COLUMBUS, OH - The Hocking Hills region of Ohio will be at its most colorful for the tenth annual Fall Foliage Weekend, October 19-20, at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve. More than 3,000 visitors are expected to hike the area's trails from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Conkles Hollow offers autumn visitors brilliantly-colored hills, winding trails and spectacular viewscapes of the Hocking Hills, said Stu Lewis, chief of the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. Preserve managers will be on-hand to answer questions and direct visitors to the best overlooks.
This years event features 3.5 miles of trails, including the preserves Rim Trail and a re-enactment of a 1790s encampment, complete with period tents, settlers in pioneer dress and late 18th century cooking. The early Ohio settlers, portrayed by the Hock-Hocking Historical Trekkers, will set up camp west of the parking lot to show visitors what life was like for early pioneers.
The 87-acre Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve is one of 124 state nature preserves under the management of ODNR. Known for its spectacular views, Conkles Hollow features cliffs of Black Hand sandstone, rising nearly 200 feet above the valley floor.
To obtain directions to Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com . For additional information, contact Jeff Johnson, preserve manager, at 740-420-3445.