Hike To A Hidden Waterfall, Then Dine At A Waterfall-Themed Restaurant All At This Underrated Ohio State Park
By Sarah McCosham|Published October 27, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Ohio waterfall chasers often flock to places like Cuyahoga Valley National Park or Hocking Hills State Park, as these natural areas are celebrated for their glorious cascades. But in the southwest corner of the state, there is an Ohio State Nature Preserve that’s also a waterfall wonderland; and not only that, but you can literally hike to a waterfall restaurant on one of its trails. Come along with us on an epic waterfall-themed day trip in Ohio!
John Bryan State Park is a celebrated member of the Ohio State Parks roster; and indeed, it's well worth the praise it receives.
Right by John Bryan State Park, you'll find Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, a bit of a hidden gem in Ohio that's often overshadowed by its neighbor.
This 268-acre preserve protects one of the most spectacular dolomite and limestone gorges in the state, and follows the course of the Little Miami River, making it an all-around beautiful hiking destination in Ohio.
The most popular hike in this Ohio State Parks Preserve is the Gorge Trail, an easy mile-long loop that winds through some of the most enchanting landscapes in Ohio, including a spectacular hidden waterfall!
If you're up for tackling a longer hike, the 2.8-mile Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stagecoach Trail is a lovely loop that cuts through the heart of the waterfall-flush gorge, and leads right to...
(No worries if you prefer the shorter Gorge Trail; all of the hikes within Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve are mere minutes from this restaurant!)
This lovely dining spot is The Historic Clifton Mill Restaurant. This winsome red mill in Clifton, Ohio, dates back to 1802, and truly is one-of-a-kind. This restaurant is a bucket-list experience for Ohioans, offering a cozy ambiance, superb food, and unrivaled views.
Open daily, the restaurant inside Clifton Mill is known for its standout, home-cooked meals. Fresh whole grain breads, pies, and cookies are baked daily, and the house burgers are especially satisfying after a day on the trails!
Of course, if you prefer to fuel up before your hike, brunch at Clifton Mill Restaurant is legendary, with a menu of down-home, stick-to-your-ribs favorites like pancakes, French toast, omelettes, bacon, and sausage.
