Horse Head Grotto EarthCache

This cache is in Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve.There is no fee required to get to this Earthcache.
This Earthcache was placed with the permission of Manager Jeff Johnson with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The Grotto is located near the base of the cliffs on the east side of the gorge – just up a few steps from the paved gorge trail. The gorge was created by thousands of years of erosion from the action of this small stream running through this valley as well as meltwater from the last glacial periods that scoured its path over its sandstone walls. The sandstone walls tower from 75 to about 200 feet in height on each side of the gorge you are walking through. This Earthcache is located on a short (and legal) side trail perched just above on the handicap accessible path down the middle of the gorge.

A grotto is a small cave, usually with attractive features. It is a natural void large enough for a human to enter.

Caves are formed by a series of geological processes. True caves are also known as solutional caves. These caves are most often found in limestone bedrock but can also be found in other rock types such as chalk, dolomite, marble, salt, and gypsum. In this formation process, rainwater and groundwater charged with carbonic acid (H2CO3) slowly dissolves the rock leaving behind tunnels and caverns often extending far below the surface. The caves here in the Hocking Hills – such as the grotto – are often referred to as recess or reentrant caves. They are formed primarily from mechanical forces as sand grains are slowely eroded from the surface of the rock. Wind, rain and freezing and thawing mixed with the action of plants and microoragnisms work together to form the recesses and irregular rock surfaces seen here.

The logging requirements for the Earthcache are:
1. First, list the name of this earthcache in the first line of your email. Also, list the number of people in your group.
2 - Estimate the width of the Grotto
3 - Estimate the height of the Grotto
4 - Do you think it likely it will become wider or deeper with time?
5 - Let us know if you were able to find the horse's head in the Grotto
6 - Not required, but we would love to see a pic of you with your GPS posing with the Horse's Head

Please observe all posted rules when visiting Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve. In this park, hiking off of the trail is strictly prohibited. Failure to do so may result in citations and fines.

Team Rumble has earned GSA's highest level:

Be sure to check out the Earthcache Master program at Earthcache Masters