Yellow Springs Hiking

Yellow Springs is located just west of central Ohio. Yellow Springs Hiking is popular for all ages and skill levels, with trails in the three nature parks in and around Yellow Springs.

Visit Yellow Springs Hiking Area

Yellow Springs is a town located in Greene County, Ohio. The total population of Yellow Springs is under 5000. Yellow Springs takes its name from a nearby natural spring at Glen Helen Nature Preserve with waters rich in iron which leaves a yellowish coloring on the rocks. 

There are numerous options for hiking at Yellow Springs. In this article we are highlighting five trails at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, four at Glen Helen Nature Preserve, and three at John Bryan State Park.

Trails at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is a 268-acre preserve that works to protect the spectacular dolomite and limestone gorge here. This gorge encompasses a 2-mile stretch of the Little Miami State and National Scenic Rivers. 

Pittsburg-Cincinnati Stage Coach and John L. Rich Loop

4.4-mile loop | Moderate | Hike

There are some muddy spots on this trail, and some tree roots hikers should watch out for. The best time to visit this trail is March through October. No dogs. This trail will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. There are offshoots along the way that can make this trail longer or shorter.

John L. Rich and North Rim Trail Loop

2.6-mile loop | Easy | Hike

This trail has parts that can be very slippery when wet. Beautiful views of the Gorge and the scenic Little Miami River. No dogs. This trail should take around 1 hour to complete.

John L. Rich Trail

5.2-mile out-and-back | Easy | Hike

This trail can be muddy, but there are rocks and logs to help navigate these areas. Running water and beautiful scenery are along this trail. You can expect to complete this in around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Orton Memorial Trail and North Rim Trail

5-mile out-and-back | Moderate | Hike

This out-and-back trail is very scenic. You can expect it to take around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete.

Orton Memorial Monument

2.2-mile loop | Easy | Hike

Here you can choose between the upper or lower rim. The upper rim is smooth and can be navigated by those with restrictions. The lower rim runs along the river with rocks, rushing water, and uphill climbs. There are some steps on both options. This trail should take around 45 minutes to complete.

The park opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset. Pets are not permitted and remember to stay on the designated trail at all times. 

If you want to visit Clifton Gorge for some Yellow Springs Hiking, be sure to check here for park updates and directions.

• Address: 2381 OH-343, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
• Phone: 614-265-6453 | Website
• Check out our article about Clifton Gorge! 

Trails at Glen Helen Nature Preserve

Glen Helen Nature Preserve is over 1125 acres and is accessible by a network of footpaths. This area is perfect if you are heading to the area for Yellow Springs Hiking.

Glen Helen Multi-Loop Trail

2.5-mile loop | Moderate | Hike | Dogs on Leash

The Glen Helen Multi-trail loop features a waterfall. The trail consists of gravel and blazed paths as well as stream crossings and views of cascades. This trail welcomes dogs on a leash. 

Glen Helen, Little Miami and Clifton Gorge

11.6-mile loop | Moderate | Hike | Dogs on Leash

The Glen Helen, Little Miami, and Clifton Gorge features a waterfall and the Gorge is the highlight of this trail. The best time to visit is March through November. You can expect to spend around 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete this trail.

Glen Helen and Pine Forest Loop

3.1-mile loop | Moderate | Hike | Dogs on Leash

The Glen Helen Pine Forest Loop offers well-maintained paths, picturesque waterfalls, and peaceful surroundings. This trail should take around 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete.

Inman Trail

1.2-mile loop | Moderate | Hike | Dogs on Leash

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife and birds along this trail. It should take around 30 minutes to complete.

Trails are open from dawn to dusk and you can explore over 20+ miles of Yellow Springs Hiking at Glen Helen.  A Glen Helen Trail Map is available.

• Address: 405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
• Phone: 937-769-1902 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Check out our article about Glen Helen Nature Preserve!

John Bryan State Park

John Bryan State Park is a must-visit in the area.  It is a 752-acre park. Ten trails provide beautiful options for Yellow Springs Hiking. Some of the hiking trails in this park do have wheelchair accessibility. 

In addition to traditional trails, they also feature a storybook trail at this site. This is great fun for young children! It makes for an interesting walk or “hike”. Besides hiking, there is also rock climbing, rappelling, and fishing in this park. 

Arboretum Trail

1.1-mile loop | Easy | Hike | Bike | Dogs on Leash

The  Arboretum Trail is ideal for hiking beginners or just for a peaceful walk. You can expect to take about 20 minutes to complete this trail. 

Lower Shelter House Loop

1.6-mile loop | Easy | Hike | Dogs on Leash

You will find beautiful views along this narrow trail with slippery areas in wet weather. You can expect this trail to take around 40 minutes to complete.

South Gorge Trail and North Rim Trail

3.1-mile loop | Moderate | Hike | Dogs on Leash

This trail offers a combination of boardwalk, rocky terrain, and bridges and can get muddy in places. This trail should take about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. 

• Address: 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
• Phone: 937-767-1274 | Website

Greene County Parks and Trails

More hiking is available on the Greene County Trails. This area is a little further out from Yellow Springs and closer to Xenia. There are five main trails:

• Creekside Trail | 11.7 miles
• Wright Brothers-Huffman Prairie Bikeway | 4.6 miles
• Ohio to Erie Trail | 14 miles
• The Little Miami Scenic Trail | 15.9 miles
• Xenia-Jamestown Connector Trail | 15.5 miles

Little Miami Scenic Trail

The Little Miami Scenic Trail is one of the longest multi-use trails in the US. The trail is 78 miles long and runs from Springfield, Ohio to Anderson Township in southwestern Ohio. The part of the trail that runs through Greene County is 15.9 miles. There are various places to park along the trail, and an online trail map is available – you do have to register to view the map – registration is free.

Let’s Go Yellow Springs Hiking!

Have you done any hiking at Yellow Springs? We would like to know where you hiked! Leave a comment below and let us know!

If you love to hike and are in the central Ohio area, check out the Metro parks. We love heading to Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Scioto Grove Metro Park, Three Creeks Metro Park, Rocky Fork Metro Park, Blendon Woods, and more!

Would you like to know more about Yellow Springs? Let us show you some of the best things to do in Yellow Springs Ohio!

For a fun family day out “under one roof”, be sure to check out Youngs Dairy, or Clifton Mills.