Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is a natural area in Greene County featuring dolomite cliffs and limestone formations along the Little Miami River. The land spans steep slopes and open sections with views of the waterway and surrounding rock walls.

The area was inhabited by Native Americans before settlers established mills along the river in the 1800s. This early water-powered development shaped valley use for many generations.

The preserve functions as an outdoor classroom where visitors learn about local geology, ecology, and natural conservation methods.

The preserve offers hiking routes at different difficulty levels that pass through gorges and alongside the river. The best time to visit is in spring or fall, when weather is mild and paths are dry and safe to walk.

The narrowest parts of the gorge have observation platforms where visitors view limestone cliffs and the flowing river below. These vantage points show some of the best angles on the valley's geology.