Big Darby Creek, Brook in Logan County, Ohio, United States.
Big Darby Creek is a waterway in central Ohio that runs through Union, Madison, and Franklin counties before joining the Scioto River. The creek flows through open meadows, woodland stretches, and flat farmland, giving it a varied character along its course.
Ohio designated Big Darby Creek as a Scenic River in 1984 to protect its natural character. A decade later, it was added to the national Wild and Scenic Rivers System, reinforcing the protections already in place.
Along the banks of Big Darby Creek, signs and information boards point out the rare freshwater mussels and fish that live in the water. Visitors walking the trail can sometimes spot fish near the surface, especially in the shallower stretches.
The Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park offers several access points and walking trails along the creek. Water levels can change depending on the season, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is a good choice if you plan to walk close to the bank.
Big Darby Creek looks like an ordinary stream, but it holds one of the most varied freshwater animal communities in the entire Midwest. Surveys have recorded more freshwater mussel species here than in many far larger rivers in the region.
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