Love the Pacific Northwest? Try This Similar Spot in Ohio

If you’ve ever spent time in the Pacific Northwest, then you already know it’s one of the most magical places in the country. Personally, it’s one of my all-time favorite places to explore when I want to immerse myself in nature. But if you’re sequestered in the Midwest with no way to travel out toward the West Coast, then we have the next best thing for you. Conkle’s Hollow Gorge in Ohio is the perfect dupe for a trip to the Pacific Northwest, complete with hiking, a rugged, rocky gorge, lush vegetation, and walls of vibrant mosses and ferns.

Named after W.J. Conkle, who once carved his name into the sandstone walls in the 1800s, Conkle’s Hollow has a sense of quiet mystery. The preserve feels ancient and alive, a place where water, wind, and time have sculpted the land into something truly spectacular. The gorge itself is deep and narrow, at times only 100 feet across, with walls that rise over 200 feet on either side. It’s not hard to imagine it as a set from a fantasy film or a storybook forest.

There are two main trails at Conkle’s Hollow, each offering a different perspective of the preserve’s beauty. The Gorge Trail is a flat, paved pathway that's accessible and perfect for a slow, immersive walk. It winds through the narrow gorge under towering cliffs and ends at a waterfall tucked into the rock face. Along the way, you’ll pass under leaning trees, see mosses glowing in the filtered light, and hear the gentle trickle of water from small streams and falls. The entire trail feels cool and damp even on warm days, thanks to the microclimate created by the narrow gorge and dense vegetation.

For those who crave a bit more adventure, the Rim Trail loops around the top of the gorge, offering panoramic views of the valley below and thrilling cliffside walkways. While it’s more rugged and includes steep drop-offs, the reward is a bird’s-eye view of the gorge’s depth and the surrounding forest, especially breathtaking during autumn when the leaves explode in color.

What sets Conkle’s Hollow apart, even within the Hocking Hills area, is its intensity—its ability to feel wild and untouched. There’s a sense of reverence among visitors here, whether it's from the hushed sounds of nature or the knowledge that this fragile ecosystem is carefully preserved. As a designated State Nature Preserve, it is protected from development, and rules are in place to ensure its delicate environment remains intact for generations to come.

Conkle’s Hollow delivers a truly magical, almost otherworldly experience for all who visit. It may not have the redwoods of the West Coast or the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge, but in its own quiet way, it captures the same spirit of wonder. It’s proof that you don’t have to travel far to find something truly extraordinary—you just need to know where to look.