Little Beaver Creek (Middle Fork) in Ohio

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Our trip covered the section of the creek from the end of Lusk Lock Rd. to Grimm's Bridge Rd. Length of the trip took 5 hours with a short lunch break and one other break to stretch. The water level was at about mid-flow making the trip moderate. With higher flow the trip can become more difficult due to some sharp bends and strainers.

At the SR 7 bridge, just above the main part of the state park, and just above and below the CR 170 bridge there is class 2 water other than that the run is moderate. We only encountered 1 other kayak on the creek this day which is fairly typical as the creek sees fairly low use.

Little Beaver Creek is a rare find for the state of Ohio and is a most scenic creek to paddle. Most of this stretch is through forest, with high walls bordering the creek lined with hemlocks. The creek used to be part of a canal system and remnants of old locks and towpaths can be seen at various locations. With the exception of the state park and at the bridges, there is little sign of civilization. Ducks, geese, and kingfishers are the dominant birds, also deer and turkey are abundant. The creek has an excellent smallmouth bass fishery, along with sauger, white bass, and many other species that migrate up from the Ohio River.

Just east of the launch at Elkton, the west branch of the creek joins in adding some extra flow to the creek. Then just below the CR 170 bridge the north fork joins and the creek becomes quite a bit wider, more river-like with mostly glides and riffles and few rapids. If you want to have a peaceful paddle through some beautiful country and not encounter many other people, this is the place.

Accommodations:

Middle Beaver Rd. just east of Elkton is a canoe/kayak launch on Beaver Creek State Park property, there are no facilities here, and there is a sign at this location. Access to the creek can also be had at Beaver Creek State Forest at the end of Lusk Lock Rd. You will have to carry your boat about 150 yards to the creek here. The State Park also has access at Sprucevale Rd. next to the water and at other locations. A new take out is located at the end of Smith Ferry Rd. in Milford, PA where Beaver Creek flows into the Ohio River. Rest rooms and picnic facilities are located at various places within the state park.

Fees:

none

Resources:

Columbiana County, OH road map.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Advanced
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location