I’m always up for an outdoor adventure with my kids and love exploring new-to-us places as a family. We have quite a few favorite parks and preserves in our corner of the Buckeye State, of course, but one of the best things about living in Ohio is that you’re never more than a few hours’ drive from anywhere. Today’s adventure brings us to the heart of the state, where the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) just opened its newest state nature preserve. Pack up the car and grab your hiking shoes; let’s explore Ohio’s newest nature preserve: Little Darby State Scenic River Preserve.

Central Ohio is best-known for its fertile farmland and bucolic beauty, but there's so much more to this region than cornfields and countryside.
Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves/Facebook
This region, in fact, is known for its incredible biodiversity and variety of ecosystems; it's a veritable Garden of Eden waiting to be discovered.
Darby Creek Association/Facebook
The waters of this region are especially glorious and life-giving; for instance, Big & Little Darby Creeks are among the top streams in biological quality in Ohio and the Midwest. These waters in Ohio's "Corn Belt" support a variety of native flora and fauna; it's an extraordinary expanse of undiscovered beauty and wonder.
Darby Creek Association/Facebook
Ohio's newest state nature preserve celebrates this unique region, inviting curious souls and adventure-seekers to hike and explore at Little Darby Creek State Nature Preserve.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources/Facebook

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Little Darby Creek State Nature Preserve in Madison County is Ohio's 144th state nature preserve. It was dedicated in June 2023 and is comprised of 430 acres of high-quality stream corridor that feeds into the Little Darby State and National Scenic River.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources/Facebook
The site features a heavily wooded corridor along the river as well as prairie remnants and wetlands. It's a treasure trove of wildlife; the federally endangered clubshell mussel is among the aquatic species that live in Little Darby Creek.
Darby Creek Association/Facebook
Of course, more common Buckeye State creatures thrive here, too; the Northern green frog is among the most abundant frog species in Ohio, so keep an eye out for these little guys when you go!
Darby Creek Association/Facebook
Eyes open and devices stowed away, what will you discover when you visit Ohio's newest nature preserve?
Sarah McCosham, OnlyInYourState

Did you know about this brand-new addition to the ODNR? We are lucky to have a robust state parks system here in the Buckeye State, and Ohio’s newest nature preserve is definitely a welcome addition to the roster! Visit the Friends of Madison County Parks & Trails website for directions and more information about the Little Darby State Scenic River Preserve.

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Little Darby Creek, Pleasant Township, OH 43119, USA