spring, summer, and winter. You can connect to a longer loop to Whispering Cave (3 miles) or Old Man’s Cave (6 miles).

Cantwell Cliffs

Cantwell Cliffs might only be one mile but don’t let that deceive you! This hike is full of steep steps, narrow rock squeezes, and soaring cliffsides. Because of the narrow paths, the trail is one-way only! This is also one of the more remote areas in Hocking Hills so you likely won’t be sharing the trail with too many.

Rock House

Rock House is another unique area of Hocking Hills, well known for being a recess cave. This 0.8 miles, one-way loops descends down aside steep steps to a beautiful cave system. Although the large openings keep it from getting too dark, be prepared for careful footing and lots of roosting birds!

Conkles Hollow Preserve

Conkles Hollow is technically not part of Hocking Hills State Park. It’s a separate nature preserve with two trails. The Gorge Trail is an accessible path that leads to a small waterfall at the end. You can also do the 2.5-mile rim trail which is more challenging, but worth it for the stunning views across the woods and for the unique cliffs. In the spring, the area is flush with wildflowers.

Airplane Rock & Chapel Cave

These two features are just outside of the state park in Hocking Hills State Forest. To see both of them, you’ll follow along the orange-blazed horse trail from a parking lot just down the road from Conkle’s Hollow. The trail might not be the most interesting, but the views are totally worth it!

Rockbridge Nature Preserve

Like Conkles Hollow, Rockbridge is a separate Nature Preserve, meaning that no pets are allowed. The main feature is a 100-foot natural bridge. There are about 3 miles of trail at this park and is located roughly 15 miles from the main Hocking Hills visitor center. This is the only section of Hocking Hills that I haven’t visited yet!

Other things to do:

Food/Drink

  1. Brewery 33
  2. Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium
  3. Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ

Canoe/Kayak/Boat Rentals

  1. Lake Logan Marina
  2. Hocking Hills Adventures

Horseback Riding

  1. Blue Moon Acres Stable
  2. Spotted Horse Ranch
  3. Rose Moon Ranch

Looking for Hikes & Hops in Hocking Hills? Check out Hocking Hills Gorge Loop & Brewery 33 or Conkle’s Hollow & Double Edge Brewing Co.

NCT PA Border & Ill Will Brewing

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Columbiana, OH

Sometimes you’ve just gotta get out of town! I love some of the little towns just across the PA border in Ohio and this is the perfect Hike n Hop to do before a day of exploring. This hike starts at Mile 0 of the PA portion of the North Country Scenic Trail and meanders through woods and fields, making for a lovely spring hike. Afterward, you can head into Ohio towards Columbiana and grab a beer at the sprawling Ill Will Brewery. I highly recommend sitting outside. From there, have a lazy day exploring the shops and cafes of downtown Columbiana!

THE HIKE: North Country Trail – PA Border

Length: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 545 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2 hours
Trail use: Hiking, backpacking, leashed pets
Parking: Small trailhead off PA 251. Blink and you’ll miss it!
H&H: 4/5

Somehow, I only learned about the North Country Trail this year! While not as well-known as some of the other multi-state trails, the North Country Trail has a lot to offer! It passes through 8 states, spanning from North Dakota to Vermont. If you’re thinking That’s a lot of miles, you’re right! Nearly 4,800 to be exact. Some fun facts about the trail from the NCT website include that it passes through:

  • 10 national forests
  • 4 NPS areas
  • Over 100 state game lands
  • Along 3 Great Lakes

We are lucky to have some incredible sections of this trail here in PA and I had hiked on them before without even realizing it! In PA, the NCT passes through McConnells Mill State, Cook Forest State Park, and Moraine State Park, as well as through a huge section of Allegheny National Forest. All in all, the trail winds along 265 miles of our great state of PA!

The NCT was established in 1980 by Congressional order as an amendment to the National Trails System Act. While it is administered by the National Park Service and managed by state and local agencies, the trail is primarily built and maintained by volunteers. The North Country Trail Association is a nonprofit with many affiliate chapters who care for individual sections of the massive trail system. When it was created, the NCT linked together several existing trails, so don’t be confused if you see it referred to as multiple names. For example near Cook Forest, the NCT links up to part of the 138-mile Baker trail. 

At mile 0 of the PA section!

This short out-and-back section of the NCT starts at the PA/OH border. There is no parking right at the border, although you may spot the sign along PA-251 (Blackhawk Rd). The parking lot is a small pull out a bit further down the road on the PA side. We definitely drove right past it and had to backtrack. The parking area is not on Google Maps but if you type in the coordinates: 40.773190, -80.513930, it should get you close enough! Coming from PA, the pull-off will be on your right and if you’ve passed into OH, you’ve gone too far! The parking area is about ¼ mile away from the start of the NCT but there is a nice little connector path from the parking lot. Be warned, there are no port-a-potties at the trailhead. Also this trail goes through State Gamelands, so be aware of hunting seasons and wear your orange! 

If you are doing this hike with a group or friend, a great idea would be to bring two cars so you can do a point-to-point hike, leaving your car at the Border parking and picking one of the other parking lots along the trail. This is a great way to see more of the trail and not have to double back! Plus you can decide how far you want to travel. Fun fact: It’s about 35.5 miles from the PA/OH border to Hell’s Hollow in McConnells Mill State Park! Maybe a bit much for a day hike though. 

Since we only had one car, we did a nice little out and back for a total of 5 miles. The turnaround spot is not well-marked nor distinctive, so just keep an eye on your mileage if you’re looking to total around 5 miles. We really enjoyed this hike because although it started on a roadside, you quickly feel lost in the woods. The path meaders up and down hillsides, keeping the elevation interesting. SInce we did this hike in spring, there were lots of delightful wildflowers poking through the underbrush. What a thrill to finally see some green on our hikes again! This trail also broke out onto grassy meadows for some stretches, which was beautiful but also be sure to check for ticks afterward and bring lots of water. Those sunny meadow stretches can get much warmer than the woods! 

One final thing, be very careful pulling back out onto the road after your hike. PA-251 is a fast road and it’s a bit difficult to see around you. 

If you’re making a day of it, after this hike head over to OH and explore Columbiana! 

For more info about the North Country Trail, check out the website here

THE BEER: Ill Will Brewery

Address: 45417 OH-14, Columbiana, OH 44408
Distance from Trail Head: 12.2 miles, 20 mins 
Website: http://www.illwillbrewing.com/
Food?: food trucks, BYOF
Details: Outdoor seating, dog friendly outside

If you live in Pittsburgh and you haven’t been to Columbiana, OH, you are missing out! J and I love finding new little towns to explore and Columbiana is one of our favorites. There really is something for everyone! Hiking (see above), breweries, antiquing, farm markets, plant nurseries, cafes, bakeries, and more! We love to grab a coffee from Generations, a sweet treat from Hogans, and then roam through the many shops and antique stores. You never know what you’ll find! 

Surprisingly for such a small area, they got not one but two awesome breweries! Either one would be a great choice for after your hike (or why not both?) but for this post, I’m going to focus on Ill Will Brewery. This is a fairly new addition to the area and they really live by the idea that bigger is better. Also the brewery has only been around since 2021, their space has grown to include a large taproom and a huge patio. Also onsite are two Airbnbs, an event space, and the future brick and mortar location for the Smokeworks food truck. Seriously this is not a place to miss! For me, the patio is really where this brewery shines. They’ve got firepits, giant lawn games, and honestly just a beautiful sunny view. It’s a great place to watch the sunset! 

Ill Will also makes some pretty interesting beer. Half their taplist is the more traditional, hop-forward brews one would expect. But the other half of the list is where things get fun. They experiment with different smoothie sours and seltzer flavors, some cool and refreshing, others tasting almost like a milkshake. They often have some of the more fruity beer available as a slushie! On a nice hot day, that would really hit the spot. 

Our Beer:

  • No Sleep Til Brooklyn – New Zealand IPA – 7%
  • Ether – NEIPA – 6.5%
  • Instigator – Doppelbock – 9.2%
  • Mean-Mugged – Hard Seltzer – 6.66%

Conkle’s Hollow & Double Edge Brewing Company

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Hocking Hills, OH

Happy Belated Mother’s Day! Today I’m happy to share a lovely hike that I got to do with my Mom in Hocking Hills! One of the best things about this area is that you can see some amazing sights on a relatively short hike! My family tackled the roughly 2.5 miles Rim Trail at Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve on a beautiful sunny morning. This is a great hike for the whole family and is a really good loop for non-hikers. There’s also a shorter gorge trail that’s wheelchair and stroller friendly so this really is a place for everyone. Let’s check it out!

THE HIKE: East and West Rim Loop – Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve

Length: 2.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 427ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Trail use: Hiking Only, NO PETS
Parking: Large parking lots. Vault Toilets
H&H: 5/5

Conkle’s Hollow is a small Nature Preserve located within Hocking Hills State Park. It is a rocky gorge that’s considered to be one of the deepest in Ohio! As you travel along the rim trail, you’ll be walking along cliff edges that raise 200ft up! The gorge itself is fairly narrow so you can even see hikers on the other side of the rim! This area is very unique because the towering cliffs mean that little to no sunlight reaches the bottom of the gorge. 

Family Hike!

A local legend of Conkle’s Hollow insists that robbers had hid their loot somewhere in the hollow but were never able to retrieve it due to a felled tree. Who knows if the tale is true, but if I needed a place to hide out, one of the caves in this area would definitely work for me!

When hiking at Conkle’s Hollow, try to arrive early if going on the weekend. Although there is a large parking lot (with vault toilets), it’s extremely popular so it will fill up! We arrived around 10am on a beautiful Saturday and easily found parking. However, we finished up, the lot was completely packed and people were parking along the street. 

Now I said that Conkle’s Hollow is great for non-hikers. However, I want to clarify that you need to be reasonably steady on your feet and able to climb steps to do this hike. The first bit of the trail follows some steep steps and then continues uphill for a bit so be prepared to get your heart pumping! Most of this trail does follow along a cliff edge so you’ll see plenty of warning signs. Make sure to stay away from the edge and be smart about your hiking! It’s only dangerous if you’re not respecting the trail. Plus, the trail is one-way so you don’t have to worry about stepping to the side to let other hikers pass. 

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this trail! Although it was only 2.5 miles, we spent hours here because we constantly had to stop and take in the beauty! There were so many incredible rock formations and small waterfalls. Plus we were nearing peak wildflower season so I always wanted to stop and look at every plant. Most of the crowds seem to only do the shorter gorge trail so we thankfully had a lot of the rim trail to ourselves. You can always add in the Gorge trail before or after your hike to get the full experience! 

My family had an awesome time on this hike! I would definitely do this again and I thought it was a perfect hike for people who want to experience Hocking Hills without doing a long, strenuous hike. If you’re looking for other short hikes in the area, check out Cantwell Cliffs (1 mile) or Rock House (0.8 mile).

THE BEER: Double Edge Brewing Company

Address: 158 W Chestnut St, Lancaster, OH 43130
Distance from Trail Head: 24 miles, 31 mins
Website: http://www.double-edge.beer/
Food?: BYOF/ Food Trucks
Details: Outdoor seating & dog friendly

Double Edge Brewing Company is located about 15 miles outside of the Hocking Hills area in the super cute town of Lancaster. It’s a bit of a drive from the trailhead but definitely worth it! The first thing that struck me about this little brewery was the community! People were all talking to each other, clearly making friends with neighbors at the next table. How lovely! 

Double Edge has been a staple of downtown Lancaster since 2017. Their taproom is pretty big with a nice relaxed vibe. There’s also plenty of outdoor seating if you’d rather soak up the sun! Their taproom offers a wide variety of house made beers as well as local wine and cider. Check their events for food trucks on the weekend and live music! 

My favorite beer of the day might surprise you. It was actually the Aunt Sally Key Lime Sour! I really love a good sour, especially after being outside all day. This one really hit the spot and I liked that it kept the ABV low. This is definitely a great beer for some afternoon drinking! Good beer and a good spot; we’ll definitely be back someday!

Our Beer:

  • Seven Seas – West Coast IPA – 6.1%
  • Moondog – Porter – 5.7%
  • Comet Session – Session IPA – 5.2%
  • Aunt Sally – Key Lime Pie Sour – 3.6%

SUM UP: Conkles Hollow is a beautiful nature preserve near Hocking Hills, Ohio. The 2.5 miles Rim trail is a great trek for all ages but has some elevation and steps that wouldn’t be good for very young or unsteady folks. It’s just challenging enough to feel proud of yourself at the end and rewards you with gorgeous views along the way. After your hike explore more of the Hocking Hills Region, like Rock House or Cantwell Cliffs. Finally, round out your day with a cold brew at Double Edge Brewing in Lancaster. You’ll be sure to make a new friend at this inviting neighborhood brewery!