COLUMBUS, OH -- Some of the best colors of the season will be on display at Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve for the 11th Annual Fall Foliage Event. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) expects more than 3,000 visitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 18-19.
"Conkle's Hollow offers visitors brilliantly-colored hills, winding trails and spectacular autumn views of the Hocking Hills," said Nancy Strayer, acting chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. "Uniformed naturalists will be on hand to direct visitors to the most scenic features of the preserve."
Visitors to this year's event can explore 3.5 miles of trails, including the preserve's West Rim Trail. The weekend will include 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 area pioneers.
The 87-acre Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve is one of 126 state nature preserves managed by the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. Known for its spectacular views and deep gorges, Conkle's Hollow features cliffs of Black hand sandstone rising nearly 200 feet above the valley floor. Named after an area inscription, "W.J. Conkle 1797," the preserve is home to Canada yew, teaberry, various ferns and several species of native orchids, as well as white-tailed deer, turkey, fox and beaver. The preserve is open sunrise to sunset year-round.
To obtain directions to Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com For additional information, contact the preserve manager, Jeff Johnson, at 740- 420-3445.