The Creek - Beaver Creek, Ohio

            I have always had a special relationship with nature.  As a child, I can remember frequently taking a notebook into the woods, at the end of the road from our house.  I would venture deep enough in to be completely engulfed in trees and search for the perfect spot from which I would have the most beautiful view.  Alone I would sit, perched on my rock or log of my choice.  After taking in the impact of my surroundings, I would write or draw in my little notebooks. In all these years, I don't think I've ever come up with the words that can explain the solace I feel in the woods. 

            In my early twenties I discovered Beaver Creek State Park.  It quickly became one of my most favorite places to be.  For me, it was another escape. I could venture through the woods for hours.  Instead of the stresses of every-day life clouding my brain, I would find myself thinking what it would have been like to be a pioneer, venturing into unknown territory.

            I know it may sound silly, but after your out there for hours and your just in the middle of it, something will start to change. You'll feel different.  Un-bothered.  Free.         

            The best part about the creek is that you can hike for hours, and as long as you follow the water, you will never get lost.  Listen...  Seriously... Do me a personal favor.  Spend one day of your life hiking the creek.  You'll breath better, your body will feel exercised and you will feel great.  Just be sure to bring plenty of water.

Beaver Creek State Park Website:  http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/beavercreek      
 
Beaver Creek Park Map:  http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/parks/PDFs/parks/Maps/Beaver_Creek/beavercreekparkmap.pdf

Beaver Creek Campground Map:  http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/parks/PDFs/parks/Maps/Beaver_Creek/beavercreekcampmap.pdf

Beaver Creek Trail Map:  http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/parks/PDFs/parks/Maps/Beaver_Creek/beavercreektrailmap.pdf

Trails

Seven hiking-only trails are available:

• Fitness Trail - 1/2 Mile - Easy
• Logan's Loop Trail - 1/2 Mile - Easy
• Nature Center Trail - 0.2 Miles - Easy
• Overlook Trail - 0.3 Miles - Easy
• Oak Hill Trail - 1 Mile - Moderate
• Upper Vondergreen Trail - 1 Mile - Moderate

Four mountain biking trails also permit hiking:

• Pine Ridge Trail - 1/2 Mile - Easy
• Fisherman's Trail - 1/2 Mile - Easy
• Dogwood Trail - 2.0 Miles - Moderate
• Lower Vondergreen Trail - 3.25 Miles - Moderate
• Vondergreen and Dogwood trails are technical mountain bike trails. Both offer great scenery, technical climbs, and fun downhills. Not for the beginner (unless you take it slow). Stop by the park office, and they will give you trail head directions and maps. Read more on the Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association website.

Twenty-three miles of bridle trails provide access for horse and rider through the valley.
The Dogwood, Pine Ridge and Vondergreen trails on the north side of Little Beaver Creek are part of the extensive North Country Trail system.

View Beautiful Photography of Beaver Creek: http://www.pinterest.com/sweetaprillynn/beaver-creek-state-park/

You can access that creek outside of the park, as well.  Instead of hiking the ground, try riding the creek. We have got into the creek at Grimm's Bridge and floated for hours all the way to state line.  Depending on how how the water is, that little exertion can take anywhere from 3 to 7 hours. (The higher the water, the faster the trip!)