The Springfield News-Sun lists the Hocking State Forest Fall Color Tour for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 24 and the Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Fall Open House for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 24 and 25. The forest headquarters is at 19275 Ohio 374 in Rockbridge, according to Explore Hocking Hills; the preserve is at 24858 Big Pine Road, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The schedules were reported by the Springfield News-Sun.
At Conkles Hollow, visitors can choose the 2.5-mile Rim Trail loop or the one-mile paved Lower Gorge Trail, according to Explore Hocking Hills. Naturalists will be available on both routes to answer questions about the preserve’s geology, plants, animals and history, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources says. The open house also includes educational exhibits and, weather permitting, demonstrations of 1790s frontier life. Pets must remain in the parking area to protect the preserve’s habitats, ODNR notes.
The forest event centers on wagon rides and activities led by professional foresters, including guidance on identifying trees and managing woodland and wildlife, according to Explore Hocking Hills. The historic cabin near the forest headquarters serves as the gathering point, and the event listing says activities are within walking distance of parking at the headquarters.
Visitors may also be able to travel between the events using a Rim Trail shortcut on October 24, the Springfield News-Sun reported.
