clifton gorge state nature preserve

Nice area. One way the trail is very close to the road but the views are nice. The trail(s) that go to John Bryan are a little more nature-y. No bathrooms, one port-a-john at the closed nature center. It was cold but busy - I suspect in the summer it is non-stop people to people on the hike.

This is the highlight of hiking in the area. You could skip parking in John Byran SP and just park in the small lot at the north end of the gorge along SR 343. Make it a loop by hiking the north rim trail either out or back.

My absolute favorite place to smell the woods & see wild flowers! Humans are still very respectful of this beautiful gorge. We are very blessed to have such beauty near us for free!

A beautiful hike, especially when added on to the John Bryan loop. Dogs aren't allowed into the Gorge. Hike the whole thing and read the signs for local history.

Several miles of moderate trails dotted with several interpretive signs adorn this preserve which adjoins to John Bryant state park to extend the hiking for miles. A must see in the preserve is the Devils Rocking Chair where the gorge narrows and the water swirls creating a turbulent area of the creek.

Do take the walk on the gorge trail. It is easy and very rewarding, very unusual for Ohio. It is the spring fed beginnings of the Little Miami Scenic River after it passes (and previously powered the Clifton Mill) which passes through a deep narrow gorge. Don't miss this if you are in the area. The start is near the now touristy mill.

Just a great hiking experience. We were hiking close to 3 hours and the weather was glorious for the last Sunday in October. We really enjoyed it as did many other that day that were out hiking taking advantage of the perfect weather. The natural colours and vibrant views were incredible, and great photo opportunities too. A really lovely area then the short drive to Yellow Springs and a late brunch at The Winds Cafe (See my review).

My wife and I are fortunate to live just walking distance from the Gorge and we love this place. We enjoy day hikes inside of the Gorge and picnics. We get to see wonderful greenery and listen to the sounds of the water running through. Amazing!!! Enjoy.

My wife and I really enjoyed hiking the trails and seeing the breathtaking views along the gorge. Overlooks were placed in just the right places to provide awesome photo opportunities.

Very beautiful preserve. Trails are very easy for a little one to hike and run. Loved the dramatic cliffs and the beautiful waterways throughout the preserve. There is a state park nearby that offers camping as well, which looks like a great spot !

This is a great day hike trail. We love to go on hikes within an hour or two of home. Clifton gorge was great, not too crowded for being a touristy trail. The negative was the hike to the clifton mill. It ran along the highway at times so it wasn't very relaxing. It was great to go to nearby yellow springs after for an ice cream to cool off. Yellow springs is such a neat town with a laid back hippie feel. The day we went they were even offering a free concert in the park, a total surprise to us.

My husband and I were looking for a close place to Cincinnati for a beautiful hike, Clifton Gorge did not disappoint. The preserve and the adjacent John Bryan Park are beautiful, clean, have amazing rock formations and water views. Their is a map in the parking areas and signs guiding you to marked trails. We took the rim and river trails across the footbridge, the trails are well cleared, would suggest wearing hiking boots, can be rocky in areas.Amazed to find such a gem in our backyard, look forward to going back for the fall colors!

Looking for things to do near Dayton? Put on your walking shoes and enjoy this lovely area. Put away the phone and pay attention as there are rocks and things to stumble over, but the paths are mostly good for a nature hike. I stopped frequently to take photos and the rushing waters were a calming sound. It was great just listening to outdoor sounds and the occasional chatter of nearby families. I didn't find the Clifton Mill but will definitely come back to explore another day.

This is a beautiful hike and great for families. You walk along well marked paths where there are platforms to look out at the water. It is peaceful to walk along- and hear the waterfalls and nature. You can do a great loop and either go down the stairs and walk along the bottom of the trail first and then walk up and take the north rim trail or I recommend the north rim first and walk down the trail and then back up the stairs. It's not a hard hike at all and took us about 2- 2 1/2 hours total. Make sure to go to both ends.

Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve offers inspiring scenery in every season! I've been enjoying regular trips to this destination since 2009 and never fail to come away feeling refreshed. The beauty of nature abounds here, with plenty of opportunities to marvel at the power of nature as the waters have carved away at the rock for eons. Very reminiscent of Watkins Glen in New York state, for those who've visited (albeit on a MUCH smaller scale).Those with a bit limited mobility (or not wanting to work quite so hard) will enjoy the "upper trail", which leads to the circa 1802 Clifton Mill, a sight all its own. More adventurous types and those wanting to get closer to the water will relish the "lower trail", which offers a bit rockier and rugged terrain easily handled with the aid of a walking stick or hiking staff (not necessary though; I've seen many folks hike the lower trail in flip flops!). Plenty of "pull overs" to stop and enjoy the scenery, as well as a couple of cool little caves to peek into and, if the season and rainfall are right, even a waterfall or two. Always a pleasure!