Jacoby Road Trail

The Jacoby Road Trail approaches Clifton Gorge from the east, providing a quieter and less-trafficked entry into John Bryan State Park's gorge system. Beginning near Jacoby Road, the trail winds through second-growth upland forest of oak, hickory, and maple before descending steadily toward the Little Miami River corridor. This eastern approach passes through agricultural field edges and hedgerows before entering the more mature forest closer to the gorge rim, offering habitat diversity that attracts a wide range of songbird species during spring migration. Warblers, vireos, and tanagers are regularly recorded along this stretch in May. The trail eventually connects with the gorge-bottom trail system, where the limestone and dolomite canyon walls begin to rise and the character of the hike shifts dramatically. The out-and-back format means hikers can turn around at any point, making this a flexible option for varying fitness levels. The combined elevation change is spread across the full 4.5-mile distance, keeping the grade moderate throughout. This trail is particularly enjoyable in autumn when the upland hardwood forest displays brilliant fall color. No fee is required and the trailhead has limited roadside parking.