John Bryan State Park
John Bryan State Park
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
107 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
40
Average
8
Poor
0
Terrible
0
PK209
Dayton, OH75 contributions
Mar 2017
If you like birds/raptors, visit the Raptor Center between John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge. The birds are beautiful and it is great there is a sanctuary for injured birds that would not survive in the wild. When finished at the Raptor Center, take a walk at John Bryan or Clifton Gorge.
Written March 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gafilpoo
Bluffton, OH484 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
You can see the whole park in one day. Hike the gorge in the morning and do the mountain bike trails in the afternoon! Family fun.
Written November 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haikuist
Delaware, OH243 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
I loved the challenging terrain of the trails but it wouldn’t be ideal for those concerned with sure footing. There were a lot minor elevation changes, tree roots and embedded rock to trip on. I liked that it was more challenging that a flat smooth trail.
There were interesting giant rock formations, the little Miami River and scenic views.
One negative...the trail markings were virtually non-existent. We weren’t even sure what trail we started on, which way to go on the forks or how much farther to go to features. The on-line map was hard to read and no help at all. This would be an awesome scout project!
There were interesting giant rock formations, the little Miami River and scenic views.
One negative...the trail markings were virtually non-existent. We weren’t even sure what trail we started on, which way to go on the forks or how much farther to go to features. The on-line map was hard to read and no help at all. This would be an awesome scout project!
Written September 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMChs1957
Yellow Springs, OH34 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
The park has facilities for camping, but has nice paths for a hike. It is an outdoor complement to quirky, colorful Yellow Springs, and has the Clifton Gorge on one side and Glen Helen on the other. A trifecta.
Written June 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tim r
Morgantown, IN86 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
We spent two nights in the park. There are only a handful of electric sites which are walk in only (no reseevations). We camped in our class c rv just fine. There are no showers or modern bathrooms. The trails are nice but not well marked at all. We nearly got lost while on a trail due to lack of signage. We went for a stroll through nearby Yellow Springs. There is a bike trail there as well. We visited Youngs Dairy for some ice cream.
Written September 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
37Geese
Utica, OH308 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
Recently hiked through Clifton Gorge into John Bryan and then Glen Helen. The 3 adjoining parks make for some great day hiking. John Bryan seemed less rugged than the Clifton Gorge trail, so if you're looking for some easier hiking this would be a good place to start. There are mountain bike trails in the park as well, but I haven't had an opportunity to try them, but it's an option for bikers. Recommended park for sure.
Written September 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hj99
Cincinnati, OH217 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
I brought my dog and we walked on a few of the trails and to the Little Miami River. It was very scenic by the river and when we were walking on trails near it we could hear the water flow which was very peaceful. The park was scenic, clean, and the trails were nice. It was our first time here and it was a little hard to find the park at first but found it within about 5-10 minutes after missing the turn to get there. Some of the signs on the trails were a little confusing (figuring out which trail was which). Overall we had a nice afternoon here and would come back again. I think it would be especially pretty in the fall when the leaves change colors.
Written July 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey E
Maumee, Ohio, United States8 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
Had a good hike through Clifton Gorge Scenic Trail. One of the foot bridges was closed as were some of the trails. Wear your hiking boots as half of the trail is on top of rocks.
Written June 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TH0we
Anchorage, AK65 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
My husband and I visited this park on a weekend visit to Dayton. I had fond memories of this area from 30 years previous growing up in the area during grade school and was not disappointed. It is a beautiful, serene environment, and well cared for state park free to the public for day use.
We parked at the farthest lot at the Orton picnic area and went into the Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve. Although the map showed restrooms, we could not find them and had to backtrack to the facilities along the road. (pit toilets but with hand sanitizer and a water spigot nearby). There are several overlooks, many with little placards describing facts and details about the history of the area. Dogs are not allowed in the Nature preserve but are allowed in the state park.
The trails in the state park on the North side of the Little Miami are well marked and wide. The connections between the top of the gorge and the trail along the river are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to the rockiness. Also the rocks can be slippery if it has been wet, as it was when we visited. We encountered many people running along the trails and for the most part there were few obstacles on the upper trail. The lower trail was more challenging from a footing perspective and rocky but not at all difficult. We passed a young family with a toddler and child in a backpack along both the upper and lower trails.
The south bank trail is significantly overgrown and portions of the boardwalk along the swampier areas are in serious disrepair, be very careful if you choose to navigate that area. However, the local university students had no issues doing a trail run along that path so it is passable for the intrepid. The west bridge was also "closed" - see previous comment- but slated for repair in the Fall of 2016.
The park office has a nice selection of camping essentials in case you forgot something, like ingredients for S'Mores. There are designated rock climbing and mountain biking areas.
We parked at the farthest lot at the Orton picnic area and went into the Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve. Although the map showed restrooms, we could not find them and had to backtrack to the facilities along the road. (pit toilets but with hand sanitizer and a water spigot nearby). There are several overlooks, many with little placards describing facts and details about the history of the area. Dogs are not allowed in the Nature preserve but are allowed in the state park.
The trails in the state park on the North side of the Little Miami are well marked and wide. The connections between the top of the gorge and the trail along the river are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to the rockiness. Also the rocks can be slippery if it has been wet, as it was when we visited. We encountered many people running along the trails and for the most part there were few obstacles on the upper trail. The lower trail was more challenging from a footing perspective and rocky but not at all difficult. We passed a young family with a toddler and child in a backpack along both the upper and lower trails.
The south bank trail is significantly overgrown and portions of the boardwalk along the swampier areas are in serious disrepair, be very careful if you choose to navigate that area. However, the local university students had no issues doing a trail run along that path so it is passable for the intrepid. The west bridge was also "closed" - see previous comment- but slated for repair in the Fall of 2016.
The park office has a nice selection of camping essentials in case you forgot something, like ingredients for S'Mores. There are designated rock climbing and mountain biking areas.
Written September 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TeamKC2015
Dayton, OH16 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Interesting hike. Many peaceful spots with small water falls, streams, and brooks. Every kind of terrain: hilly, rocky, muddy, grassy. Connected to Clifton Gorge, which is even more impressive, with tall boulders begging to be climbed (but there are "no climbing" signs unfortunately). It's easy to get lost, so make sure you mark your trail along the way or find a map before you start. But getting lost is part of the fun, so enjoy!
Written July 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abby S
1 contribution
Can you camp anywhere in the park (like Red River Gorge), or do you need a reserved campsite?
Amy B
Belpre, OH126 contributions
Has the park added showers since the last question asked in 2016?
hourlyrate
1 contribution
What Hours are the park open
hourlyrate
1 contribution
I've rented a shelter for the time the park opens till the time it closes , so I'm curious about the hours for July 7th 2018
Hi there , i will like to know if is there like a one day tour to visit from dayto , im here just for a week
GlobeTrotter D P
Yakima, WA19 contributions
Are there cabin rentals in this park or in one of the adjoining preserves? I camp but have older relatives who need more civilized amenities.
Leo P
Midway, Ohio, United States97 contributions
No cabins at John Bryan State Park. The city of Springfield is 10 minutes or less away.
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Claim your listingJohn Bryan State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about John Bryan State Park
- Hotels near John Bryan State Park:
- (0.20 mi) Grinnell Mill Bed and Breakfast
- (1.53 mi) Arthur Morgan House Bed & Breakfast
- (4.85 mi) Hearthstone Inn & Suites
- (1.48 mi) Mills Park Hotel
- (1.70 mi) Jailhouse Suites
- Restaurants near John Bryan State Park:
- (1.50 mi) Sunrise Cafe
- (1.48 mi) Ellie's Restaurant
- (1.52 mi) Winds Cafe
- (1.73 mi) Calypso Grill and Smokehouse
- (1.53 mi) Ye Olde Trail Tavern
- Attractions near John Bryan State Park:
- (1.21 mi) Glen Helen Nature Preserve
- (1.80 mi) Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
- (2.58 mi) Young's Jersey Dairy Farm
- (1.70 mi) Yellow Springs Brewery
- (9.95 mi) Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House
John Bryan State Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 59 |
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Very Good Reviews | 40 |
John Bryan State Park Photos | 93 |