Ohio’s landscape is defined by its canopy, but among the millions of trees that blanket the state, a select few stand as record-breakers. These are the titans of the forest, recognized under the Ohio Champion Tree Program for their extraordinary scale and resilience. As of 2026, the program continues to document these living landmarks, providing a framework for both conservationists and nature enthusiasts to appreciate the state's most impressive botanical specimens.

Understanding the Ohio Champion Tree Program

The Ohio Champion Tree Program is a voluntary effort managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry. Since its inception, mirroring the national efforts started by American Forests in 1940, the program has sought to locate, measure, and record the largest individual of every native and naturalized tree species in the state.

Being named a "State Champion" does not grant a tree legal protection or change its ownership status, but it does place it on an official registry that highlights its ecological importance. The list is dynamic; as new giants are discovered or as old champions succumb to the elements, the rankings shift. This ensures that the record always reflects the most current state of Ohio’s forests.

The Science of Measurement: The Point System

A tree isn't crowned a champion simply by looking tall. The Ohio Champion Tree Program uses a standardized formula developed by American Forests to ensure a fair comparison across different species and growth forms. This formula combines three distinct physical dimensions into a single point score:

Total Points = Trunk Circumference (inches) + Height (feet) + 1/4 of the Average Crown Spread (feet)

  1. Trunk Circumference: This is measured in inches at a point 4.5 feet above the ground (known as Diameter at Breast Height, or DBH). If the tree is on a slope, the measurement is usually taken from the uphill side.
  2. Height: The vertical distance from the ground to the highest tip of the tree, measured in feet. This often requires professional surveying equipment like a clinometer or laser rangefinder for accuracy.
  3. Average Crown Spread: This measures the horizontal reach of the branches. Foresters take the widest spread and the narrowest spread, average them, and then divide by four to add to the total score.

This system ensures that a tree with a massive trunk but a shorter stature (like some ancient oaks) can compete fairly with a very tall but slender tree (like a tulip poplar).

The Heavyweights: Current List of Champion Trees Ohio State

Ohio is currently home to several dozen state champions, and remarkably, 14 of these are also recognized as National Champions on the American Forests National Register. Here are some of the most notable record-holders currently standing in the state.

1. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) - Ashland County

Standing as the largest living tree of any species in Ohio, this American Sycamore is a true behemoth. Located in Ashland County, it boasts a massive point total of 561. Its trunk circumference alone exceeds 430 inches, creating a presence that is nearly impossible to capture in a single photograph. Sycamores thrive in the moist, rich soils of floodplains, and this specimen represents the pinnacle of the species' potential in the Midwest.

2. Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) - Delaware County

The Eastern Cottonwood in Delaware County, specifically near the Alum Creek area, is often cited as the second-largest tree in the state. With a score of 527 points, it features a towering height of over 120 feet and a crown that spreads like a massive green umbrella. Cottonwoods are fast-growing trees, but for one to reach this size, it requires a perfect combination of water access and protection from high winds.

3. Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) - Ross County

Oaks are known for their longevity, and the Chinquapin Oak in Ross County is a testament to that endurance. Scoring 458 points, this tree is distinguished by its heavy, gnarled limbs and a trunk circumference of 375 inches. It is currently the largest of its species in Ohio, benefiting from the limestone-rich soils that characterize parts of southern Ohio.

4. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) - Ashtabula County

In the northeastern corner of the state, the Northern Red Oak champion holds its ground with 455 points. This species is a cornerstone of Ohio’s timber industry, but this particular individual has been spared the saw for generations, allowing it to reach a crown spread of 115 feet.

5. Cucumber Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) - Stark County

Many are surprised to learn that a magnolia is among Ohio’s largest trees. The Cucumber Magnolia in Stark County is not only a state champion but also a national champion. With 427 points, it showcases the impressive scale that this native hardwood can achieve in well-drained, mesic forests.

6. White Oak (Quercus alba) - Athens County

The White Oak is arguably the most iconic tree of the American East. The Ohio champion in Athens County scores 426 points. White oaks are slow-growing and can live for several centuries; this specimen likely predates the industrialization of the region, serving as a biological link to Ohio's pre-settlement wilderness.

Regional Spotlight: Lewis Center and Alum Creek

In recent years, the area around Lewis Center in Delaware County has gained a reputation as a "hotspot" for champion trees. This is largely due to the unique geography of the Alum Creek State Park and the surrounding glacial till plains. The deep, nutrient-rich soils deposited by retreating glaciers provide an ideal medium for hardwoods to reach record-breaking sizes.

  • The Alum Creek Cottonwood: Located near the marina area, this tree is a frequent stop for local hikers. Its multi-trunk structure and massive base make it a local legend.
  • Black Walnut Giants: The region also hosts the state champion Black Walnut (Juglans nigra). While walnuts are highly prized for their dark, rot-resistant wood, this specimen in Delaware County has reached a height of 103 feet and a score of 340 points, making it the largest recorded live walnut in the state.
  • The Common Pawpaw: Interestingly, champions aren't always giants. The state champion Pawpaw—Ohio’s native fruit tree—is often found in the understory of Delaware County's forests. While its point total is much lower (around 84 points), it is no less significant in its category.

The Ecological Importance of "Mother Trees"

Champion trees are often what ecologists refer to as "mother trees." Their massive root systems are interconnected with the surrounding forest through mycorrhizal networks, through which they can share nutrients and chemical signals with younger saplings.

Beyond their social role in the forest, these giants are carbon sequestration powerhouses. A single champion-sized oak or sycamore can store more carbon than dozens of younger trees combined. They also provide specialized habitats; the deep crevices in their bark and the hollows in their aging limbs offer nesting sites for cavity-nesting birds, rare bats, and various insects that cannot survive in younger, managed timber stands.

How to Nominate a Potential Champion

The list of champion trees in Ohio is never final. The ODNR encourages residents to keep an eye out for potential candidates. If you encounter a tree that seems exceptionally large for its species, you can submit a nomination through the ODNR Division of Forestry website.

Before nominating, it is helpful to have basic measurements ready. You will need to identify the species—which can be done via leaf shape, bark texture, or fruit—and provide a rough estimate of its circumference. Once a nomination is received, a state forester or a trained volunteer typically visits the site to verify the measurements using professional-grade tools. If the tree surpasses the current record-holder, it is officially added to the registry.

Visiting Ohio’s Living Legends

Many of Ohio’s champion trees are located on public land, such as state parks, nature preserves, and cemeteries, making them accessible to the public. However, several are located on private property. It is vital for visitors to respect land ownership and only visit trees that are on public grounds or where explicit permission has been granted.

Tips for Responsible Visitation:

  • Stay on Marked Trails: The soil around a champion tree is often filled with sensitive feeder roots. Excessive foot traffic can compact the soil, depriving the roots of oxygen and water.
  • Do Not Climb: While these trees look sturdy, their aged limbs can be brittle. Climbing poses a risk both to the visitor and the tree’s structural integrity.
  • No Carving: Damaging the bark of a champion tree opens it up to fungal infections and pests that could end its centuries-long life.
  • Photography: The best way to commemorate a visit is through photos. Use a person or a known object for scale to truly capture the tree’s immense size.

The Future of the Program and Forest Conservation

As climate patterns shift and new invasive species like the emerald ash borer or beech leaf disease threaten Ohio’s woodlands, the Ohio Champion Tree Program serves as a vital record of what our forests are capable of producing. These trees have survived droughts, storms, and pests for over a hundred years in many cases. Studying their genetics and the specific micro-climates where they thrive can provide foresters with clues on how to manage the broader forest for resilience.

In 2026, the program is more than just a list; it is a celebration of Ohio’s natural heritage. Whether it’s the towering Sycamores of the river bottoms or the stoic Oaks of the southern hills, these trees remind us of the enduring power of nature. They are a call to action to protect our remaining old-growth pockets and to manage our younger forests so that they, too, might one day produce the champions of the next century.