Big Run Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Run Park is a 747-acre park located in Franklin County, Ohio.


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Summary

There are several reasons to visit this park, including its beautiful natural setting, extensive trail system, and numerous recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. The park also has a disc golf course, playgrounds, and sports fields, making it a great place for families and individuals alike.

One of the main attractions in Big Run Park is the Big Run Trail, a 2.5-mile paved trail that connects to the larger Columbus Metro Parks trail system. Along the trail, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the park's natural habitats and wildlife. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the George and Christina Egenolf House, a restored 19th-century farmhouse.

In addition to its recreational offerings, Big Run Park is also known for its diverse ecosystem. The park includes wetlands, woodlands, and prairies, which provide habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can spot wildlife such as deer, foxes, and numerous bird species while exploring the park.

The best time of year to visit Big Run Park depends on personal preferences and the desired activities. Spring and fall are popular times to visit due to the mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. However, summer is also a great time to enjoy the park's water activities and outdoor events.

Overall, Big Run Park is a great destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun day out.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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