Columbus Metro Parks in Fairfield County, Ohio

Clear Creek State Nature Preserve

Intro ||Trails || Directions || Map || Events

The Clear Creek Valley is a special scientific, scenic and geological area. Virtually undeveloped for over 5 miles, this wooded natural area is one of the finest remaining stream valleys left in Ohio. It is the state of Ohio's largest nature preserve, an area of 4,729 acres. The park is a popular destination for birding enthusiasts.

More than 800 vascular plants species are recorded here along with at least 18 nesting warblers.

Marked trails are available for hiking.

Programs at Creekside Meadow parking area Hocking C.R. 116 and Good Hope Twp Rd. 117 unless otherwise stated.

Clearcreek Hiking Trails

Intro || Trails || Directions || Map || Events

Creekside Meadow Trail West 1.1 miles; East 0.8 miles; moderate to difficult
Mowed trails following the banks of Clear Creek through open meadows. The West section leads to the Hemlock trailhead or hikers can go another half mile and connect with the Fern Trail. The East section is a short loop and meets up with the Cemetery Trail across Clear Creek Road. These are easy sections of trail where one may see meadowland birds, flowers and butterflies.

Cemetery Ridge Trail 2.5 miles; moderate to difficult
Climbs about 700 feet through a narrow woodland trail, then follows a grassy service road and mowed trail across an open meadow ridge top and connects with the Fern Trail. Not a loop.

Fern Trail 2.1 miles; moderate to difficult
Narrow rugged trail through a hardwood forest, a hemlock ravine and native pines. Climbs steadily for about a mile. Hikers have the option of taking off on the Hemlock or Cemetery trails from the ridge top. Fern Trail is a loop trail and will descend back down along a steep ridge that overlooks Clear Creek Valley.

Hemlock Trail 1.5 miles; difficult
Narrow path over rocky terrain and sandstone outcroppings through ravines and ridge tops in the forest. Connects with Fern Trail and Cemetery Ridge trails to give access to Fern and Creekside Meadows picnic areas.

Chestnut Trail 3 miles; difficult
Connects the eastern section of the park trail system with Barnebey-Hambleton trails on the west. Skirts picturesque valleys, sandstone formations and forested ridges. Passes through oak-hickory, South Appalachian oak forest. Trail not a loop.

Prairie Warbler Trail 0.9 miles; easy to moderate
Crosses a rolling hilltop and goes along the edges of the woods and a western prairie; ties in with the Tulip Tree Trail.

Tulip Tree Trail 0.75 miles; easy to moderate
Short woodland loop trail along a rolling hillside with an abundance of squirrel, deer and wild turkey.

Lake Trail 0.75 miles; moderate to difficult
Crosses woodlands along old trails; connects to a water level observation

Directions to Clear Creek Metro Park (4,935 acres)

Intro ||Trails || Directions || Map || Events

Address: 185 Clear Creek Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149
Location: Northern Hocking & Southern Fairfield Counties
Directions: From 1-270, take U.S. 33 east toward Lancaster about 31 miles. From Lancaster, continue on U.S. 33 south about seven miles to Clear Creek Road (State Route 116). Turn right on Clear Creek Road. Picnic areas, facilities and trails are located along Clear Creek Road for the next seven miles.
Map

Hours of Operation

March to May 6:30 a.m. to dusk.

June 2010

June 12, 1 p.m. Fabulous Ferns
Learn about some of Clear Creek's ferns on a 1-mile hike. Meet at the Fern Parking Lot.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

June 13, Beginning Fly Fishing
Bring your gear and learn the basics of fly fishing. Reservations x 14331. Meet at the Park Office.
Call 614-508-8111 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

June 19, Night Life Hike
Explore your senses and learn about nature on a 1-mile hike. Meet at the Barnebey-Hambleton Picnic Area.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

July 2010

Jul. 11, 8 a.m. Sunday in the Stream
Learn about fish and other critters that live on Clear Creek. Wade on the creek to see them up close with Kelly Capuzzo, water quality environmentalist from Ohio EPA. Meet at the Park Office.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

Jul. 17, 2 p.m. SSSSSnakes
See live snakes and learn all about them. Meet at the Mathis Log Cabin.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

Jul. 17, 8 p.m. Family Sing-along Campfire
Sing songs round the campfire with musician Joanie Calem. Rain Date scheduled for July 18 at 7 p.m. Meet at the Mathis Log Cabin.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

Jul. 18, 1 p.m. Let's Make a Walking Stick
Learn to make a walking stick. Meet at the Park Office.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

Jul. 31, 6 p.m. Canine Hike
Enjoy a rugged 1.5-mile hike with your dog. Meet at the Park Office.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

August 2010

Aug 1, Intermediate Fly Fishing
Take your fly fishing to the next level and learn about game fish living in Clear Creek. Reservations x 14334. Meet at the Park Office.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

Aug. 7, 10 a.m. 20th Annual Creek Cleanup
Help with the annual stream and park cleanup and share a picnic potluck. Meet at the Park Office.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

Aug. 8, noon - 3 p.m. Lake Emily Special
Take a rugged 1-mile off-trail hike and enjoy fishing and canoeing at Lake Emily. Meet at the Park Office.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

Aug. 28, Bats Amazing
Watch bats return home after an evening of feasting. Meet at the Barnebey-Hambleton Picnic Area.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

Aug. 29, 3 p.m. Grandparents and Grandchildren: Butterflies
Learn about butterflies and work together to catch and release them. Meet at the Park Office.
Call 614-891-0700 M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.