There is a grass parking area at Hickory Ridge. One can continue walking and birding east along Hickory Ridge Road toward Eagle Creek itself, but driving further east on Hickory Ridge Road from the parking area is not recommended. The road to the east of the parking area quickly becomes narrow, unmaintained, deeply rutted, and is eventually blocked by a gate. It is extremely difficult to turn around on. This makes it a good road to bird by foot. It becomes more of a traditional walking trail beyond (east of) the gate.

Eagle Creek Wildlife Area is about 1,825 acres in southwest Brown County It’s 4 miles north of Ripley. The land is mainly timbered, with grassland fields in the bottoms along a 4-mile stretch of Eagle Creek. Wild turkey and white-tailed deer are abundant, with bobcat and bald eagle present as well.

The property is also home to a diverse bat population including endangered and threatened species. Female bats were also captured, indicating the property is an important location for maternity colonies raising the next generation of bats.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) officials have worked for years with the Robert Perin family to acquire the property and the ODNR Division of Wildlife closed the $4.1 million sale in December. The Perins wanted to keep the family farms together in memory of their father and for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

The area will allow hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.