Chance a beautiful getaway

After a few frustrating minutes of searching, they finally found the trail and scrambled down the somewhat steep decline past foreboding poison ivy and stinging nettles. The scene that opened up before them as they reached the bottom of the hill was awe-inspiring. Sun rays streamed through orange and yellow-tipped leaves and bounced off of an ancient rusty bridge, water trickling by underneath. Chance Creek. They had finally found it after years of hearing everyone else's exciting tales.

Scenes like this have been repeated for decades as students have taken advantage of the resources that Chance Creek offers. The College acquired the 67 acres surrounding the creek in 1929 for education and recreational purposes. Until it burned down in 1950, a lodge on the land was used by male students and faculty for playing fields and camping, while women used Ladies Grove.

Ecology, Geology, Field Botany and other natural science classes use the area for field research and trips. A new lodge is also available for overnight stays.

Six years ago the College sold the creek to Lorain County Metro Parks in an effort to extend protection of the area along the Vermilion River. Students, however, are still freely allowed access.

"I don't know any other place this side of Cleveland that has such a high quality of natural habitat," said Associate Professor of Biology Roger Laushman, who takes his classes to the creek for research.

The creek is protected on both sides by high shale cliffs. The concentration of shale has prohibited the land around the creek to be used for agriculture. With only two small towns up river, the only human interruption is the occasional airplane that passes overhead.

Blue jays, kingfishers, frogs, minnows, raccoons and deer are only a few of the positive indicators of a healthy environment for those interested in ecology. But the stream also attracts casual day-trippers.

"It has been a very popular place for decades," said Laushman. "It is a refreshing place to go."

There is a renowned water hole and tire swing, and many opportunities to hike along the creek. The swing is located at the bottom of a steep trail that begins at a high overlook.The most popular place to swim is over the bridge and down a trail along the Vermilion River.

"I went with my Bio 120 class last year to study jack-in-the-pulpits," said sophomore Lindsey Schromen. "My favorite part is looking down at Chance Creek and the Vermilion River at the same time with a little island in-between," said Schromen. "It's beautiful."

While many students know of two entrances to the creek, only one is permitted, the Vermilion Road entrance. The other is private property and the owners wish it not to be used. To get there take 511 West and turn right onto Vermilion. Turn left into a short driveway before a white farmhouse and past Miller Orchards, which offers hot apple cider and treats for taking down with you. For more information pick up a direction sheet in Wilder Hall.

Finding the trailhead can be an adventure of its own. After parking, the trail begins a few yards to the right of the driveway. It is somewhat hidden from view by branches, but lies directly behind the farmhouse's backyard.

For more information about the natural history of the creek one can read "A Place On the Glacial Till," by Thomas Sherman a retired Oberlin professor of Biology. The book studies natural and human history all over the world and begins with Chance Creek.

Frolicking in the woods: Oberlin students took time out from their busy schedules to wander and explore the wilderness surrounding hidden, but accessible, Chance Creek. (photo by McKenzie Campbell)