The mile long Inman trail inside Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs, Ohio loops around beautiful natural sights and scenes. Located in the northern section of the privately-owned 1000-acre nature preserve, Inman trail offers hikers a beautiful walk through the woods, with stops at a cascading waterfall, a stone monument, a towering rock formation, an old dam, and even a small museum. Although it is easy to walk for the most part of the path, there are segments that could be a challenge for those with limited mobility. For instance, you need to go down a hundred rock steps to the valley floor.

There are nine (9) special spots along the trail that would make you forget about the city for awhile. Below, I listed these spots in specific order, starting from the one near the parking lot and going through the loop clockwise.

1. Glen Helen Ecology Institute

Glen Helen is the legacy of alumnus Hugh Taylor Birch, who, in 1929, donated the wooded glen (valley) to Antioch College in memory of his daughter, Helen. With this gift, the College accepted the responsibility of preserving the land in perpetuity. Additional gifts have expanded the preserve, which now encompasses 1000 acres, all accessible from a 20-mile network of footpaths. Today, the mission is carried forward by the privately funded, Glen Helen Ecology Institute at Antioch College, which manages the land and coordinates the educational programs of The Glen. Source.

See the institute in 360 degrees:

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2. Trailside Museum

Although located near the entrance, this museum is still hidden in the woods. You’d see this little house as you start hiking. As a welcome center, everyone is encouraged to stop by and see the museum before heading to the valley and the main trail. Inside are hands-on displays and exhibits that are designed for visitors.

While in here, ask for a map of the reserve.

Here is a 360-degree photo I took inside the museum:

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3. Pompey’s Pillar

If you have been to Montana’s Pompeys Pillar National Monument, then you may notice some resemblance to this rock formation. This one, however, is such a small scale. The name was from the free-standing triumphal column in Roman Egypt.

There is no sign along the trail that tells the direction of the pillar. That is why it is necessary to bring a map with you.

Here is a 360-degree photo I took of Pompey’s Pillar:

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4. The Grotto

A small waterfall coming off the top of the reddish travertine mound forms the Grotto. The waterfall is hard to miss. This is the first of the three waterfalls along the trail. This isn’t big at all. But it is nice to see this, especially that the water from the Grotto crosses right through the trail.

5. The Old Dam

This is an old dam that sits at the bottom of a valley. Last 2017, a bridge was constructed across the ruins of the dam, allowing for easier hiking.

The remains of the dam date back to the days when the Glen was a resort. In the early 1900s the lake behind the dam was popular for boating and skating.

6. The Yellow Spring

Ever wondered how Yellow Springs, Ohio got its name? Well, it was named from this spring. The famous spring carries 60 gallons of iron-rich water to the surface every minute. Prior to 1948, the spring flowed into a large pool. Visitors once bathed in its “healing” waters.

See this 360-degree photo I took of Yellow Spring:

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7. Hopewell Indian Mound

Among the 9 spots, the mound is the one less seen and visited. First, it is really hard to find where it is. No marker. The path that diverges from the main trail created by visitors’ footsteps is hardly visible. I missed it by a hundred meters and I had to go back (and I even had a map!).

The mound was built between BC 100 and AD 400 by Hopewell Indians. This burial mound is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

See this 360-degree photo I took of Hopewell Indian Mound:

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8. Helen’s Stone

In 1929 Antioch alumnus Hugh Taylor Birch purchased the Glen and donated it to Antioch College in memory of his daughter Helen. This monument was placed here in her memory.

Here’s Helen’s Stone in 360 degrees:

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9. The Cascades

This Cascades waterfall on Birch Creek was formed because the Cedarville dolomite rock that forms the top layer is harder than the Springfield dolomite below it. The stone bridge upstream from the Cascades is part of an old stagecoach route.

The Cascades, being the biggest of the three waterfalls, is the highlight of the trail.

See the Cascades Waterfall in 360 degrees:

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Before heading back to the start of the trail and completing the loop, traverse the path that lines the creek. You could even hop from one boulder to another to cross to the other side of the creek.

Here’s a 360-degree photo I took:

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Notes.

– During summer, the tree canopy provides nice shade.

– It is a pet-friendly park. So bring your dog for a great time in nature.

– Most importantly, enjoy your time. No rush.

– Swimming in the creek is prohibited, even how tempting the clear water is.

– No picking or collecting of anything — flora or fauna.

– Respect nature. Thus, no loud audio devices are allowed.

Parking.

Go to this address: 405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387 [Google Map Link]
Tel: (937) 769-1902
Parking fee: $5 (This is the only fee. No other entrance fee is collected.)

Hours.

Open dawn to dusk.

Nearby attractions.

– Glen Helen Raptor Center: Sanctuary For Injured Birds in Yellow Springs Ohio

– Unique Stay at Old and Historic Grinnell Mill Bed & Breakfast

Wanna see more of Ohio? Travel and see these sights.

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