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October 13, 2006
BRILLIANT AUTUMN COLORS WILL HIGHLIGHT ANNUAL
CONKLE’S HOLLOW FALL FOLIAGE WEEKEND, OCTOBER 21-22
Last event of the year for the Natural Areas Discovery Series
COLUMBUS, OH Some of the best colors of the season will be on display at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve for the 15th Annual Fall Foliage Event. Coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, this open-house runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 21-22.
“Conkle’s Hollow offers visitors brilliantly-colored hills, winding trails and spectacular autumn views of the Hocking Hills,” said Bob Gable, acting chief of the 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 1-mile Lower Gorge Trail, which is handicapped accessible. 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 Hock-Hocking Historical Trekkers, who will portray the area pioneers, will set up camp west of the parking lot.
The 87-acre Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is one of 130 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.
Visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com for directions to the preserve. For additional information, contact the preserve manager Jeff Johnson at 740-420-3445.
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