Clear Fork Gorge State Nature Preserve

Clear Fork Gorge is situated along the north bluff of the Clear Fork of the Mohican River. Out of the total of 29 acres in this Nature Preserve, the 8-acre white pine-hemlock forest community here is one of the best remaining woodlands like this in the state. Huge native white pines and eastern hemlocks grow on the steep sides of the gorge wall.  Other tree species include sycamore, beech, ash, tulip, oak and maple. 

The Clear Fork Gorge was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1967.  In addition, after passage of the Natural Areas Act in 1970, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources began the task of acquiring and dedicating State Nature Preserves. In 1976, the Natural Areas Act was amended to create the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. The 29 acres comprising the preserve were transferred from the Division of Parks and Watercraft to the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves in 1997.

Watch the special virtual forest dedication on April 22, 2020:

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