John Bryan State Park
John Bryan State Park covers a total area of 752 acres of land in Greene County, Ohio and is near Dayton City, Montgomery County in western Ohio. To get to the park, just travel 27 miles from Dayton. The park includes part of the Little Miami River that has been designated as a state and national scenic river. The river has over time cut a deep limestone gorge, called the Clifton Gorge, that was also designated as a national natural landmark in 1968.
Historically, the nearby village of Clifton prospered from the textile mill, sawmills, and grist mills located in the area. By the late 1800’s, almost all industrial activity in the area had stopped because water was no longer an economical source of power. That said, one of the grist mills in Clifton village, the Clifton Mill, that was built in 1802 is still in operation and is open to visitors today. In 1896, John Bryan purchased 335 acres of land along the Clifton Gorge. In 1918, he donated the land to the state of Ohio and in 1949, the land became state park land.
The topography at the John Bryan State Park is quite scenic featuring large areas that include erosion-resistant dolomite or limestone rocks. The area also has waterfalls as well as several rock formations. The scenic beauty, as well as the amenities established at the park, provide the perfect setting for lots of outdoor activities at the park including hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, camping, rock climbing, sledding, and bow hunting. Amenities at the park include group camp, rock climbing areas, hiking trails, campsites, rent-a-teepee, picnic areas, and picnic shelters.
You can bring your dog along for fun, relaxation, or exercise at no extra cost. If you bring your pooch to the park, just remember to follow state park rules. Some of the rules with regards to dogs include the following. You must keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet long. You must prevent your dog from wandering into areas not designates as pet-friendly areas. If you choose to camp at the park, you shouldn’t have more than two pets/dogs per campsite.
