Big Creek Park in Chardon has quite a bit to recommend it, but it has one major issue: despite what is on the map and listed on Alltrails, there is no way to cross from the West side of the park to the East side of the path using the Highline Trail. There is an option to follow the Buckeye Trail but that entails a walk of about 1 mile on the roads surrounding the park.
On the West Side of the park is the Creek Trail, which is a nice hiking and bridal trail that is an out and back hike. The trail winds through the woods and has a couple of views of the creek; there are some decent hills and there is a very nice picnic plaza and pond at the Ravenna Road parking lot.
The East Side of the park is the main area with more options. There are about 3 miles of hiking trails, plus since the last time I was there they have added 6 miles of mountain bike trails; you can hike these trails as well, just make sure you are hiking the opposite direction the bikers are going and be alert and aware at all times. The mountain bike trails are great, winding through the woods with plenty of twists and some good elevation changes.
The park also has a number of reservable camp sites with tent pads, lean-tos and "tree houses". A cool opportunity to do some camping in the forest.
With the new mountain bike trails Big Creek offers some longer and more challenging hike opportunities and I will be back to do some more exploring. The Geauga Park district keeps making improvements to the park. Other then the issue with the Highline Trail there is a lot to enjoy getting out into nature. read more