Stretched along more than 14 miles of the Big and Little Darby creeks, Battelle Darby Creek is the largest Metro Park with more than 6,700 acres of prairies, fields and forests. The Darby creeks are noted nationally for their tremendous diversity and abundance of both aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals. Designated state and national scenic rivers, Big and Little Darby Creek are home to 98 species of fish, five of which are endangered in Ohio. Forty-three species of freshwater mussels live in these waters, eight of which are on the Ohio endangered list. Metro Parks has restored about 350 acres of prairies using only seeds native to the Darby Plains. The entrance road to the Indian Ridge Picnic Area is a great place to enjoy the splendor of such beauties as purple coneflower, royal catchfly, prairie dock, big bluestem and other wildflowers and grasses. The park features more than 15 miles of trails and several scenic areas for picnicking.
 | | Cross-country skiing Hiking trails Pet trail Picnicking Canoeing SleddingNatural Play Area
| Fishing Hunting Ice-skating Nature programs Playground equipment Environmental study sites |
Indian Ridge Picnic Area: 2705 Darby Creek Drive, one mile south of the main entrance, just south of Alkire Road, on the right.
Public Hunting Area: Must have proper state and federal licenses to hunt all legal species. |
 |
 One reservable lodge and two reservable shelters. Osprey Lake: Anglers can fish for catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass for free at this 14-acre pond. Canoe and Fishing Access: Located off Alkire Road, outdoor enthusiasts can easily get into Big and Little Darby Creek to fish, canoe or kayak. Streamside Classroom: Metro Parks naturalists conduct free nature programs for school and youth groups. Natural Play Area: Kids and
adults can go off-trail and interact with nature in a more direct way
than usual, by climbing trees and rocks, digging in the dirt, playing
in streams and generally having fun.
|