I parked my car near the North Rim Trail of John Bryan State Park, in one of the only two remaining empty spots. I took my camera from the back seat and grabbed a bottle of water. Although it was not hot that day, around the 70s, I am always prepared when hiking during summer months and bring bottles of water with me in the car.
The entrance to the trail was just right at the corner. I checked the trail map and planned the route I would take. There were many trails to choose from, varying in difficulty. I decided to follow the North Rim trail that would connect to the next park, the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve.
At the start, the path winded through rough slopes and progressively smoothed as it headed towards the Little Miami State and National Scenic River. At this particular entrance, there were not too many hikers. I had the feeling that most visitors parked at the other location in a lower elevation, which was also closer to the river.
Going down, I met joggers. Yes, there were a number of them running down the slopes! Sometimes, they surprised me from behind. One almost hit my camera while I was taking photos!
I did so many stops heading down because I had to take 360-degree pictures of the park. But the moment I reached the river bank, this sight welcomed me:
I would have wanted to cross the bridge, but unfortunately, it was prohibited that time.
Onward, the trail became easy and scenery turned beautiful. As the main trail followed the river, I made sure that I entered every little path that diverted from the trail. In one turn, I saw a little waterfall. The color of the water was tempting.
Further in the trail are amazing rock formations.
There were streams that criss-crossed the trail. In fact, at various points, I had to follow the sound of water falling from a cliff just to see the source of the stream.
But most of the time, I was at the river enjoying the beauty.
I enjoyed the walk so much that I did not even realize I was already at the end of the trail. I spent some time here, took photos of visitors dipping their toes in the river, and planned my route back.
Going back, I did not take the same path. Instead, I climbed up the slope for another trail that followed the edge of the cliff.
Where to find it?
Address: 3790 Ohio 370, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
Google Map Link
What is the entrance fee?
Nothing. This is a free for all park!
What is prohibited in the park.
No alcoholic beverages permitted.
No littering or dumping of debris permitted.
No pets permitted (except assistance animals).
No collection of any plant, animal, or other substance permitted.
No defacing, injuring, disturbing, or destroying any property permitted.
No hunting and fishing on nature preserve and natural areas permitted (Fishing permitted on scenic river lands).
No firearms, dangerous ordinance, fireworks and air guns permitted, except as permitted by Ohio Revised Code.
No kindling of fires permitted.
No swimming or wading permitted.
No rock climbing or rappelling permitted.
No camping permitted.
No roller blades, skate boards, street luges, in-line skates, sound amplifying devices, or model aircraft permitted.
What are other attractions nearby?
1. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs Ohio
2. Inman Trail Inside Glen Helen Nature Preserve
3. Unique Stay at Old and Historic Grinnell Mill Bed & Breakfast
4. Glen Helen Raptor Center: Sanctuary For Injured Birds in Yellow Springs Ohio
See more travel search tags: Ohio Travel, Ohio, Western Ohio, Travel Western Ohio, Nature Preserve, Wright Brothers, Ohio Attractions, Things to See in Ohio, Unique Things To See in Ohio, Places to See in Ohio, Parks in Ohio
