While there are SO many great things to see in Yellow Springs, we are focusing on a few of the better known places along the Inman Trailtrail map at the Glen Helen Nature Preserve. Inman Trail is a 1.1 mile hike, commonly hiked by couples, families, photographers, and their four-footed friends.

Pompey’s Pillar
A natural rock formation created from glaciers freezing and thawing, this large pile of rocks split from the cliff above and made its way slowly down to where it is now. Although some people have marred it with graffiti (seriously, people?) this formation is an awesome sight along the trail.

The Grotto
A small, picturesque cave at the end of the wooden bridge, this grotto makes for great pictures.

The Cascades
With many viewing angles available, the Cascades Waterfall can be a great location for pictures. Because some people love to ruin it for others, a fence has been put up to prevent people from getting too close to the falls. This site is still beautiful to see, and definitely worth taking the stone steps to it.

Hopewell Indian Mound
This mound was built between BC 100 and AD 400 by Hopewell Indians and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. This mound can be easy to miss, located behind the Yellow Spring, to the side of the trail.

Stepping Stones
Stones placed in Birch Creek connect Inman Trail to both the Upper and Lower Birch Creek Trails. Depending on the weather, the water level and difficulty crossing can change.

Helen’s Stone
Dedicated to his daughter Helen Birch Bartlett, Hugh Taylor Birch donated the land to Antioch College in 1929. A stone not too far from the Cascades commemorates Helen and her father’s donation.

Glen Helen Raptor Center
Veer a little off the Inman trail and visit The Glen Helen Raptor Center, which doubles as an educational place for people to learn about birds of prey and a rehabilitation center for injured birds. Meet birds such as Sharpie, the Sharp Shinned Hawk unable to fly properly or Oliver, the Eastern Screech Owl who is missing toes and talons, or Woof, the Black Vulture named for the woofing noise he makes when disturbed.

The Yellow Spring
How can you visit Glen Helen without seeing the Yellow Spring? The namesake of the city, it gets its yellow/orange color from excess iron in the water. The water is regularly tested for purity and is safe to drink – but may have a metallic taste to it. Although it is safe to drink from the water at the Spring, it is not safe to drink from the other creeks throughout the Glen.

Interesting Note: Many hikers enjoy face painting with the small, iron-coated rocks in the creek bed leading away from the spring.