Even though summer is on its way out the door, there’s still plenty of time for outdoor exploring before frigid temperatures and winter weather settles in. One of the state’s most popular parks in eastern Ohio is Beaver Creek State Park. Known for both its scenery and unique history, it’s a great place for adventure. This is one state park that Ohio history buffs, nature lovers and explorers will appreciate.

Tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll find this scenic Ohio park that’s a popular camping and hiking destination.

Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook It is located at 12021 Echo Dell Rd., East Liverpool, OH 43920.

Aside from its natural beauty, the park is special for its history. A portion of the park was once part of a canal system from the early 1800s.

Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook Today, some canal locks remain in the park. They were once used to close off sections of the waterway in order to raise or lower the water level, allowing boats to pass through.

Two of these locks are said to be haunted. “Jake’s Lock,” is said to be named after a former canal worker who was struck by lightning while walking across the top of the lock, according to ghostsofohio.org.

Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook Locals claim that on some nights his ghost returns to finish his work with a strange light, which is thought to be his ghostly lantern.

Nearby, “Gretchen’s Lock,” is also said to be haunted by the ghost of a canal worker’s daughter.

Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook Legend has it, her father put her coffin inside the lock until he could load her body onto a ship headed to their homeland— but when the coffin was loaded onto a ship bound for home, the ship was lost at sea and didn’t make it. Allegedly, the ghost of Gretchen makes an appearance at the lock every year on the anniversary of her death, according to ghostsofohio.org.

While you’re here, you’ll also want to explore Gaston’s Mill and Pioneer Village.

Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook To view a map of the park’s trails and historical sites, click here.

From the ghostly legends to the rich history, Beaver Creek State Park is a gorgeous Ohio gem worth exploring.

Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook Consider heading here for your next outdoor adventure…and keep your eyes peeled for ghosts!

Beaver Creek State Park is located at 12021 Echo Dell Rd., East Liverpool, OH 43920. Have you ever been here before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook

It is located at 12021 Echo Dell Rd., East Liverpool, OH 43920.

Today, some canal locks remain in the park. They were once used to close off sections of the waterway in order to raise or lower the water level, allowing boats to pass through.

Locals claim that on some nights his ghost returns to finish his work with a strange light, which is thought to be his ghostly lantern.

Legend has it, her father put her coffin inside the lock until he could load her body onto a ship headed to their homeland— but when the coffin was loaded onto a ship bound for home, the ship was lost at sea and didn’t make it. Allegedly, the ghost of Gretchen makes an appearance at the lock every year on the anniversary of her death, according to ghostsofohio.org.

To view a map of the park’s trails and historical sites, click here.

Consider heading here for your next outdoor adventure…and keep your eyes peeled for ghosts!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.