Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve — Public Lands Institute

Geological age: ~445–430 million years ago (bedrock); gorge carved ~15,000 years ago
Epoch: Silurian period (Llandovery–Wenlock); Cedarville Dolomite, Springfield Dolomite, and interbedded shale; gorge cut by Wisconsin glacial meltwater; National Natural Landmark 1968
Native lands: Shawnee (Shawanwaki) · Miami · Adena and Hopewell cultures; Little Miami River a principal Shawnee waterway and travel corridor; Shawnee ceded Ohio lands via Treaty of Greene Ville 1795
Ecology: Gorge microclimate; relict northern flora including red baneberry, walking fern, Canadian yew; old-growth forest remnants; cool moist conditions maintain species absent from surrounding landscape
Hydrology: Little Miami River (Ohio’s first State Scenic River, 1968; National Wild & Scenic River); cascading falls and rapids through dolomite narrows; Steamboat Rock slump block; slump cave
Acreage: 268 acres
Conservation: Ohio State Nature Preserve; National Natural Landmark; National Wild and Scenic River (Little Miami River); Ohio State Scenic River (Little Miami River)
Endangered species: none documented
GPS: 39.7993° N, 83.8328° W