The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is ready to serve up just that in the Hocking Hills region this October. The Hocking State Forest Fall Color Tour and Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Fall Open House will bring a weekend of family-friendly activities on Oct. 25 and 26, according to an announcement made by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Visitors can expect wagon rides, hiking trails, and a dose of Ohio's frontier history, all wrapped in the season's quintessential color palette.
ODNR Director Mary Mertz shared, "In the fall, visitors come from far and wide to view the colorful fall foliage in Hocking Hills because it’s simply stunning." The Division of Forestry and the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves are the hosts for these events, aiming to connect the public with nature's splendors and educational insights. The Fall Color Tour, scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., promises wagon rides, live demonstrations, and forestry tips from professionals, as noted on the ODNR website.
Those interested in hiking can venture from the Hocking State Forest to Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve and explore the Rim Trail, beginning right by the historic cabin where tours kick off. Based at 19275 State Route 374 in Rockbridge, Ohio, the headquarters will serve as the central hub, with all activities within easy walking distance.
Not to be overshadowed, the Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve brings its own allure with the Fall Open House event, spanning both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The preserve's trails offer up-close encounters with the region's geology and vibrant foliage, complete with stationed naturalists. Educational displays and local historical reenactors will set the scene, depicting Ohio's past around the 1790s. You can find the preserve at 24858 Big Pine Road, providing amenities such as parking, portable restrooms, and a picnic area for visitors' convenience.
The Hocking Hills festivities seem poised to offer an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. For more information on these and other ODNR-related events, their events calendar page is a go-to resource. The Ohio Division of Forestry and the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves are spearheading the effort, dedicating their work to the sustainable use and protection of Ohio's natural resources.
