Buck Creek  -  Southwest Ohio

 

Thomas P. Martin, Ph.D., FACSM

Professor                               

Health, Fitness and Sport Department        

Wittenberg University          

P.O. Box 720             

Springfield, OH  45501

(937) 327-6470 (work)

tmartin@wittenberg.edu

During August of 2006, Tom Martin, an Ohio Division of Watercraft Volunteer and professor at Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio and his son Chad collected information, canoed, and drove to bridges, access points, and other waypoints along Buck Creek in southwest Ohio.  Tom and Chad canoed Buck Creek from the Moorefield-Catawba Road bridge north of Buck Creek State Park to its confluence with the Mad River west of Springfield (10.3 miles), stopping to take notes, digital photos, and Global Positioning System (GPS) readings of waypoints along the route.

 

The purpose of this project was to correct and update the information on Buck Creek contained in the  pamphlet “Boating on Ohio’s Streams: Northwest & Southwest Regions,” which was published 05/06 by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft. 

 

The river miles used in this report are those established by the Miami Conservancy District, 38 E. Monument Ave., Dayton Ohio 45402, (937) 223-1271.  They were obtained from the following map: #21274, Springfield – Mutual Union Rd, dated 7/15/74.  The river miles begin at the point where Buck Creek enters the Mad River and proceed upstream. 

 

The Global Positioning System (GPS) data in this report was collected with a Garmin GPS 12 Personal Navigator.  This unit used WGS 84 map datum.  Bridge measurements were taken in the middle of the

upstream side of each bridge.  Other waypoints were measured as close to the described positions as possible.  Ninety five percent of the site measurements were checked on a second or third day to insure accuracy.

 

The recreational canoeist/kayaker should read related literature and personally check (scout) the section of river to be paddled before embarking on a trip.  River level should be checked and the weather forecast taken into consideration before starting a trip.  Extended rain and storms can raise the creek to a dangerous level.  Also, keep in mind that each storm can add or remove strainers (i.e. logs/trees across river) from the river.  Strainers are dangerous and should be avoided. A float plan including put-in and take-out points should be left with a responsible person along with an estimated time of return.

 

It is also recommended that you contact the U.S. Corps of Engineers at C.J. Brown Reservoir to get up to date information on current dam release (937) 325-2411 (Visitor Center).  During dry periods the release from the dam will be minimal resulting in low water levels on Buck Creek and the need to “drag” the boat in shallow areas.  Moderate dam release will produce conditions whereby paddling will be easier due to increased depth but it will also produce conditions where additional skill is needed to paddle Buck Creek.  Large or extended rainfall will result in a larger dam release – CAUTION is needed in paddling Buck Creek and only skilled/experienced paddlers should attempt a trip.  Flood conditions would produce a situation where no one should attempt to paddle Buck Creek.

 

Several “strainers” were encountered during our trip, including two trees that were completely across the creek.  Strainers always require caution, especially during high water.   Paddling skills are necessary to negotiate passageways and/or move to the riverbank for portage on Buck Creek.  Beginners should not attempt this trip.

 

Also, water quality may be of concern.  There are several Sewer Collection System Outfalls into Buck Creek.  Signs at many of these outfalls read: “Storms will elevate bacteria levels in the stream.  Avoid contact with water.  For information call 525-5800; CSO #038.”

 

Ohio boating law requires that there be a properly maintained Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board.  The PFD must fit the person for whom it is intended and

children under 10 MUST WEAR their PFDs at all times.   It is recommended that all paddlers wear their PFDs whenever on or near the water.

 

Be sure to lock all valuables in your trunk or take your vehicle to a secure area before launching your boat.  There have been documented vehicle break-ins at access points along the creek - so take reasonable precautions.

 

This report describes waypoints as of August 2006.  Keep in mind that, over time, bridges, dams and/or access points will be constructed as well as removed from the creek.

 

River Miles are given for each waypoint, that is, water distance from the mouth of Buck Creek to that waypoint.  River Miles to Access Points and Dams are given in red.  River Miles to other waypoints (e.g. bridges with no access, portage signs, etc.) are given in blue.

 

10.3  Moorefield-Catawba Rd bridge in New Moorefield, access river left, it is 0.2 mile by water to C.J. Brown Reservoir

GPS – N 39^o 59.525   W 83^o 42.878

Roadside Parking

 

10.1  Westco PA/IOCR – West Central Port Authority (formerly Conrail) RR bridge (old Penn Central and New York Central)

GPS – N 39^o 59.334   W 83^o 42.957

 

Buck Creek flows into, and forms, C.J. Brown Reservoir (2,120 acre lake) in Buck Creek State Park just S of the RR bridge.

 

 

Buck Creek State Park:

 

• From I70 – take Exit 62 and proceed W on U.S. 40 for 2.5 miles. Turn right (N) onto Bird Road and continue straight for 2.0 miles into park.  Bird Road becomes Buck Creek Lane after you cross Old Columbus Road (traffic light).  Get brochure/map at park office.

 

• From Springfield – take Home Rd E, it becomes Croft Rd after it crosses SR 4, continue for about one mile and make a left onto Robert Eastman Rd continue for  about one mile till it ends at Buck Creek Lane.  Make a left, enter park and get brochure/map at park office.  

 

There are five major points for canoe/kayak access to C.J. Brown Reservoir in Buck Creek State Park:

 

            10.1  Access from parking lot in New Moorefield; take SR 4 to Moorefield/Catawba Road,

            proceed E about 0.2 mile into New Moorefield and take Temple St south for 0.2 mile to a US

Army Corps of Engineers parking lot.  Path (about 50 yards) leads to easy access river right onto

Buck Creek just before (upstream of) RR bridge.  Buck Creek flows into C.J. Brown Reservoir

just downstream of RR bridge.

GPS – N 39^o 59.331   W 83^o 42.963

Parking Lot

 

2.8 mile paddle to Spillway portage OR Lake View Recreation Area portage

 

Access off Grant Road, in Buck Creek State Park, 0.6 mile S of Moorefield/Catawba Road, take gravel road 0.2 mile west to parking area

GPS – N 39^o 58.976   W 83^o 42.610

Parking Lot

 

            2.6 mile paddle to Spillway portage OR Lake View Recreation Area portage

 

Marina Access in Buck Creek State Park

GPS – N 39^o 57.361   W 83^o 43.280

Parking Lot

Restrooms

Picnicking

Water

Food

 

1.8 mile paddle to Spillway portage

1.5 mile paddle to Lake View Recreation Area portage

 

Boat Ramp Access at end of Buck Creek Lane in Buck Creek State Park

GPS – N 39^o 57.182   W 83^o 43.775

Parking Lot

Restrooms

Picnicking

Water

 

1.3 mile paddle to Spillway portage

1.0 mile paddle to Lake View Recreation Area portage

 

Lake View Recreation Area Access, W end of dam

GPS – N 39^o 57.309   W 83^o 44.752

Parking Lot

Restrooms

Picnicking

Water

 

            0.7 mile portage by road from here to Prairie View Recreation Area put-in on Buck Creek behind

restroom

 

7.6  N end of Spillway Inlet – paddle S into inlet

GPS – N 39^o 57.592   W 83^o 44.785

                                                         

 

7.3  SE end of Spillway Inlet

GPS – N 39^o 57.393   W 83^o 45.045

 

Land at SE end of Spillway inlet for 0.5 mile portage.  Take gravel path to east side of Spillway.  Go up and over left side of Spillway and proceed down grassy slope and across prairie to Prairie View Recreation Area off of Overlook Drive for put-in on Buck Creek behind restroom.

 

 

 

7.0  DAM (72 ft) C. J. Brown Dam (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), Buck Creek State Park; restricted area on reservoir North of Dam Tower (water inlet) – No Boats Allowed. 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

C.J. Brown Dam and Reservoir

2630 Croft Road

Springfield, OH  45503-2515

(937) 325-2411 (Visitor Center)

Brochure/map available at Visitor Center

 

 

Dam Outlet is below tower.

GPS – N 39^o 56.932   W 83^o 44.861

 

 

Foot bridge 0.2 mile downstream from outlet 

GPS – N 39^o 57.023   W 83^o 45.070

 

 

6.8  LOW HEAD DAM (7 ft – plus metal stakes up to 1 ½ ft tall projecting up from top of dam)

is just downstream from foot bridge

GPS – N 39^o 57.035   W 83^o 45.127   

 

 

Fishing access only from 72 ft Dam to Low Head Dam in tailwater area – NO BOATS.  Horn

sounds for dam release – beware of rapid rise in water level. Parking Lot (off Croft (Home) Road)

 

 

6.8  Prairie View Recreation Area on Overlook Drive just N of Croft Road, access river right

GPS – N 39^o 57.080   W 83^o 45.166

Parking Lot

Restrooms

Picnicking

Water

 

6.6  Croft Road bridge Access river left downstream side of bridge in Old Reid Park

GPS – N 39^o 57.006   W 83^o 45.374

Parking Lot

Restrooms

Picnicking

Water

 

Stones across most of creek, also, drainage pipe from Old Reid Park river left

GPS – N 39^o 56.907   W 83^o 45.483

 

 

Drainage Pipe from Old Reid Park river left, water entering creek

GPS – N 39^o 56.845   W 83^o 45.479

 

 

Tree all the way across creek

 

 

6.1  Old RR (New York Central) bridge abutments both sides of creek

GPS – N 39^o 56.589   W 83^o 45.661

 

5.9  Beaver Creek enters Mad River river left.  There is an access point on Beaver Creek 0.2 mile upstream (E) below dam in Old Reid Park 

GPS – N 39^o 56.483   W 83^o 45.643

 

            DAM (4 ft then 3 ft drop) on Beaver Creek.  North access point at dam is 0.8

mile S of Croft Rd in Old Reid Park.  Sign on Croft Rd states:

                        Wiggley Field

                        Old Reid Park

                        Entrance

            There is another sign on Croft Rd which states Entrance Beaver Lake, which is a

fishing lake adjacent to the dam

 

 

For south access point at dam, take Columbus Ave in Springfield NE to

Pumphouse Rd, turn left and proceed 0.2 mile N to dam in Old Reid Park. Both

sides of dam have parking lots and picnicking.  The Buck Creek Scenic Trail

bridge crosses Beaver Creek just below dam.

 

Sewer Collection System Outfall river left just upstream from RR bridge, Buck Creek Trail bridge goes over it   GPS – N 39^o 56.243   W 83^o 46.190

 

5.4  Westco PA/IOCR – West Central Port Authority (formerly Conrail) RR bridge (old Penn Central and New York Central)

GPS – N 39^o 56.259   W 83^o 46.210

 

There are at least 3 concrete surfaces underwater between RR bridge and Ledge Drop.  They are flat and do not present a problem. 

 

5.2  LEDGE DROP (3-4 ft) over dolomite outcrop at site of old International Harvester plant.  Portage river right.  There may be a passable chute river left.

GPS – N 39^o 56.310   W 83^o 46.471 (upstream river left start of Ledge Drop)

GPS – N 39^o 56.322   W 83^o 46.489 (downstream river right start of Ledge Drop and portage)

 

 

 

4.9  N Belmont Ave bridge in Springfield, Lagonda Park is river right from Belmont bridge to Simon Kenton Trail bridge.  

GPS – N 39^o 56.330   W 83^o 46.668

 

Creek/drainage enters river right just downstream from bridge.

 

4.4  Lagonda Park Access river right; turn S off of Mitchell Blvd at sign for Carleton Davidson (formerly Municipal) Stadium [sign is on N side of Mitchell Blvd].  Drive around the stadium and go to the E parking lot.

GPS – N 39^o 56.280   W 83^o 47.140

Parking Lot

 

STOP – Danger Dam Ahead Take-Out Sign river right near Carleton Davidson (formerly Municipal) Stadium, however, there is not a portage path.  Portage downstream river left just before dam.

 

 

Creek/drainage enters river right just before Simon Kenton Trail bridge.

 

4.3  Simon Kenton Trail bridge 

GPS – N 39^o 56.231   W 83^o 47.417

 

4.2  DAM (3ft), portage river left, 0.1 mile downstream from Simon Kenton Trail bridge

GPS – N 39^o 56.217   W 83^o 47.463

 

 

Tree all the way across creek between Dam and Sherman Ave bridge (August 2006)

 

3.7  Sherman Ave bridge, emergency access river right

GPS – N 39^o 55.841   W 83^o 47.757

 

3.5  Old Railroad bridge abutment river right

GPS – N 39^o 55.716   W 83^o 47.827

 

3.3  Water St bridge

GPS – N 39^o 55.682   W 83^o 48.098

 

3.0  Pipe (about 8” diameter - electrical?), top half exposed above bottom of creek, crosses creek just upstream from Spring St bridge

 

 

3.0  Spring St bridge SR 72

GPS – N 39^o 55.673   W 83^o 48.377

 

2.9  N Limestone St bridge, emergency access river right

GPS – N 39^o 55.735   W 83^o 48.468

 

Large pipe crossing creek just upstream from N Fountain Ave bridge – pipe is well above bank and no problem for navigation

 

2.8  N Fountain Ave bridge

GPS – N 39^o 55.767   W 83^o 48.583

 

 

 

2.8  DAM/SPILLWAY (4-5 ft), just downstream from Fountain Ave bridge, portage river right.  Twelve year old boy drowned here June 2, 2006.  Access from Springfield Museum of Art parking lot in Veterans Park (formerly Cliff Park).

GPS – N 39^o 55.711   W 83^o 48.700

Parking Lot 

 

 

2.6  Bridge abutment river right for old Wittenberg Ave bridge which no longer exists

 

2.3  N Plum St bridge (old gauging station)

GPS – N 39^o 55.923   W 83^o 49.009

 

Snyder Park is river left from Plum St bridge to U.S. 40 bridge

 

2.0  PORTAGE in Snyder Park river left  0.3 mile downstream from Plum St bridge.  Sign at left bank states STOP Danger Dam Ahead Take Out.  Portage 0.1 mile over RR tracks and past Conrail RR bridge.

GPS – N 39^o 56.008   W 83^o 49.322

Roadside Parking

 

 

1.9  DAM (5 ft)

GPS – N 39^o 56.002   W 83^o 49.400

 

 

1.9   Conrail RR Trestle just downstream from Dam

GPS – N 39^o 55.985   W 83^o 49.452

 

1.3  Bechtle Ave bridge

GPS – N 39º 56.043   W 83º 50.031

 

1.2  Snyder Park Dr bridge, green iron bridge

GPS – N 39^o 56.017   W 83^o 50.216

 

Drainage river left from outlet of Snyder Park Pond, about 50 yds west of park maintenance building, can be seen at road level

GPS – N 39^o 55.930   W 83^o 50.334

 

 

0.6  Pipe (about 8” diameter - electrical?), top half exposed above bottom of creek, crosses creek

GPS – N 39^o 55.944   W 83^o 50.559

 

 

0.3  Snyder Park Access river left at shelter house; 0.1 mile N of U.S. 40 on Snyder Park Dr

GPS – N 39^o 55.674   W 83^o 50.884

Parking Lot

Restrooms

Picnicking

Water

 

0.2  U.S. 40 – two bridges

GPS – N 39^o 55.570   W 83^o 50.870

 

0.0  Mouth of Buck Creek where it enters Mad River (Ohio Edison plant)

GPS – N 39^o 55.465   W 83^o 51.105