If you’re an Ohio nature lover, it’s safe to say you’re an Ohio state parks lover.

Scattered all throughout the Buckeye State are little-known state memorials and nature preserves that you simply can’t afford to miss, however. (Be sure to check out this ancient petroglyph park.) If there’s one state nature preserve you need to visit in Ohio, it’s Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve in Rockbridge. Here’s why:

Separate from (but close to) the beloved Hocking Hills State Park, this underrated nature preserve is just as inspiring as other popular hiking areas in the region, such as Old Man’s Cave.

doclexus/Trip Advisor Address: 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, OH, 43149

You’ll encounter several small waterfalls, steep cliffs and deep green everywhere you turn. It’s the perfect place to get away and connect with nature.

Shankar R/Trip Advisor Please note: Pets are not permitted at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve.

This rugged, rocky gorge is often considered one of the deepest in Ohio with 200-ft. cliffs, according to the state park’s website.

ccindyk48/Trip Advisor The Gorge Trail is a 0.5-mile trek with asphalt, so it’s wheelchair and stroller accessible.

The views from the Rim Trail are unparalleled. The trail itself is gorgeous, but it’s a fairly strenuous hike that’s ideal for the adventurous hiker.

Chris H/Trip Advisor The Rim Trail is 2.5 miles long and takes approximately an hour and a half to complete, so plan accordingly.

Be sure to stay on the designated trails, as hiking here can be dangerous if you stray off the path. Small children should not take this hike.

Rosemarie H/Trip Advisor To view a map of the nature preserve’s trails, click here.

Form up above and down below, everything about Conkle’s Hollow is inspiring. This is one state nature preserve every Ohioan needs to explore at least once.

Kasey E/Trip Advisor

Have you ever explored Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

doclexus/Trip Advisor

Address: 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, OH, 43149

Shankar R/Trip Advisor

Please note: Pets are not permitted at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve.

ccindyk48/Trip Advisor

The Gorge Trail is a 0.5-mile trek with asphalt, so it’s wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Chris H/Trip Advisor

The Rim Trail is 2.5 miles long and takes approximately an hour and a half to complete, so plan accordingly.

Rosemarie H/Trip Advisor

To view a map of the nature preserve’s trails, click here.

Kasey E/Trip Advisor

For more little-known Ohio parks to explore, check out our previous article: The Incredible Park In Ohio That’s Full Of Ancient Petroglyphs.

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