Hayrides and many other fun activities are offered during Hocking State Forest Fall Color Tour and Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Annual Fall Foliage Tour, which are planned for Oct. 24-25. (ODNR PHOTO)
COLUMBUS – To celebrate the fall season and Ohio’s commemoration of America 250, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will host two special events in the Hocking Hills region the weekend of October 24 & 25.
“There’s nothing quite like fall in the Hocking Hills, and these events are a great way to experience the season,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.
“Whether you’re taking in the views, exploring the trails, or talking with our natural resource experts, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.”
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Hocking State Forest Fall Color Tour: Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning at the historic cabin, located across the road from the Hocking State Forest headquarters, this annual event features wagon rides through the forest, educational displays and presentations, firewood processing demonstrations, chainsaw safety demonstrations, wildfire-fighting equipment, and refreshments.
Professional foresters will provide tips on tree identification, best practices for forest and wildlife management, tree trivia and much more. Visitors interested in hiking from the forest to nearby Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve can access the Rim Trail located by the historic cabin.
Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Fall Open House: Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To celebrate the fall season and Ohio’s commemoration of America 250, ODNR is offering visitors a variety of ways to experience autumn in the Hocking Hills. (ODNR PHOTO)
A natural treasure, this Hocking Hills nature preserve offers stunning vistas of fall color across the surrounding hills from the 2.5-mile loop Rim Trail and a close-up view of the rugged beauty of sandstone outcrops on the one-mile paved Lower Gorge Trail.
Naturalists will be stationed along both trails to answer questions about the preserve’s geology, natural history, plants and animals. The event also features educational exhibits and local historical re-enactors demonstrating Ohio frontier life in the 1790’s.
On Saturday, visitors can access a shortcut from the Rim Trail to participate in the Hocking State Forest Fall Color Tour activities. Parking is available on site; other facilities include portable restrooms and a picnic area. Please note that pets are not permitted beyond the parking lot to protect the state’s nature preserve’s unique habitats. Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve is located at 24858 Big Pine Road in Rockbridge, Ohio 43149.
Hocking State Forest’s headquarters are located at 19275 State Route 374 in Rockbridge, Ohio 43149. All activities are located within walking distance of the parking area.
To learn more about these two annual fall events, as well as many other events featuring ODNR topics, visit the ODNR Events Calendar Page.
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