Ohio · Hiking

John L. Rich Trail

John L. Rich TrailPhoto: davidwilson1949, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
0.9 mi
one way
119 ft
climb
985 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Jul–Oct
best months

The John L. Rich Trail is a short, easy hike in Ohio, about 0.9 miles from the town of Clifton. It is a point-to-point route of roughly 0.9 miles, with a total elevation gain of 119 feet and a total loss of 191 feet, so it works well as a quick outing or a link between other trails in the area. The trail starts at about 914 feet and reaches a high point of 985 feet before descending. The steepest stretch comes early on, around 0.06 miles in, with a grade of about 11 percent. The route is rated easy, and the climb is gentle enough to fit into a longer day on foot. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Springfield run to highs around 73°F in May and 78°F in September, with July the warmest month at about 84°F. The trail sits close to several other routes. The South Gorge Trail and the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stagecoach Trail both lie about 0.1 mile away, and the Orton Trail is about 0.3 mile off. Climbers can find the Pink Area about 0.6 mile away.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Oct

    Best time to visit John L. Rich Trail

    Best months: July–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      36° / 19°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      40° / 20°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      50° / 28°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      63° / 38°

      13 wet

    5. May

      73° / 49°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      81° / 59°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 62°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 60°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 52°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      65° / 41°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      52° / 31°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      41° / 24°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Springfield Wtp, OH, 12.7 mi away at 951 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors