I’ve read everything available on paddling.net about Little Beaver Creek, but I’m looking for more info. I’d like to paddle 2 days, camping one night. Suggestions on put in/out, best place to camp, and a place to eat before or after the float are much appreciated.
Campground in the state park
up on the hill is nice, but not near the water. I don’t think commando camping is allowed since most of the land along the creek is either privately owned. This is a fantastic paddle trip in a beautiful valley as long as you have enough water. Best rapids are just before Fredricstown, just after Grimms Bridge and the biggest is the “S” turn about 1 mile before the new takeout at the Ohio river. American Whitewater has a discription here.
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River_state-summary_state_OH_
It can be all run in a long day trip, 21 miles total. Or broken down into several sections.
the area has some interesting history and abundant wildlife.
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/Scenic_Rivers/rivers/lbeaver/tabid/1861/Default.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Beaver_Creek
It’s Haunted http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/contentbe/dispatch/2006/04/30/20060430-H1-00.html
http://www.prairieghosts.com/oh-beav.html
Pretty Boy Floyd was shot down just up the road from the group camp at Sprucevale. http://www.deadohio.com/beavercreek.htm
http://www.top-org.net/sitebackup/investigations.htm
http://www.fbi.gov/libref/historic/famcases/floyd/floyd.htm
Very good panoramamas of some of the locks here including Lusk Lock worth a hike to see if you are interested in that kind of stuff. http://www.jdking.net/gallery/3818868_UVkcG#220651018_V4zt6