Gorge Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildlife

This is a gentle loop trail for for experienced hikers and a challenging hike for folks just out for a every-once and a while hike. This trail is mostly shared with the Buckeye Trail and is very well maintained, though since it does follow creeks expect mud even where trail workers have added stairs and walkways to keep the trail easily passable.

As mapped, expect the first couple miles to have some small uphills and declines as you track the creek to your right. Expect some short side trail overlooks to get a better view of the stream from the overlooking rocks. About 1/3 of the way into the trail, expect the ups and downs to become steeper and more frequent as the creek banks raise to the gorge - trail workers have good infrastructure on grades and in wet areas to preserve the trail, but expect mud.

After another mile or less, the trail turns into the old growth forest away from the main creek and you'll be treated to rock outcrops on either side created by seasonal flows, followed by a climb to the top of Fort Hill. Nearing the top, the trail maintains the contour before descending back to the trailhead and the parking lot.