Summary

About Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve and John Bryan State Park:

The Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve encompasses 268 acres and boasts the most spectacular dolomite and limestone gorge in Ohio. The gorge follows a 2 mile stretch of the Little Miami River and was registered as a National Natural Landmark in 1968. The shaded north side is home to hemlock, red baneberry, Canada yew, arbor vitae and mountain maple. http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/cliftongorge

John Bryan State Park boasts over 752 acres and surrounds the Clifton Gorge. It’s said John Bryan is one of the most scenic parks in Western Ohio. http://consumer.discoverohio.com/searchdetails.aspx?detail=41238

Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve, 2381 State Route 343, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387 (DO NOT use this address for directions, see below for directions)

The Hike:

We’ll meet at the Clifton Gorge parking area in Clifton and start off on the John L. Rich Trial heading West along the Little Miami River (John L. Rich Trail). When we reach the foot bridge we’ll gross the river and continue West on the South side of the river (along the South Gorge Trail). We’ll cross the river again and make our way to the North Rim Trail and hike back East (this time on the Cliff Edge).

Afterwards, if we’re all hungry we can pop into the Clifton Mill Restaurant for a bite to eat.  http://www.cliftonmill.com/restaurant.htm

Note: I’m not familiar with John Bryan, so we can always branch off into side trails along the way to shorten or lengthen the hike.

Itinerary:

• 10:30AM – Meet at the Clifton Gorge parking lot.
• 10:45AM – Begin Hike
• 11:30AM (approx.) – Reach the halfway point
• 12:30PM (approx.) – Return to Clifton Gorge parking lot.
• Clifton Mill

Times may vary if we explore any side trails (so be sure to bring water and snacks).

Inclement Weather:

If inclement weather impacts our hike I’ll cancel the event within 24 hours of our meet time so be sure to monitor your email for cancellations.

What to Bring:

• Plenty of bottled water and snacks as needed.
• Hiking boots or good sturdy walking shoes.
• Trekking Poles (there will be steps)
• Sunscreen.
• A change of shoes and socks, just in case it’s muddy.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***

Do not use the address above. If you use Google Maps for directions, use “Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Ohio 343, Yellow Springs, OH” as your destination, but don’t go down Clifton Road – we’re meeting in Clifton itself. Switch to Satellite mode in Google Maps and zoom in to Clifton to see what I’m describing in the bold portions below.

Dayton and Points West:

• Take US-35 East.
• Take the exit onto I-675 North toward Columbus.
• Take exit 20 for Dayton Yellow Springs Road.
• Turn right onto E Dayton Yellow Springs Road.
• Turn right on to OH-343.
• Turn right on to OH-72.
• Turn Right onto Water Street (in Clifton).
• Proceed on Water Street, it will bend, as it does it will turn into Jackson Street. Just after the bend, turn left into the Clifton Gorge Parking lot.

Columbus and Points North and East:

• Take 70W out of Columbus.
• Take Exit 54 for OH-72 towards Cedarville/Springfield.
• Turn left onto OH-72 South.
• Turn Right onto Water Street (in Clifton).
• Proceed on Water Street, it will bend, as it does it will turn into Jackson Street. Just after the bend, turn left into the Clifton Gorge Parking lot.

Cincinnati and Points South:

• Take I-75 North.
• Take the exit 43 to merge onto I-675 North toward Columbus.
• Take exit 20 for Dayton Yellow Springs Road.
• Turn right onto E Dayton Yellow Springs Road.
• Turn right on to OH-343.
• Turn right on to OH-72.
• Turn Right onto Water Street (in Clifton).
• Proceed on Water Street, it will bend, as it does it will turn into Jackson Street. Just after the bend, turn left into the Clifton Gorge Parking lot.