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Clifton Mills - Clark and Green Counties
Address: 75 Water ST., Clifton, OH 45316 Phone: 937-767
The Historic Clifton Mill is the largest water-powered grist mill still in operation. The first mill at this site was built in 1802 by Owen Davis, a Revolutionary War soldier, and frontiersman miller. The mill was built in this location to take advantage of the natural power of the concentrated water funneled into the gorge. Owen Davis and his son-in-law, General Benjamin Whiteman, also built a sawmill and a distillery. Soon a village known as Davis Mills sprang up. The Little Miami River powered five other mills constructed within a mile of Historic Clifton Mill: a woolen mill, sawmill, paper mill, barrel mill, and another grist mill. Unfortunately, the historic Clifton Mill is the only one still standing.
The Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is a quick and easy 4-minute walk from the mill. While at the nature preserve, guests can enjoy a 2.6-mile out and back hike. The river can be seen from the top of the gorge. From there, the trail widens out and down into the valley along the paths of the rapids. The trail also connects with hiking trails from the John Bryan State Park.