Hike the North Rim of the Little Miami River

Starting at the lower parking lot, follow the signs that direct you to the trails near the shelterhouse. Within 0.2 of a mile the trail forks; follow the left fork heading east along the Little Miami River. This is the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stagecoach Trail, which for 1.3 miles winds its way along the banks of the Little Miami, and rises above it in several places for some beautiful views of the river valley. Along the trail on your left, towering limestone cliffs 40-50 feet tall take up the entire view, several of which have metal eyebolts mounted into the cliffs to allow for rock climbing to take place.

At the end of the Stagecoach Trail, Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve begins (no dogs permitted). From here, turn left up hill through a gap in the cliffs to reach the North Rim Trail, a 1.4 mile trail that follows the edge of the cliffs of John  Bryan, with beautiful views of the park during the growing season, and even more spectacular views once the leaves fall in autumn. Follow the North Rim Trail west to head back into John Bryan State Park.

The North Rim Trail eventually returns to the Stagecoach Trail, making for a loop hike just shy of three hours that takes about an hour to complete at a good pace.

Afterwards, head into the nearby town of Yellow Springs and grab a cool beer at Yellow Springs Brewery! (305 N. Walnut St., Suite B, Yellow Springs, OH).