Chad's Way
Chad’s Way honors the life of Chad McClung, who loved spending time in nature. After Chad’s passing from ALS, his wife Heidi began a mission to make hiking trails more accessible, ensuring that people of all abilities can experience the beauty of the outdoors, just as Chad always did.
Trail Details:
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Trailhead: Side of the main parking lot, around the pond, and down the wooden path connecting to Creekside Trail
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Length: Approximately 1/2 mile
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Difficulty: Easy — fully accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility aids
This serene, fully accessible trail invites everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely, fostering connection, movement, and the joy of nature for all.
Creekside
Creekside Trail winds alongside a peaceful stream, guiding you across charming bridges, around gentle curves, and past a thriving wetland habitat. This scenic connector links the Visitor Center to the Hoover Bridge trailhead, offering a beautiful, immersive walk through one of Beech Creek’s most tranquil spaces.
Trail Details:
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Trailhead: Facing west from the Visitor Center, approximately 50 feet to the left of the red brick path
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Length: Approximately 1/4 mile
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Difficulty: Moderate — the slope at the trailhead is steep. Most visitors can complete the trail in 6–8 minutes at a steady pace.
Fern Ridge
Fern Ridge Trail is the most naturally diverse hike at Beech Creek, guiding you through a rich tapestry of habitats with every step. Stroll along a scenic ridge overlooking the stream, wander beneath a canopy of trees, and pass through stretches carpeted in lush green ferns. In early spring, this trail shines as the best place to spot Ohio’s state wildflower, the White Trillium, along with a stunning variety of seasonal blooms.
Trail Details:
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Trailhead: Cross the Hoover Bridge and continue west approximately 300 feet. The entrance is on the right.
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Length: Approximately 1-mile loop
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Difficulty: Moderate — most visitors can complete the loop in 40–50 minutes at a steady pace.
Spicebush
Spicebush Trail invites you into a quiet woodland dotted with fragrant spicebush shrubs that line the path from the very start. Cross gentle stream tributaries as you wind through the forest, then step out into an open meadow that offers a refreshing change of scenery and wide-open views.
Trail Details:
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Trailhead: Approximately 100 feet before crossing the Hoover Bridge, on the north side
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Length: Approximately 1/2-mile loop
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Difficulty: Moderate — most visitors can complete the loop in 25–30 minutes at a steady pace.
Oakview
This circular trail offers visitors a beautiful hike in the woods. Enjoy this peaceful trail while resting at one of the benches nestled along the way. If you love hiking, but are short on time, Oakview trail is just the right length – give yourself 30-40 minutes to complete this trail at a leisurely pace.​​
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Trailhead/Length/Degree of Difficulty
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West of the bird feeding stations on the west side of the Hoover Bridge over Beech Creek. Trailhead entrance will be on the south side of the trail starting with the Oakview bridge.
3/4 mile loop (approximate)
Moderate. An average person walking at a steady pace should be able to complete the trail in 40 minutes.
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