Everything you need to know before you hike:

You are Entering a Highly Protected Nature Preserve. Regulations exist to protect natural communities from the impact of public visitors. Please follow them to leave Rock Run as beautiful as you found it.  Remain on trails at all times, walking in single file to protect bulbs of native wildflowers bordering the trail. Do not disturb, pick, or collect flowers, plants, rocks, or wildlife. Hunting, caving, fishing, trail biking, rock climbing, wading, campfires, and swimming are prohibited. Click here for a list of full regulations.

Dogs are not permitted at Cliff Run. A dog owner’s guide to hiking Arc Trails.

Directions: 255 Cliff Run Road, Bainbridge, OH 45612
Directions:  Cliff Run is north of US-50 and east of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. From US-50. Turn north onto Rapid Forge Road. Follow Rapid Forge Road for 1.6 miles to Cliff Run Road and turn right. In .3 miles, you will see the first structure on the left side of the road - a white pole barn/maintenance barn. The signed parking lot is just past this on the left.

Interpretive Kiosk:  An interpretive kiosk is not yet posted at the preserve trailhead. Please be sure to download a trail map onto your phone before heading out.

Cliff Run hiking trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Please note that parking lots are not winter-maintained, and the trails are not safe to hike during periods of heavy rain, ice, and snow. Trails are closed during our annual Deer Management Hunt, which takes place on 1) the Monday through Sunday following Thanksgiving, and 2) the Saturday and Sunday before Christmas.

Hiking Trails’ Difficulty - Trails are moderate to difficult with some uneven surfaces and creek crossing. Warning: Trails border dangerous, potentially life-threatening cliffs.

Cliff Run’s Trail:

Cliff Run Trail -  2.0-mile loop. The trail begins at the parking lot, taking you into the Lewis Family Gorge. The trail is moderate due to uneven surface, with some rocks and roots, as well as two wet creek crossings that include stepping stones. The Lewis Family Gorge boasts a rich diversity of spring wildflowers, scenic views of small ravines, and takes you across a beaver pond via a floating boardwalk.

Glacier Glades Trail - 1.0 mile loop. A moderate-easy trail, with uneven surfaces with some rocks and roots, as well as a wet creek crossing with stepping stones.  This trail showcases a large glacial rock left behind from the last glaciation. Hikers can appreciate the beautiful views of the ravine, the towering trees, and other geological features along the way.  Twin leaf, large-flowered trillium, and hepatica spring wildflowers are common along this trail.