Clear Creek is a tributary of the Hocking River. It starts in western Fairfield County and flows southwest into northern Hocking County. In the upper half of the creek's watershed was glaciated and currently has a large amount of agricultural land use. The lower half is part of the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau and is much more forested.

State Nature Preserve: Clear Creek is home to the state of Ohio's largest nature preserve, an area of 4,729 acres. The park is a popular destination for birding enthusiasts.

Clear Creek: Anglers can picnic alongside the stream and fish for bass and brown trout as well as enjoy fishing from two docks at Lake Ramona.

Clear Creek Valley is one of the most pristine and secluded natural areas in Central Ohio. Variations of land surfaces, soils and climates have produced a medley of habitats that harbor more than 800 plant species and 150 species of birds, many of them rare.

You may catch a glimpse of turkey, deer, ruffed grouse, coyote, black vultures or even see the traces of the elusive bobcat along the park's 12 miles of trails.

Centuries of glacial flooding have cut the valley through the Black Hand sandstone leaving an array of scenic cliffs and rugged rock formations overlooking the creek.

Oak and hickory forests interspersed with giant hemlocks and ferns, along with the last remaining Ohio colonies of rhododendron, provide the perfect backdrop or a getaway from city life.

Local Directions

Located approximately 7 miles south of Lancaster. Follow U.S. Rte 33 to Clear Creek Rd and proceed west 3.5 miles. The preserve includes land on both sides of Clear Creek and the adjacent Clear Creek Rd.