Clifton Gorge

Awesome experience and great food. The staff makes you feel a part of the family. I love the view of the gorge.

A Grand nature tour in a day or less.

We have enjoyed several times a year for the past 60 years.

Totally Glorious experience.

I had the most glorious day here at Clifton gorge. If you appreciate nature and all it's splendor, then this is the perfect place for you! I'd advise to visit in April or May, just when Nature shows off it's glory and charm!! I was thrown into a star of great awe! Taking in all the sounds and scenic views all around me, ever so enjoyable! Never new such a place existed, until my boyfriend took me there. This is a must go and explore for yourself, you won't be disappointed in the least.

Amazingggg views
Beautiful hike
Great for young kids around 5 & up
Also beautiful spot for pics

Nice relaxing walk. Easy "hike". Down by the water the temp is cool but humid (obviously). Lots of signs to not leave valuables in car, but not many people were out when we were there, so no worries. Worth it! Porta potties by the maintenance center if needed. Took us an hour to walk the rim and connect to come back along the gorge bottom. Neat slump block "cave".

Clifton Gorge is a must see for nature lovers visiting the Yellow Springs area. In late spring, the trees are thick with foliage. Plenty of shade while enjoying the views of the gorge. Periodic overlooks have been built so hikers may enjoy the views without blocking the path. Different sections of the river run at different rates creating variations in the views. There is even a trickling waterfall. (Speed of a trickle during our visit.) Not much in terms of animals. Then again, the trail was fairly busy. We did see geese, some squirrels, and some small flowers.

Trail itself is a fairly easy in and out. There are a number of exposed roots, stones, and stairs. Easy enough for the adults and older kids in our group. My youngest tripped a few times. Though that did not stop him from enjoying the hike. A lot of though has gone into the preservation and care of the trail. Not to mention creating an optimal viewing experience while balancing safety for visitors, and protection of nature. Unfortunately for us, the visitor center did appear to be closed. We would have liked to learn more. Some of the viewing areas do have little blurbs of information.

I was not expecting to like the Clifton Gorge nearly as much as I did. Photos do not do the area justice. There is something about the whole experience. Hearing the rush of the water as one moves through the trail only for sound to desist upon reaching calmer water. The void created by stiller waters then being enveloped by chirping birds. It makes for something different than a standard nature hike. All the sights, smells, and sounds, it is quite the sensory experience.

Clifton Gorge is so gorgeous (ha ha). In all seriousness, this is a really lovely area with so much to see. While there are only about 3 miles of trails in the nature preserve itself, it connects to nearby John Bryan State Park, particularly with the new bridge across the river, providing access to a much larger group of trails. The steep and rocky areas, particularly when going down into and up from the lower Gorge Trail, also provides a nice bit of challenge, as opposed to a casual stroll.

The Gorge Trail, as the name suggests, takes you down into the gorge itself, where you can walk along the river, check out waterfalls coming down the sides of the cliffs, scrambling over boulders and rocks, check out a slump block cave, and access the bridge across the river into John Bryan State Park. During the spring, it is also full of gorgeous wildflowers. This is a one mile trail.

There is also a one mile Rim Trail, that takes you around the top of the gorge. Because of some of the overgrowth, some of the overlooks are a bit obscured when the leaves are on the trees and bushes.

There are two 1/2 mile trails - the Orton and the Narrows. The Narrows Trail is very neat - it takes you right along the most narrow parts of the gorge. This is up top since it's so narrow in the gorge here that the river takes up the full space. There are plenty of overlooks with signage to both enjoy the view and learn some of the history of the area. This is a fascinating section, and one end puts you within a few blocks of the historic Clifton Mill.

Pets are not allowed in the nature preserve, but are welcome in John Bryan State Park, so watch the signage to help guide your way if you are accompanied by a four legged friend.

There are several parking areas available, but it can be popular, particularly on the weekends, so you can also refer to John Bryan State Park for additional parking opportunities, as well.

Well worth a visit!

Tony Vanoy & I got up and decided to take Road trip into Ohio to go hiking at Clifton Gorge State Preserve.
Free to enjoy!! BUT BEWARE there are several signs warning of High Crime Area. So Be Careful!

Free parking and located on RT 434 outside of Clifton Mills, Ohio. The weather was very nice.

There was about 30 groups of peeps in groups of 2 or more milling around enjoying the weather & sites.

We will definitely go again when in the area. Highly recommend to all to enjoy!

Beautiful nature park to visit. They've woven in the pathways in a natural way both high and low and you can really take in great views of the scenery. Lots of parking options as well as paths to hike.

Worth a special trip from Columbus, Clifton Gorge is well-signposted and well-maintained, yet peaceful and relaxing. The trails have a range of lengths, suitable for anything from an hour to a full day. Would recommend.