Lewis Center and nearby Alum Creek State Park shelter some of Ohio’s largest trees. Lewis Center’s woods hide something special: ohio champion trees lewis center ohio champion trees that tower above everything else. In fact, the forests around Lewis Center and Alum Creek host multiple state champion trees – the absolute biggest known specimens of their species in Ohio. For example, the Eastern Cottonwood in Alum Creek State Park (near Cheshire & Africa Rd.) is legendary – it’s Ohio’s largest cottonwood (and the second-largest tree in the state). In this 2026 guide, we’ll explain what champion trees are, spotlight the Lewis Center giants, and share where to find and appreciate these natural marvels.
What Are Champion Trees?
Champion trees are simply the largest known examples of each species in a given area. Ohio’s Big Tree Program (run by the Department of Natural Resources) maintains the list of champions. A point score determines the champion: Circumference (inches) + Height (feet) + ¼ × Crown Spread (feet). Any tree that tops the scoreboard for its species becomes the state champion. For instance, the Alum Creek Eastern Cottonwood measures about 380 inches around and 122 ft tall, giving it 527 points – no other cottonwood in Ohio beats that. In practice, ohio champion trees lewis center ohio champion trees are just the big-tree royalty: giants you can’t overlook.
Champion programs date back to 1940; citizens nominate big trees and experts verify the measurements. These programs are popular because they combine science with discovery. For example, in Lewis Center the champion Cottonwood at Alum Creek has been documented with precise measurements. In summary: What are champion trees? They are the record-holders – the trees with the highest points in Ohio for their species.
Notable Champion Trees in Lewis Center Area
In the Lewis Center region, ohio champion trees lewis center ohio champion trees include some truly remarkable specimens:
Eastern Cottonwood
This famous tree stands near Cheshire Rd and Africa Rd within Alum Creek SP. It’s enormous – roughly a 380-inch circumference, 122 ft height, and 102.9 ft crown spread, for 527 points. That makes it Ohio’s largest cottonwood and one of the state’s top-scoring trees. (By comparison, Ohio’s largest tree overall is an American Sycamore with 561 points.) The Alum Creek Cottonwood is even noted as a national co-champion contender. Visitors can park at Alum Creek’s marina and follow the Cheshire Loop trail to see this multi-trunk giant.
Black Walnut
Located on private land near Lewis Center, this tree is the biggest black walnut in Ohio. It measures 211 inches around and is about 103 ft tall with a 102.8 ft crown (totaling 340 points). American Forests notes this is the largest live walnut recorded in the state. The stout, straight trunk and many deep ridges of walnut bark mark its presence in a woodland. This tree’s nut-rich canopy feeds wildlife and its timber-quality wood makes it especially valuable.
Common Pawpaw
The pawpaw is Ohio’s native fruit tree, and one around Lewis Center shares the state champion title. It’s much smaller than the oak or cottonwood champions – roughly 54 inches circumference and 23 ft tall (84 points). Even so, it ties for Ohio’s largest pawpaw. These understory trees in Delaware County floodplains produce edible custard-like fruits each fall. Seeing a cluster of budding pawpaws along a trail (e.g. Highbanks or Alum Creek paths) means you’ve likely found the champion pawpaw stand.
White Oak
While not all have official state records, Lewis Center area white oaks are massive. Many measure 250+ points (circumferences >250″). For context, Ohio’s largest white oak scores 426 points in Athens County. Local lore and park guides point out 300+ year-old oaks in Highbanks Metro Park. These oaks have trunks easily 200–300 inches around and spreading crowns that define the skyline. They’re less flashy than the cottonwood but no less impressive, and they dominate local oak-hickory forests. (In fact, oak-hickory is Ohio’s most common forest type, covering ~63% of woodlands.)
American Sycamore
Ohio’s champion American Sycamore is in Ashland (561 points), but Delaware County has its own massive sycamores. Along Alum Creek and in park ravines, sycamore trunks often exceed 300″. These smooth, mottled-bark giants remind us that sycamores can outgrow nearly anything else. (For reference, Ohio’s second-largest tree overall – the Alum Creek Eastern Cottonwood – still trails the champion sycamore’s score.) Keep an eye out for very broad-buttressed trunks near water; those are likely old sycamores.
Visiting Lewis Center’s Champion Trees
Several local parks and preserves make it easy to admire ohio champion trees lewis center ohio champion trees responsibly:
- Alum Creek State Park (Richmond Township) – Trails around the marina and reservoir (Cheshire Road entrance) pass by the champion Cottonwood. Friendly signage points out “Big Tree Trail” and picnic areas. In spring and summer you’ll find pollen-bearing catkins (cottonwood’s flowers) covering the ground around it.
- Highbanks Metro Park (Delaware County) – The Overlook and Highbanks Trails showcase old-growth oaks. Look for marked “Big Oak” trees and impressive beech/oak stands. Hikes often mention the “Champion Grove,” a cluster of elders. Even though it’s just outside Lewis Center city limits, it’s where locals photograph the tallest oaks around.
- Preservation Parks of Delaware Co. – Farms and neighborhoods aside, places like Gallant Woods, Hogback Ridge, and Deer Haven Park protect mature woods. These parks boast dense hardwood forests – look for tulip poplars (Ohio’s state tree), buckeyes, and hardy shrubs. Trail maps sometimes highlight big maples or hickories. These preserves let you wander among the woodlands that produce champion trees without getting lost.
- Delaware State Park (north of Powell) – The wooded hiking trails around the reservoir carry large chestnuts, oaks, and beeches. The quiet trails mean you’ll often find a huge tree when no one else is around.
When visiting, remember the “Leave No Trace” rules around champion trees:
- Stay on paths to avoid compacting roots.
- Don’t carve or lean heavy signs/ladders on the trunk.
- Keep distance to preserve the root zone.
Local ranger programs and hiking clubs often offer “big tree walks.” The Ohio forestry division encourages nominating new champions, so you might even meet volunteers measuring trees. With binoculars or a smartphone app, you can estimate height and circumferences (though official validation is by professionals). By autumn, these champion forests also glow in yellow and orange – a perfect time to admire leaf color.
Champion Trees Matter
Why fuss over ohio champion trees lewis center ohio champion trees? Because they are living history and ecological cornerstones. Big trees store massive amounts of carbon dioxide, cool the air, and shade ponds and playgrounds. They are veteran homes for cavity-nesting birds, squirrels, and even salamanders. Each champion has survived storms, pests, and land development; this resilience is inspiring. These trees also offer a tangible link to the past – some started growing around the time Ohio became a state!
For people, champion trees are natural landmarks. Standing next to a 100-foot-tall champion tree is humbling. Communities use them to teach science (you can literally count growth rings to age them) and as symbols of conservation. In Lewis Center, protecting these champions means protecting part of Ohio’s forest heritage.
So next time you’re in Alum Creek or Highbanks, remember to look up. That giant tree is one of Lewis Center’s ohio champion trees lewis center ohio champion trees, a living legend. Appreciate its size, snap a respectful photo, and maybe consider volunteering to help nominate future champions. After all, these trees are treasures to enjoy and safeguard for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are champion trees?
Champion trees are the largest known specimens of each tree species in a region. In Ohio, a champion is determined by a point system: (circumference in inches) + (height in feet) + (¼ × crown spread in feet). The tree with the highest total points for its species becomes the state champion and is officially recorded by the Ohio DNR. In Lewis Center, for example, the Champion Eastern Cottonwood’s measurements (380″ around, 122 ft tall) give it the highest score of any cottonwood in the state.
Where is the biggest tree in Ohio?
Ohio’s single largest known tree is an American Sycamore in Ashland County, with 561 points (436-inch circumference, 100 ft tall). The second-largest tree in Ohio is the Lewis Center-area Eastern Cottonwood (527 points).
What is the most common tree in Ohio?
Ohio’s forests are dominated by oak-hickory types, covering about 63% of the state’s woodlands. Oaks and hickories are widespread, and Red Maple is also extremely common across Ohio due to its adaptability.
What is the best tree to grow in Ohio?
Hardy native trees grow best in Ohio’s climate. Popular choices include Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Northern Red Oak, American Beech, Tulip (Yellow Poplar), and River Birch. These trees provide shade, fall color, and strong growth. The best choice depends on your soil, sunlight, and available space.
How are champion trees measured?
Champion trees are measured using circumference (at 4½ ft above ground), height, and average crown spread. The formula used is: circumference + height + ¼ crown spread. Official champions must be verified by forestry professionals through Ohio’s DNR Big Tree Program.
