Gorge Overlook Trail

The Gorge Overlook Trail earns its strenuous rating by climbing to the rim of Clear Fork Gorge at its deepest and most dramatic section, where the canyon plunges nearly 300 feet from the upland plateau to the river below. The trail begins near the covered bridge trailhead and immediately gains elevation as it switchbacks up the gorge wall through a dense hemlock and hardwood forest. The overlook itself is a narrow rocky promontory offering an unobstructed view down into the gorge and along the river corridor — one of the finest vistas in the Ohio state park system. The Clear Fork glints silver in the canyon bottom far below, flanked by the tops of 80-foot hemlock trees that appear diminutive from the overlook. The return descent requires careful footing on the steep, often loose trail surface, particularly in wet conditions. Trekking poles are strongly recommended. The trail sees less traffic than the gorge-bottom routes, making it a good choice for those seeking solitude. The hemlock canopy is particularly vulnerable to woolly adelgid infestation, and some trees along the trail show signs of decline. Views from the overlook are best in winter and early spring before the hardwood canopy leafs out fully.