Big Creek Park 9160 Robinson Road Chardon Township

Big Creek Park is a 642-acre wooded tract in Chardon Township. Scenic Big Creek bisects the park from south to north, and with its many tributaries creates a landscape of varied relief. It is Geauga Park District's intent to protect this natural area in perpetuity.

History
Habitats
Facilities
Fishing
Trails
Download the trail map
Directions to Big Creek Park

History
In 1926, Samuel Livingston Mather purchased almost 1,000 acres of land in Chardon Township with hopes of creating a high-class resort. The onset of the Depression, however, shattered his dreams.

Because of Mather's desire to see the area preserved, 505 acres were donated to the State of Ohio in 1955. After the park's creation, newly-formed Geauga Park District entered into a lease agreement with the state in 1965. Several adjoining parcels were later acquired to bring the total to 642 acres. In 1990, the state officially transferred ownership of the leased portion to the Park District.

Habitats
Most of the park is forested with a rich beech-maple woods, which are carpeted with colorful wildflowers each spring. Numerous species of songbirds migrate from the tropics to nest in this mature forest, which also shelters many kinds of woodland animals among the trees.

The uplands are divided by small streams, exposing the glacial deposits and bedrock in their ravines. Where the valley of Big Creek narrows, hemlock trees line the cool steep slopes. Distinctive plant species are found on the clay slumps and among flood plain areas.

photo provided by Sylvia Neptune

Facilities
The Donald W. Meyer Center is a focal point of the park. With exhibits, classrooms, a wildlife feeding area, and an outdoor amphitheater, this visitors center offers unique opportunities to appreciate the natural history of Geauga County.

Throughout the year, camping is available by permit at two primitive camp sites. We will provide a reasonable quantity of firewood for your camping experience, please use it conservatively.

The Aspen Grove, Deep Woods and Maple Grove picnic shelters can be reserved.  Read more about reserving shelters 

Fishing
Fishing for bluegill and bass can be enjoyed on the Chestnut, Wild Goose and Tupelo ponds. Fish may be taken only with rod and reel or cane pole; a current Ohio fishing license is required in accordance with state regulations. Boating and wading are not permitted, nor is collecting live bait. Geauga Park District encourages catch-and-release practices to help maintain a balanced and healthy fish population.

DJ Hendrickson

Trails
A 6.4-mile network of trail loops in the vicinity of the picnic and parking areas provide a variety of options for exploring the forest on foot.  Download the trail map

The Creek and Highline trails are designed for horseback riding. The paved Cascade and Ruth Kennan trails provide access for people of all abilities. Trails appropriate for cross-country skiing are marked.

A section of the statewide Buckeye Trail passes through Big Creek Park.

Karen Morgan

Directions
Click below for a map from Mapquest®.

From I-90: Exit I-90 at Route 44. Travel south 3.2 miles to Clark Road. Turn east onto Clark Road, and travel 2 miles. Turn right onto Robinson Road. Travel .8 mile to park entrance.

From I-422: Exit I-422 at Route 44. Travel north 14 miles to Chardon Square. Continue around Chardon Square to North Street. Travel north 1.2 miles to Woodin Road. Turn east onto Woodin Road, travel .8 mile to Robinson Road. Turn north, travel 1 mile on Robinson Road to park entrance.