Clifton Gorge at American Byways by Sherman Cahal

The central segment of Ohio is a relatively placid, dotted with homesteads and expanse farms that sprawl on to what seems like to infinity. That's why it is a surprise to come upon a gem such as Clifton Gorge snuggled amongst these farmlands in a untypical location, with it's post-glacial canyons, rapids and waterfalls offering a stark contrast to the flat fields and meandering streams that are only just outside its borders.

Clifton Gorge is a region that is encompassed within Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve and in John Bryan State Park, named for the citizen who deeded his farm to the state for conservation purposes. Portions of the reserve are designated national natural landmarks, a testament to the beauty of this relatively small park. Within the combined boundaries are numerous small, yet histrionic waterfalls and rapids at the headwaters of the Little Miami River, a copious collection of wildflowers that present their best during the spring and fall months, illustrious rock formations and highwalls, and well groomed and maintained trails lined with wooden boardwalks and well worn stone steps.

The park is home to numerous species of turtles, frogs, birds, mammals and invertebrates, as well as several varieties of fish, such as smallmouth bass and rock bass. Clifton Gorge also serves as the northern terminus of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River, first designated as such with the passing of the 1968 Wild and Scenic River Act.

Directions

From Interstate 675 east of Dayton, take Exit 20 to Dayton-Yellow Springs Road and bear east. At Yellow Springs, turn left onto U.S. Route 68 north, and immedlately turn right onto Ohio State Route 343 (Yellow Springs Pike).

From Interstate 70 south of Springfield, take Exit 54 to Ohio State Route 72 south. At Clifton, bear right onto Ohio State Route 343.

The primary parking areas for Clifton Gorge are located either adjacent to Ohio State Route 343 west of Clifton and Jackson Street in Clifton. Alternatively, turn onto Ohio State Route 370 from Ohio State Route 343 west of Clifton, and follow the route south to the main John Bryan State Park entrance.

Camping

John Bryan State Park Campground

The John Bryan State Park Campground features 10 electric sites and 50 non-electric sites. There is also a 100-person group camp area, and two adirondack shelters within the group camp area. Most of the campsites are shaded, and campers with pets are permitted on any site.

Amentites

Picnic tables, fire rings, latrines, drinking water, dump station.

Trails

John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge contain 18.6 miles of trails that meander through the gorge and woodlands. Mountain bikes are permitted on 9.7 miles of a multi-use trail, and some portions of many trails are wheelchair accessible with assistance to some degree.

Clifton Gorge Trail

The Clifton Gorge Trail encompasses three easy and defined trails within John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve. Beginning at the John Bryan State Park Lower Picnic Area, the Clifton Gorge Trail begins on the northern fringe of the picnic area and descends a series of stone steps onto a relatively flat and packed dirt and gravel path. From here on northeastward, the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stage Coach Trail, a 1.3 mile trail, snakes along the northern bank of the Little Miami River.

The trail passes by a bridge for the South Gorge Trail; continue along the northern bank. The Stage Coach trail, which is very well maintained and used, begins to widen out. Along the walk, to the left, are various trails that meander to the bold rockfaces that end at rock climbing and rappelling sites. These are authorized activities at the state park, a departure from most parks where they are explicitly forbidden. One trail, however, connects to the North Rim trail and to the Wingo Picnic Area.

At 1.3 miles is the four-way junction with the South Rim Trail and its Little Miami River crossing on the right and the North Rim connecting trail on the left. Continue straight into Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve onto the John L. Rich Trail, where the trail becomes noticeably narrower. For 1.3 miles, the trail winds along a narrowing riverbed, passing under rock overhangs and by impressive overlooks.

One such overlook is at what Robert Duncanson titled "The Blue Hole, Little Miami River" in his 1851 painting of the Little Miami River. This particular artwork can still be seen in the Cincinnati Art Museum. A little further up is Amphitheatre Falls, a small 25-foot waterfall that is purely seasonal.

As the gorge narrows, the trail begins ascending the highwall via stone and wooden steps to the top. At the top, bear right and continue along the edge of the gorge, where several overlooks present spectacular views into an excellent example of post-glacial canyons in the state. The path eventually ends in Clifton.

At this point, turn around and continue back on the John L. Rich Trail to the South Gorge Trail crossing over the Little Miami River. Bear onto the South Gorge Trail, which winds for 1.2 miles along a more rugged path towards the Lower Picnic Area. Various side trails lead to highwalls perfect for exploration and to the placid banks of the Little Miami. At the end of the trail is a crossing over the Little Miami; at its conclusion, bear left onto the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stage Coach Trail to the picnic shelter.

Difficulty

Scenery

Distance

5.5 mile(s)

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