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10.7.06
65°F
2.5 hours
3.5 miles
serenity!
tourists, squirrels.

On a clear, cool day in Southern Ohio I discovered how gorgeous Mother Nature can be. Somewhat between Dayton and Columbus, the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve abuts the John Bryan State Park, both sharing the Little Miami River, gorge, and abundant hiking trails.

Part of my logic in driving 2-1/2 hours had to do with fall colors. Here in Ohio we are on the verge of peak, with some places seeing more colors than others. Although there were a handful of brilliant yellow trees, fewer reds, it's still a bit early.

Hiking forested trails along dolomite and limestone gorge made for a nice, varied hike. Some rough terrain, some flat, some tourists (oh well...), and enough elevation change to give a nice burn to the legs. At times I had the trails to myself, but on occasion had to put up with groups of children, clusters of bored teenagers, along with other nature lovers. Weekdays hiking the gorge would undoubtedly be blissful.

Although I didn't explore the nooks and crannies of the cliffs (usual "stay on the trail" signs were plentiful), they made for a dramatic backdrop along some of the trails.

There's nothing quite so soothing as a cool day's hike where the sound of water is plentiful to mingle with the birds and scurrying squirrels.