Enjoy a peaceful walk to the creek and the natural beauty of the Big Creek Valley.
Big Creek begins in the highlands near Chardon. Flowing through hardwood forests, hemlock ravines and over rocky ledges, it joins the Grand River near Painesville. Creekside trees and plants stabilize the bank, provide shade and cool the water. Insects and other invertebrates indicate a healthy environment and provide a variety of food for larger animals.
Abundant wildlife can be found in this valley, and the creek is well known for its clean water and fine steelhead fishing. Big Creek supports a variety of native fish, including shiners, stonerollers and darters. In the fall and into late winter, steelhead trout make their run here to spawn. Anglers will enjoy fishing along the banks of Big Creek.
Built in the 1820s, it witnessed many important events along Big Creek. It housed families who managed an iron furnace, sawmill and woolen mill that once operated here.
When Eber Howe was the mill owner, the house became a stop on the Underground Railroad and was locally given the name Liberty Hollow. From this site, escaped slaves traveled north to Painesville and crossed Lake Erie to “liberty.”
In the mid 1850s, the Drake family purchased the mill and continued to support the abolitionist cause here. The home and property changed hands several times during the 1900s before purchase by Lake Metroparks. Known as Howe Hollow, Liberty Hollow, Drake Hollow…all the same beautiful creek location with many stories to share.
To protect the health of anyone who eats Ohio-caught fish, an annual advisory for how often these fish can be safely eaten is prepared by the Ohio Department of Health in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Click here for more information.