Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is a stunning area of countryside that contains one of the most spectacular dolomite and limestone gorges in Ohio. Clifton Gorge is a 2-mile area on the Little Miami State and National Scenic Rivers. Here you will find an array of spring and summer wildflowers and this is also a birding hot spot.

About Clifton Gorge

The Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is the most scenic gorge in western Ohio. The Little Miami River flows through the middle of the gorge and it was designated a scenic river in 1968. Further downstream is John Bryan State Park with extensive trails that give walkers the opportunity to see some stunning views of the Little Miami River.

There are many trees and wildflowers in this area and they look beautiful at all times of the year.

Here, you will also encounter animals such as bats, caterpillars, frogs, owls and ticks.

Geology of Clifton Gorge

To know the start of the story, we need to go back 420 million years. It was during this time that Ohio was on the Earth’s equator in a tropical setting. The seas of the day started to settle on Ohio and produce limestone and various other rocks. The clear water started calcite-forming and this began to produce coral and deposits.

As time went on, the lands of the Earth started to move. The water also started to move and mountain ranges and flat zones were created. One of the Mountain ranges that come from this time is the Appalachians.

As sea levels rose and reduced, this brought in minerals and shaped the land. Thanks to millions of years of Earth activity, we have wonderful places like Clifton Gorge. This dramatic landscape is shaped thanks to limestone and shale.

Clifton Gorge Rules of Use

There are some rules that visitors need to abide by. The rules are in place so that all visitors can enjoy Clifton Gorge:

• Open 1/2 hour before sunrise, closes 1/2 hour after sunset
• Stay on the designated trail at all times
• Pets are not permitted

Clifton Gorge Trails

There are three miles of hiking trails at Clifton Gorge:

• Gorge Trail – 1 mile
• Narrows Trail – 0.5 mile
• Orton Trail – 0.5 mile
• Rim Trail – 1 mile

From the entrance, a short trail leads to the gorge. From there you can choose which trail to follow.

• The Gorge Trail descends to the banks of the Little Miami River and follows the Gorge Valley down to John Bryan State Park.
• Or you can take the Rim Trail which follows a parallel route along the rim of the gorge.
• Alternatively, follow the Narrows Trail which goes upstream where you can view the wildest part of the river as it passes through the narrowest part of the gorge.
• The Orton Trail is a small section of The Orton Memorial Trail, a 5-mile loop trail in John Bryan State Park.

Where is Clifton Gorge Located?

• Address: 2381 OH-343, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
• Phone: 614-265-6453 | Website | Facebook

Location Map for Clifton Gorge

Let’s Go to Clifton Gorge!

Have you been to Clifton Gorge? What is your favorite Gorge? We’d love to know what you think! Let us know by commenting below.

When you are in the area, you may like to know about more Things to Do in Yellow Springs, or if you are a nature lover, Yellow Springs Hiking. Ohio has some beautiful hiking, Hocking Hills Hiking areas are some of the best!