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John Bryan State Park


 
 
 
 
 
State Park Information

John Bryan State Park
3790 State Route 370
Yellow Springs





State Park Overview


Nature of the Area

Much of the history of John Bryan State Park is "written in the rocks" of the Little Miami River gorge. Entering the area at Clifton, at 980 feet above sea level, the Little Miami drops 130 feet through layer upon layer of bedrock. Each layer has a story to tell of times when the area was covered by warm, shallow seas or was a part of a muddy river delta or was scoured by tons of slow-moving glacial ice. Each layer has its own characteristics as well. Some of the shale layers are easily worn away by the forces of erosion, causing undercutting in the cliff face. The more erosion-resistant dolomite or limestone rocks above are weakened by this undercutting and large "slump blocks" fall away, creating unusual rock formations including Steamboat Rock. Springs feeding small waterfalls and cascades are common.

The glaciers did not only affect the land forms, they also had an effect on the vegetation found here. As the last glacier retreated and the climate warmed, the cool shaded recesses of the gorge valley provided a suitable habitat for several Canadian plant species Canada yew, redberry elder, mountain maple, arborvitae and even a few hemlocks.

More than 100 different trees and shrubs have been identified in the park. More than 340 species of wildflowers grow wild here. Snow trillium, Virginia bluebells, bellworts, wild ginger, Dutchmans breeches, Jack-in-the-pulpit and wild columbines are only a few to be seen in the park. The dominating trees are oaks and maples, but large numbers of sycamores and cottonwoods can be found along the river. Wildlife is also abundant in the park. For instance, more than 90 different varieties of birds live in or visit the park area during the year. To fully appreciate the beauty of John Bryan, one needs to experience it during all four seasons.


Camping


Trails


Picnicking


Boating


Fishing and Hunting


History of the Area

Some of the first people to experience the areas beauty were the Moundbuilders, and later, the Shawnee Indians. Just five miles south of Yellow Springs, approximately where the town of Oldtown is now, was the site of Old Chillicothe, one of the leading Shawnee settlements in Ohio. The great Shawnee warrior, Tecumseh, was a frequent visitor here and to the nearby James Galloway House, which has been kept intact by the Greene County Historical Society.

This portion of the Little Miami River was a vital, economical source of power for the early settlers in the 1800s. The Cincinnati-Pittsburgh stagecoach road served the area and several enterprising settlers began establishing water-powered industries in the gorge. The town of Clifton prospered from the textile mill, grist mills and sawmills located there.

By the late 1800s, most of the industrial activity in the area ceased. Water was no longer an economical source of power and many mills were abandoned. However, one of the grist mills built in 1869 is still in operation. Located in the village of Clifton, the Clifton Mill is open to visitors.

The park takes its name from an ambitious businessman who was responsible for the preservation of much of the area as a state preserve. In 1896, Bryan purchased 335 acres along the gorge and called these acres, "Riverside Farm."

John Bryan had a great respect for the natural world. In 1918, he bequeathed Riverside Farm to the state of Ohio, "...to be cultivated by the state as a forestry, botanic and wildlife reserve park and experiment station," which would bear his name. In May of 1925, John Bryans land became one of the states first forest parks. In 1949, John Bryan State Park was transferred to the newly created ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation. John Bryan State Park and the adjoining Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve overlook the beautiful Little Miami River gorge that has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.


Area Accommodations
B&Bs / Inns
Nestled on ten acres of woods. Walking trails on the property,open hearth fireplace in gathering room,each guest rooms has private bath and entrance. Breakfast is served in the innkeepers log home.


More Info
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CENTRAL INDIANA BICYCLING ASSOCIATION. CIBA Camping Rides. "More Fun Than Humans Should Be Allowed To Have" CIBA camping rides are intended for the slightly more independent cyclist. Each rider...
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A nonprofit organization which runs an annual, weeklong summer workshop on writing.


Area Attractions

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is located adjacent to the park. The preserve contains many outstanding geological and botanical features for visitors to enjoy.

Within a short distance are the Blue Jacket Outdoor Drama, Clifton Mill, the Air Force Museum and the Galloway Cabin in Xenia. Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Buck Creek State Park and Caesar Creek State Park are also nearby. There is a 10-mile bikeway from Xenia to Yellow Springs. The Little Miami State Park is a narrow corridor along the Little Miami River. Spring Valley Wildlife Area operated by the ODNR Division of Wildlife offers hunting and fishing opportunities for sportsmen and is also known as one of the best birdwatching areas in southwestern Ohio.



Area Campgrounds
Walnut Lake Campgrounds
9877 State Route 41
Jeffersonville, OH
(740) 426-8852


Bingland Community Campground
6261 Us Route 35 E
Jamestown, OH
(937) 675-6426


Old 35 Campground
5660 Overbrooke Rd
Dayton, OH
(937) 435-0667


Bass Lake Campground & BL Gap
756 Hilliard St
Springfield, OH
(937) 323-2981


Enon Beach Recreation Park
2401 Enon Rd
Springfield, OH
(937) 882-6431


Buck Creek State Park
1901 Buck Creek LN
Springfield, OH
(937) 322-5284




Area Fishing Related Businesses
Gettysburg Lake
3636 Frytown Rd
Dayton, OH
(937) 268-4535


Fisherman's Quarters
142 S Keowee St
Dayton, OH
(937) 222-2224


Rusty Drake Outfitters
175 E Alex Bell Rd # 252
Dayton, OH
(937) 438-0707


Cork-N-Bottle Minit Market
881 E Franklin St
Dayton, OH
(937) 433-5611


Bill's Trout Lake
7745 Agenbroad Rd
New Carlisle, OH
(937) 845-9601


North Dayton Anglers & Gun Club
1924 Valley St
Dayton, OH
(937) 236-9120


Rod-Dee's Party Supplies
324 N Main St
Dayton, OH
(937) 384-9150


Rod & Reel Club
2190 Lake Glen CT
Dayton, OH
(937) 433-0576


Miami Valley Hunt & Polo Club
2465 Keystone Club Dr
Dayton, OH
(937) 293-2311


Try-R-Lures
PO Box 61
Dayton, OH
(937) 277-5251


Forest Lake
2365 W 1st St
Springfield, OH
(937) 323-4266


C & J Bait & Tackle
2462 Mechanicsburg Rd
Springfield, OH
(937) 390-9879


Beaver Lake
1550 Pumphouse Rd
Springfield, OH
(937) 324-1891


Bidwell Bait & Tackle
14489 State Route 554
Springfield, OH
(740) 388-8122


Crawdaddy's Outdoor Store
State Rote 235 & U S
New Carlisle, OH
(937) 845-3239


Rainbow Lakes
3491 State Route 235
Fairborn, OH
(937) 878-2037


Gibson's Carry Out & Drive
1815 Columbus Ave
Springfield, OH
(937) 322-6181


Scottys Party Dock & Bait Shop
35 N Dayton Lakeview Rd
New Carlisle, OH
(937) 845-2248


Scotty's Party Dock & Bait Shop
State Rote 235 & U S
New Carlisle, OH
(937) 845-2248


Elm Valley Fishing Club
5118 S Dayton Brandt Rd
New Carlisle, OH
(937) 845-0584


Waterscape Sport Fishing Club
340 Central Ave
Carlisle, OH
(937) 271-3735




Area Resorts and Lodging
Lakewood Village
6115 Far Hills Ave
Dayton, OH
(937) 643-1860


Marriott Hotels & Resorts Dayton Marriott
1414 S Patterson Blvd
Dayton, OH
(937) 223-1000


Courtyard By Marriott Hotel
100 S Fountain Ave
Springfield, OH
(937) 322-3600


John Bryan State Park

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