Clifton Gorge Earthcache EarthCache
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Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve provides an excellent
opportunity for people to observe, first-hand, the power and
methods of geological forces and processes, and the formations and
long-term changes that result.
Clifton Gorge is an outstanding example of post-glacial erosion,
and was formed by erosion from a large meltwater river originating
from the waning Wisconsinan continental glacier.
This preserve offers excellent examples of specific geological
conditions. The area has been developed to educate folks who visit
about the geology of the area. The land managers, the Ohio State
Department of Natural Resources, have done a first-rate job in
making this an educational experience for those who visit.
As is frequently the case with places that are so geologically
significant, the area is stunningly beautiful. It is a truly a gem
of the Ohio parks system. The preserve is comprised of 269 acres of
beauty. There are multiple trails running the span of the preserve.
You can spend the whole day here, and have an awesome time.
In addition to its geological significance, the preserve is also
rich with opportunities to observe and learn about plants, animals,
and local history. There are several rare and threatened plant
species that reside here.
The preserve is also a memorial to John L. Rich, a noted geologist.
Rich was a stratigrapher, and is considered to be the father of
clinoform, undaform, and fondoform, which are environments for
sediment deposition.
Now, on to the Earthcache requirements...
There are very specific requirements that must be fulfilled to
claim this Earthcache as a find. They are not complicated or
difficult. But they are specific, and if not fulfilled, you cannot
log it. This may sound harsh. But such is the nature of
Earthcaches, and that has been reemphasized over and over
again.
You have three requirements that you need to fulfill to
claim this Earthcache as a find. The first one is to take a photo
of yourself in the area and post it with your find log. The second
one is associated with Steamboat Rock, and requires email, and is
described below in boldface font. The third one is associated with
the cave, and also requires email, and is described below in
boldface font.
So here we go...
The coordinates posted above take you to parking. From there,
follow the pathway into the preserve.
You will arrive at an area, located at N39 47.939 W083 50.075, that
serves as a common trailhead for the multiple trails that run
through the preserve. Here, you will see the 300-year-old white oak
display.
Click here to see it! This white oak
was born in 1691 and cut down in 1985. The display is really cool
and shows the growth rings and their association with all kinds of
historical events, like the French Indian War, the Civil War, WWII,
man reaching the moon, commercial TV, and also local events like
the Miami Powder Mill explosion.
Look for the sign for the North Gorge Trail. That is the trail that
you will take for this Earthcache.
Your hike will take you down the trail to a location called The
Blue Hole and back. Along the way, you will see some great things,
and will need to gather information.
After descending down into the gorge and making your way down the
trail, keep looking to the left, and you'll eventually see this
sight.
Click here to see it! Isn't that
cool? Two river branches converging, and you can see pretty far
upstream each branch. I wish I had a kayak!
Keep going. Understand that the trail is rugged by some standards.
Here, I had to negotiate ice that covered the trail. The ice was
forming from ice that was melting from the cliff rising directly
above me.
Click here to see it! I wasn't
worried about the ice underfoot as much as I was worried about a
hunk of ice or rock falling on my noggin from above.
Eventually you will reach Steamboat Rock. You'll know you are there
when you see a huge rock in the middle of the river that resembles
a steamboat.
Click here to see it! At this
location, you will learn things about glacial till, dolomite,
shale, and limestone. You will learn how Steamboat Rock ended up
there in the middle of the river. Log Requirement: You must
describe, in your email to me, the process that caused Steamboat
Rock to be located where it is.
On down the trail you go. Soon you will reach Amphitheatre Falls.
It's especially cool when it is partly frozen.
Click here to see it! On you
go.
As you continue on, keep looking to your left, and you will
eventually see an amazing view.
Click here to see it! This was my
favorite part of my experience. It is gorgeous.
Keep on going.
Shortly, on your right, you will come across a cave.
Click here to see it! Here, you will
learn some things about how caves are formed. You will find out
that this particular cave is not a "true solution cave", but was
formed by another process. Log Requirement: You must describe,
in your email to me, the process in which this cave was
formed.
Continue on down the hill, and you will reach The Blue Hole,
located at N39 47.667 W083 50.345. This is a really cool spot,
where the rushing river slows down to a calm relaxing pool. If you
look across the pool, you can see (and hear) where the river
narrows and picks up again.
So that is your introduction to Clifton Gorge. Remember that there
are a lot of other trail areas for you to explore here.
Remember that you have three logging requirements. Steamboat
Rock, the cave, and a photo.
Accessibility: The trails are rugged, and I think they would be
considered not wheelchair-accessible by most. If you have limited
hiking strength, you may want to think twice about this one.
Rules: Don't bring Pooksie, because pets are not allowed! Do not
leave the designated trail areas - that is strictly forbidden. No
trash cans are provided - the park expects you to pack it
out.
Have fun!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
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