Beaver Creek State Park spans 2,726 acres across the rugged hills of Columbiana County in eastern Ohio, where Little Beaver Creek carves a scenic gorge through sandstone cliffs and hemlock-shaded hollows. This is one of Ohio’s most underrated parks — a place where history and wild landscape overlap in genuinely surprising ways.

The park’s standout feature is Gaston’s Mill, a restored pioneer-era grist mill tucked along the creek, connected by a network of trails that wind past lock remnants from the Sandy and Beaver Canal, a failed 1830s waterway project. History buffs will find the canal ruins fascinating; hikers will find the 12-plus miles of trails even better. The gorge trails follow the creek closely, passing through old-growth hemlock stands and across footbridges with views of moss-covered rock faces.

Little Beaver Creek itself is a state-designated wild and scenic river, making it one of the best paddling destinations in eastern Ohio. The water runs clear over gravel beds, ideal for kayaking and canoeing in spring and early summer when levels are favorable. Fishing for smallmouth bass is solid here too.

The park offers a campground, though amenities are more rustic than resort-style — expect a quieter, less crowded experience than Ohio’s larger state parks. Several group camps and a handful of rent-a-camp options are available for those who want to skip bringing gear.

Visit in late April through October for the best conditions. Fall color along the gorge is exceptional and draws far fewer crowds than Hocking Hills to the south.

Explore Nearby

• Ralston Freeman Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Lyle Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• South Hills — Public Land
• Fry Family Park — Dark Sky Site in Ohio
• Ohio & Erie Canalway — Scenic Byway