While the state park absorbs millions of visits, a ring of state nature preserves around it stays nearly empty — some because they required an access permit until recently, one because its best waterfall still does. If you've done the famous seven trails and want the region at its quietest, this is the circuit.
Boch Hollow: the headliner
North of Logan off SR 664, Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve protects 703 acres of ridges, sandstone outcrops, seeps, ponds, and old fields, with about seven miles of trail — including a 4.2-mile section of the Buckeye Trail, plus the Cemetery Trail (1.4 mi) to a pioneer burial ground and shorter pond and meadow loops from the Beach Camp Road trailhead. Once permit-only, the main trail system is now open to the public. Botanically it's a heavyweight: the preserve holds Ohio's largest population of federally endangered running buffalo clover.
Laurel Falls (formerly Robinson Falls)
The preserve's showpiece — a rare Ohio example of a canyon waterfall, sometimes called Corkscrew Falls for the way the water winds through its slot — sits off-trail and requires a free written access permit from ODNR's Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. Apply through ODNR ahead of your trip; the permitted route is short but includes a real climb back out. The permit system is why the falls still looks the way it does. Don't freelance it.
The formerly-permit circuit nearby
- Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve (near Sugar Grove) — a sandstone-cliff climb to ridge views through Ohio's rare native rhododendron thickets, spectacular in late-spring bloom. Formerly permit-only, now open.
- Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve (Fairfield County) — ridge trails to the Jacob's Ladder outcrop overlooking the Arney Run valley. Same story: once permit-gated, now public.
- Wahkeena Nature Preserve (north of the park) — an Ohio History Connection preserve with limited hours and seasonal openings, beloved by birders and orchid hunters; check current schedule before driving.
Preserve rules are stricter than park rules
All state nature preserves share a code tighter than the state park's: no pets, no collecting anything (flowers, morels, rocks — the foraging rules flip to "no" here), foot travel on marked trails only, and dawn-to-dusk hours. These places are managed as living museums first and recreation second — which is exactly why they're empty and intact.
Stay between park and preserves
Cabins around Logan sit within 15 minutes of Boch Hollow, the state park, and the whole quiet circuit.
Find a Cabin Near the Trails →Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still need a permit to hike Boch Hollow?
Not for the main trail system — the preserve's seven miles of trails, including the Buckeye Trail section, are open to the public. A free ODNR access permit is still required specifically for the off-trail route to Laurel Falls.
What is Laurel Falls?
A rare Ohio canyon waterfall — also known historically as Robinson Falls or Corkscrew Falls — inside Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve. Viewing it requires a free written access permit from ODNR's Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, arranged before your visit.
Are dogs allowed at these preserves?
No — state nature preserves prohibit pets entirely (Boch Hollow, Rockbridge, Conkle's Hollow, Rhododendron Cove, Christmas Rocks alike). Leashed dogs are welcome on most state park trails instead.