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Clifton Gorge

Vintage Gorge

There are 7.5 miles of mountain biking trials at John Bryan State Park.  The trails were built and are maintained by the Miami Valley Mountain Bike Association in partnership with John Bryan State Park.  They are the only trails in the park that are open to bicycles.  The first trail, Power Line, opened in April 2002.  The other two trails, Abracadabra and Great Scott, opened in April 2003.  More trail was added early in 2004 and 2005.  They are all accessible from the Arboretum Trail which is maintained by the park and is also open to hikers.

Power Line  is 1.5 miles of tight, twisty turns and long runs, some creek crossings and one small ramp.  Power Line is located on the outside of the Arboretum trail.  It is perfect for honing bike balance and turning skills.  Abracadabra is 2.5 miles of flat and fun riding.  It has one medium-sized ramp (with a bypass around it), a boardwalk and small creek crossings.  Abracadabra is located inside the Arboretum trail loop.  Great Scott is the longest trail at 3.5 miles and has some small climbs, creek crossings, several boardwalks and the biggest ramp (with a bypass around it).  It consists of Upper Great Scott (from the entrance, located across from the Abracadabra exit, to the big ramp), Lower Great Scott (from the big ramp to the bridge) and the Great Scott Loop (from the big creek out to the end and back to the big creek).  All trails have some log jumps and the creek crossings may be wet or dry, depending on the weather.

All trails are clearly marked with signs.  Watch for arrows showing the recommended route at intersections.  The recommended route is to start on Power Line, continue on Abracadabra and then finish on Great Scott.  The map shows all trails.  A ride of all the trails is a total of about 7.5 miles.

Please help us track trail usage by signing the Trail User Log located at the Arboretum Trailhead Kiosk.  Here you will also find trial maps and other park information.

Nature lovers can enjoy any of the ten different trails found in the park. The trails follow the scenic river gorge and meander through majestic woodlands.  Hikers are required to stay on the designated trail at all times.  See Park Map for designated trail.

Caution should be exercised along the rim of the gorge.

The trails at John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve are connected. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve does not allow pets or fishing anywhere in the Preserve.  Pets are welcome at John Bryan State Park, but are required to be on a leash and under control at all times.

The Arboretum Trail, a one mile loop, is handicap accessible with assistance.  It is also part of the only multi-purpose trail in the park where bicycles are permitted.  Hikers always have the right-of-way and cyclists are required to yield.

 

The South Gorge Trail, which is accessible only from the two footbridges that span the Little Miami River, is more demanding, but offers excellent opportunities to view the rugged gorge carved by the river.  The trail is 1.2 miles long.

The Rim Trail runs the along the top edge of the cliff above the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stagecoach Trail.  It can be accessed from the Point Parking Lot, the Wingo Picnic Area, the Swimming Pool Trail and the Orton Picnic Area.  This trail also connects with the trails of the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve at the east end of the park.  It is also from this trail that you would gain access to the rock climbing sites.  The trail is moderately difficult, but provides spectacular views into the gorge.

The Multi-Purpose trail begins at the trailhead for the arboretum trail.  It is a 5.5 mile trail designed for mountain bikers of all skill levels.

First Bridge on

Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stagecoach Trail

South Gorge Trail

Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stagecoach Trail

North Rim Trail

Camp Trail

Swimming Pool Trail

The Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stagecoach Trail follows the course of the Little Miami River on its north bank.  Walking is easy to moderate with the trail wide enough for two people to walk abreast for nearly all of its length.  This trail joins trails that lead into Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve at the east end of the park.  The trail is 1.3 miles long.