Within a short drive of Hocking Hills State Park, two state nature preserves protect landscapes and species found nowhere else in Ohio. Neither appears on most tourist itineraries. Both reward visitors with genuine wilderness and ecological significance that the more famous gorge trails — for all their beauty — cannot match.
Rockbridge State Nature Preserve
Rockbridge is a 202-acre preserve centered on Ohio's largest natural bridge — a sandstone arch spanning more than 100 feet long and arching 50 feet above a ravine. The bridge formed through the same differential erosion process that created the Hocking Hills gorges: water seeping through the porous middle layer of Black Hand sandstone dissolved the cementing minerals, eventually eroding enough material to leave a freestanding arch while the harder upper and lower layers remained intact.
The 2.75-mile trail system rates as moderate difficulty, with some steep sections descending into the ravine below the bridge. The trail passes through mature hardwood forest with wildflower displays in spring. The bridge itself is impressive from both above and below — viewing it from the ravine floor provides the most dramatic sense of scale.
Rockbridge is located near the community of Rockbridge, Ohio, approximately 15 minutes from Old Man's Cave. It receives a fraction of the traffic that the main state park draws, even on peak weekends.
Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve
Established in 2008, Boch Hollow covers 607 acres of forest, gorge, and stream habitat. The preserve contains approximately 7 miles of trails through terrain that rivals Conkle's Hollow in geological drama but without the crowds.
The headline feature is Robinson Falls — recently renamed Laurel Falls by ODNR — a waterfall accessible only by free permit. The permit system limits visitor numbers to protect the fragile ecosystem surrounding the falls. Permits can be obtained from ODNR's Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.
But Boch Hollow's most significant resident is invisible to most visitors: the preserve harbors the largest population of federally endangered Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) in Ohio. This clover once ranged across the eastern United States but was driven nearly to extinction by habitat loss. Boch Hollow's population is a critical conservation anchor for the species.
Why Nature Preserves Are Different from State Parks
Ohio State Nature Preserves exist under a fundamentally different management philosophy than state parks. Parks are managed for recreation — the goal is public access and enjoyment. Nature preserves are managed for ecological protection — the goal is preserving rare habitats, species, and natural processes, with public access permitted only to the extent it does not compromise conservation objectives.
This distinction explains the stricter rules: no pets, no collecting, no off-trail travel, and at Boch Hollow, a permit requirement for certain areas. These are not arbitrary restrictions — they protect populations of species that exist in very few other places.
Planning Your Visit
Rockbridge is freely accessible during daylight hours with no permit required. Park at the designated lot off Township Road 124. The trail is well-marked. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the full loop.
Boch Hollow trails are open during daylight hours, but access to Robinson/Laurel Falls requires a free permit from ODNR. Contact the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves to obtain one. Allow 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. The preserve entrance is off SR-374, the same road connecting Cedar Falls and Cantwell Cliffs.
Both preserves are free with no entrance fees. Neither has restroom facilities. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and leave no trace.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (April–May): Wildflower season — Boch Hollow's Running Buffalo Clover blooms alongside trillium and wild geranium. Robinson/Laurel Falls runs at peak flow. The best season for both preserves.
Fall (October): The natural bridge at Rockbridge framed by autumn color is one of the best photographs in the region. Fewer visitors than the main park even during peak foliage.
Winter: The natural bridge with icicles and snow is striking. Trails can be icy — microspikes recommended.
Plan Your Trip
Add a nature preserve visit to your Hocking Hills cabin trip — they're free and minutes from the main park.