Thursday, September 29, 2011

Conkles Hollow; Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Thanks to BETH  (blog friend from Ohio),  we decided to check out one of her favorite places,  the Hocking Hills State Park,  near Logan, Ohio...  What a fabulous place!!!! Wow!!!!  I'm glad that the state has preserved this area.  There are fabulous caves,  hiking trails, hollows and yes,  WATERFALLS.   We spent two days there ---and took in as much of the park as possible. 

The most popular area is the Old Man's Cave area.  We saved that one until the 2nd day.  On the first day,  we saw the Ash Cave area and waterfalls,  the Cedar Falls area,  and the Conkles Hollow area..

Conkles Hollow is not one of the popular areas --but was truly one of our favorite places... Seems as if George and I always like areas which are not so heavily traveled and full of tourists.... IF you have not been to Hocking Hills,  you need to go there sometime,  especially if you love hiking in gorgeous wooded areas.  The trails are all in good shape (even though they had some damage from recent storms). 

Today,  I'll share some photos from our hike into Conkles Hollow....  This area was truly breath-taking... I felt like I had walked straight into heaven.   There were ferns and moss  and greenery everywhere... It was one of the most peaceful places I have ever been.

There are two waterfalls in that hollow.   One was inside a cave (named Lower Falls) ---and had a tiny tiny bit of water.  The other (Reckworth Falls)  was totally dry.  BUT--we are still so glad we visited this area...  Hope you enjoy the photos.  Click on them to enlarge.  The picture above shows our trail...




Can you see all of the ferns on the hillside?  AND--look at the moss on that big boulder.




Here is George on our path.... We both were blown away by the beauty in this area.




This picture shows some of the many caves and rock formations in this area.




We walked inside of this cave to check out the waterfall...  But --the best view was looking back outside!!!!




Doesn't this area look like paradise????  We loved it!!!!




I love this picture that George took of the moss growing on the log.... And--you can see a close-up of some of the trillions of ferns.





Finally,  here's one last photo of Conkles Hollow...  Don't miss this little hike --if you get to Hocking Hills!!!!  It is so peaceful and just plain AWESOME!  Thanks Beth (and others) who have promoted Hocking Hills on your blogs...  That's why we went there!!!

Have a wonderful day.
Hugs,
Betsy
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46 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2011 at 4:23 AM

    Very beautiful, Betsy. I love the ferns and moss especially. Have a great day.

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  2. Laura~Pretty PixSeptember 29, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    Paradise indeed. Wonderful images of a wonderful place. Thanks for sharing this wonderland!

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  3. eileeninmdSeptember 29, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    Betsy, it does look like a beautiful park. Thank you for taking me along your hike. I loved the photos. I hope you have a great day!

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  4. Arkansas PattiSeptember 29, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    First I had to look up Logan Ohio for I grew up in Ohio and wasn't familiar with it. It is quite a bit south of where I grew up.
    What a lovely place and looks like a fun hike. If that is the not so popular spot, the popular spots must be mind blowing. You two find such neat spots.

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  5. Big DudeSeptember 29, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    Looks lush and serene. We will have to put it on our radar.

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  6. amy @ Life in Pink Hi-TopsSeptember 29, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    It does look like paradise! Spectacular beauty!

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  7. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    A walk in such woods -heavenly indeed! Have a good day, Betsy!

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  8. KarinSeptember 29, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    Can't remember where, but we've hiked in a place this lush!! The thing that truly overwhelmed me was the AIR - it was fantastic to inhale such deep breaths - sure different than breathing in our concrete jungles! That in itself would be cleansing and rejuvenating! Such a gorgeous place! Thanks for sharing your photos and story!

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  9. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsSeptember 29, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    I do so love those woodland ferns. Beautiful photos of a beautiful place!!!

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  10. MadSnapperSeptember 29, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    this is indeed a paradise. I would very much like to wander in that forest and down that path. really really beautiful spot to visit.

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  11. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmSeptember 29, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    That place certainly looks like a hidden gem!!

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  12. TexWisGirlSeptember 29, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    love how lush it is! and LOVE that huge boulder!

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  13. I Am WoodySeptember 29, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    What a beautiful place! Love that view back out of the cave!

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  14. TaborSeptember 29, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    Lovely place...looks like a fairy tale.

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  15. LarrySeptember 29, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    This is a lovely spot Betsy... thanks for sharing! If I ever get my heart under control so I can start traveling again, I will definitely refer to your many wonderful posts for some great thoughts on where to visit! Larry

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  16. RoseSeptember 29, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Oh, Betsy, what a beautiful place. I love your views of it, especially the one looking out of the cave.

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  17. JanieSeptember 29, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    What a beautiful place, so lush and green.
    Love the photos of the trail, and the view from inside the cave.

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  18. Serenity CoveSeptember 29, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Wow..I can't believe I live so close and have never gone there.
    I bet it would be just beautiful in a few weeks when the leaves change. Might just have to make a trip down there.
    Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the rest of your photos.

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  19. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Looks like a neat place & wouldn't mind visiting one day, myself!

    love the path in that 1st shot

    happy week, Betsy =)

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  20. Chatty CroneSeptember 29, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    That was a beautiful place - wonder how far that is from Cincinnati - my kids live there. They would love that.

    Beautiful pictures.

    Love,
    sandie

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  21. DorothySeptember 29, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    Wonderful photos! I love exploring places like that!!!

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  22. HappyKSeptember 29, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    Looks like a great place! Wonderful photos!!

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  23. Cheryl @ TFDSeptember 29, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    Very beautiful! That first photo, I would frame for sure. I'll definitely be writing this down in my notebook for future travels. My notebook is getting quite full with ideas from you! Thanks, Betsy, for sharing your wonderful photos. And have a great day!

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  24. Ginny HartzlerSeptember 29, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    There must be so many little treasures there. My fave is the big rock with the moss on it, God gave it a tablecloth!! I know Sandra will love it, too, she loves rocks! Did you see any birds, chipmunks, or other wildlife?

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  25. DianeSeptember 29, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Very beautiful, lush photos Betsy. Looks like a wonderful place. Diane

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  26. DianeSeptember 29, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Very beautiful, lush photos Betsy. Looks like a wonderful place. Diane

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  27. Ms. ASeptember 29, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Amazingly rich shades of green. I especially like the one looking out of the cave.

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  28. Linda at To Behold The BeautySeptember 29, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    We have visited Hocking Hills a couple of times, and it IS beautiful. There's a good canoeing river there, too. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

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  29. Busy Bee SuzSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    I have never even been to Ohio...but your photos here could make a lovely travel brochure for the area!!!!
    Gorgeous!

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  30. Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise)September 29, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Thanks for lettin' me tag along with ya today. The sights are just spectacular sweetie...and so are the pictures!

    Have yourself a terrifically blessed Thursday sweetie!!! :o)

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  31. Janice KSeptember 29, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    I've heard in the past this was a neat park, but now I can see from your pictures it would be a good place to visit. So serene!

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  32. ShugSeptember 29, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    A nice place. I love all the names of these places. Cool!
    Hugs
    Shug

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  33. LVSeptember 29, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    You are the best when it comes taking us on these trips with you. Your photos are so realistic.

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  34. AnnSeptember 29, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    what a beautiful park that is. I'll have to look that up and see how far away it is from me.

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  35. ConnieSeptember 29, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    I'm glad you got to visit this beautiful spot in my state, Betsy. I knew you would like it! :-D Lovely photos.

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  36. Fred AltonSeptember 29, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    Absolutely "out of this world" kind of photos of a "Garden of Eden" in Ohio. Fantastic!!!

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  37. Ruth HiebertSeptember 29, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    This looks like an amazing place.The foliage is so lush.

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  38. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Hi Betsy, It looks so pretty that I will put it on the must visit list if I ever do get to Ohio. Thanks for sharing and have a good day tomorrow!

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  39. Lady Di TnSeptember 29, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    Looks like a great place to explore. Peace

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  40. SquirrelQueenSeptember 29, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    With all the lush greens that is definitely my idea of paradise. All of the ferns and moss covered rocks and logs remind me of the other side of our state near the coast.

    I love the shot from inside the cave looking back out, that is a great view.

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  41. AndreaSeptember 30, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    I would have been very happy walking with you, it also looks like a tropical setting! I am sorry about the waterfalls which dried up! Come over here and we will see the waterfalls! haha

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  42. Joe ToddSeptember 30, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    Also a great place to visit in the winter/snow/ice.. Gorge trail only

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  43. AngelaSeptember 30, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    Wow! That is beautiful there! I do love the woods. It made me wonder who the person was who first discovered all of that beauty in that spot. I'll have to check out Beth's blog.

    Hugs,
    Angela

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  44. LorenOctober 1, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    Oh Betsy....WOW WOW WOW!! This place is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I can just hear the water, or the trees blowing...Absolutely gorgeous!!!

    I know my husband and I would be just like you & George...on the road less traveled :)

    Have a blessed weekend

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  45. AnnesphamilyOctober 2, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    I want to go traveling with you and George! Your photos are always so beautiful. Love this place It is amazing! ANne

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  46. KirigalpoththaOctober 4, 2011 at 4:34 AM

    Enchanting place! Didn't you find forest nymphs there?? :)

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