Big Walnut Creek - Big Walnut Trail

Big Walnut Creek offers paddling opportunities along a developing trail system that extends through central Ohio from Hoover Reservoir in Westerville through Gahanna and Whitehall. This access point connects to the Big Walnut Trail, a growing greenway with currently 10.6 miles of paved pathway completed. The creek passage through this region features a mix of natural areas and developed sections, with Hoover Reservoir Park at the northern terminus offering boating, fishing, and nature preserve access for a full range of recreational activities.

Before paddling, consult the **Central Ohio Blueways** resource at https://www.morpc.org/tool-resource/central-ohio-blueways/ for current water conditions, specific access points, potential hazards, and safety information. This resource provides detailed guidance on where to legally and safely access the water for kayaking and canoeing. For additional questions about the area, contact the Corps office at 740-548-6151. The creek area is popular with bird watchers and those seeking nature-based recreation in the Columbus suburbs.

Overview
Alum Creek Lake is located in Delaware County, Ohio, just minutes north of Columbus. The lake provides an ideal location for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and hunting. A special events permit must be obtained if the shelter is used for commercial purposes, large groups that need more than 1 shelter, or if open areas around the shelter will be utilized. Contact the Corps Office at...

Overview
Alum Creek Lake is located in Delaware County, Ohio, just minutes north of Columbus. The lake provides an ideal location for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and hunting. A special events permit must be obtained if the shelter is used for commercial purposes, large groups that need more than 1 shelter, or if open areas around the shelter will be utilized. Contact the Corps Office at 740-548-6151 for more information. Recreation
Alum Creek Lake is known as one the best fishing lakes in the state. A wide variety of fish including white, rock, small and largemouth bass, bluegill, white and black crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, muskie and saugeye thrive in the lake.This spacious day-use area is also a popular spot for water sports and swimming. A boat ramp, large swimming beach and marina are all located nearby.
Facilities
Alum Creek offers three group day-use picnic shelters in the Below Dam Area. Each shelter is accessible, can accommodate up to 100 guests and offers electric hookups. Drinking water, tables and grills are provided. Flush toilets and playgrounds are on-site and the area has great access to fishing.

Individual sites with picnic tables and grills are scattered around the shelters and are available on a first come, first serve basis.

At the Visitor Center you will find interactive exhibits, programs, and a 48 seat theater to ensure that there is something for every member of the family. The visitor center is located 1 mile East of the Below Dam Recreation Area and Picnic Shelters! A friendly staff, maps and brochures are available to assist you at the Visitor Center.Natural Features
The lake is situated among gently rolling hills, where open meadows and wooded areas cover the shoreline. A variety of songbirds and waterfowl can be found in the area.
Nearby Attractions
Alum Creek State Park is adjacent, boasting a 3000-foot swimming beach, a marina with a variety of boat rentals and a large campground. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails meander through the park.

Other attractions near the lake include the Columbus Zoo, the Center of Science and Industry and the Olentangy Indian Caverns.

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