Breaking Trail, Clifton Mill and Covered Bridges

At the intersection of Ohio 235 and U.S. Route 68

I do my best to follow the blue blazes of the Buckeye Trail but sometimes I am tempted to break trail. This time it was the symbol for a covered bridge in the Delorme Atlas that beckoned me. 

Heading east on Brush Row Road to Stevenson Road I followed a winding road to a small stream and the Stevenson Road Bridge. There are not many of these old beauties left so when I can I try to see them all. After poking around the bridge a bit I meandered down a few side roads, not venturing too far from the BT, but exploring a bit and enjoying the gorgeous day.

Before heading into Yellow Springs, I decided to explore Historical Clifton.  Even if you are drowsy from a long day’s drive or ravished with hunger, your keen ability to recognize hints to this area's history surely will not fail you. The clue is as big, bold and red as it comes!

The streets may be quiet today with one noticeable hub of activity, but the town of Clifton, also called Davis Mills and Cliff Town, was once quite the thriving community. The swift running river made Clifton the ideal place to establish mills, many mills, from woolen mills to grain mills. One such woolen mill was built by Col. Robert Patterson. His mill supplied materials for the American army during the War of 1812. The Davis Mill now known as Clifton Mill, also produced meal and flour for the Civil War troops.

Soon other settlers moved to the village, many were veterans from the American Revolution  who were paid in land for their service. Many of the towns we have seen on our travels thus far boomed when the railroad came to town. Such is not the case for Clifton. Clifton was on the a major stagecoach line that ran from Springfield to Cincinnati (1827-1840), ‘The Accommodation Line’ and Clifton was not only a power house of mills, but a place to spend the night and socialize. All that came to an end with the advancement of the railroad which bypassed Clifton and siphoned away the travelers who opted for the swifter, smoother ride of the rail.

One mill still stands strong today, historic Clifton Mill (1802) an operating mill that, perhaps more importantly to today’s travelers and hungry hikers, has a fabulous restaurant. The mill is one of the country’s largest water powered grist mills still in existence. The mill is powered by a strong current of water that is funneled through a natural gorge. Owen Davis, A Revolutionary War soldier, saw the potential of the site and established a mill. Soon a saw mill and distillery were built and the village of Davis Mill was born.  More mills soon took advantage of the power of the  Little Miami River. Within a mile of the village a saw, paper, barrel, woolen and grist mill were established.

View of Clifton Mill from the covered bridge

After enjoying a hearty meal at the Clifton Mill, you may want to step inside the historic covered bridge that is on the property and take advantage of the spectacular view of the gorge and mill it offers. A log cabin and 1940's Gas Station Museum, completely stocked with original products rounds out the tour of the property. 

Many of the original buildings of the town are still standing, giving visitors a glimpse at an authentic pioneer village.