Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
60.00 ft (18.29 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.00 mi (3.22 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Encompassing just 268 acres of Greene County, Ohio, Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve includes some of the most spectacular dolomite and limestone gorges in Ohio. The park straddles a 2-mile stretch of the little Miami River, which is a geologically significant example of interglacial and post-glacial canyon cutting. A 2-mile loop trail can be created by combining the Rim and Gorge Trails. With the whitewater of the Little Miami River as a backdrop, the hike presents visitors with old-growth, fern laden forests, wildflowers, waterfalls, and mossy creeks. Interpretive signs along the well marked trail educate hikers about the creation of this scenic region.  

Additional mileage can be added by crossing the pedestrian bridge at the intersection of the Gorge and Rim trails, taking users into John Bryant State Park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Scenic river. Wildflowers. Waterfalls.

Cons

Slippery trails.

Trailhead Elevation

960.00 ft (292.61 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers
Geologically significant

Location

Comments

This is one of my favorite areas of Ohio. It is very easy to connect Clifton Gorge to John Bryan State Park, and even further into Glen Helen Nature Preserve if you want a truly long hike or run. John Bryan also offers a nice campground, top rope climbing, and mountain biking. It is a really neat spot in Ohio with lots of different options for adventures. Clifton gorge is easily accessible off of Route 70, so if you are traveling across the country using this highway, this is a great stop for a day or overnight visit. Plus, nearby Yellow Springs, Ohio is a fantastic little town with amazing restaurants.
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