Hiking Trails
Members & kids ages 0-2: Free
General Admission: $11
Let's get hiking!
To help everyone enjoy the beauty of our nature preserve, four hiking trails have been created. The trails vary in length and may require different levels of physical ability. Some portions of the trails may have steep grades or contain rough ground.
​
Exploring the trails is included with general admission. Trails are free for Members, year round & from dawn till dusk.
Chad's Way
Chad McClung loved spending time in nature, sadly he lost his life this past year due to ALS a paralyzing disease. To celebrate his life, his wife Heidi McClung began a journey to improve hiking trails, making nature accessible not only for Chad but for thousands of others living with mobility disabilities now and into the future. ​
​
​
Trailhead/Length/Degree of Difficulty
​
This trail begins on the side of our main parking lot, around the pond, and down the wooden path which connects to Creekside Trail.
1/2 mile (approximate)
Easy. This path is accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
Creekside Trail
Creekside leads you along the beautiful stream across bridges, around curves, and near a wetland area. This trail connects the Visitor Center with the Hoover Bridge trailhead area.
​
Trailhead/Length/Degree of Difficulty
​
Facing west from the Visitor Center, the trailhead is approximately 50 feet to the left of the red brick path.
1/4 mile (approximate)
​
The slope at the trail head is steep. An average person walking at a steady pace should be able to complete the trail in 6 to 8 minutes.
Fern Ridge Trail
The most naturally diverse hiking trail at Beech Creek is Fern Ridge. As you walk along, you move from one type of habitat to another. Enjoy walking the beautiful ridge overlooking the stream, and walking in areas surrounded with lush green ferns. In early spring, this is the best trail for seeing Ohio’s beautiful state wildflower the White Trillium and many other beautiful and interesting wildflowers.​
​
Trailhead/Length/Degree of Difficulty
​
Head across the Hoover Bridge, continue west approximately 300 feet. Trailhead entrance is on the right.
1 mile loop (approximate)
Moderate. An average person walking at a steady pace should be able to complete the trail in 40 to 50 minutes.
Spicebush Trail
As you begin walking on this trail, you will encounter numerous spicebush shrubs throughout the woods. You will cross a couple stream tributaries and then emerge into an open meadow.
​
Trailhead/Length/Degree of Difficulty
​
Approximately 100 feet before crossing the Hoover Bridge. Trailhead entrance is on the north side.
​
1/2 mile loop (approximate)
Moderate. An average person walking at a steady pace should be able to complete the trail in 25 to 30 minutes.
Oakview Trail
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.​​
​
Trailhead/Length/Degree of Difficulty
​
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.