Posted in Ohio Nature July 23, 2017 by

The Sinister Story Behind This Popular Ohio Park Will Give You Chills

Sometimes, the most beautiful places hold the most unsuspecting, dark pasts. Here in Ohio, we have several beautiful state parks just waiting to be explored. 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—but with that history and scenery comes a somewhat sinister story most visitors don’t know about.

Take a look:

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 said to be haunted by the ghost of a canal worker's daughter. 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.
Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook
Allegedly, the ghost of Gretchen makes an appearance at the lock every year on the anniversary of her death, according to ghostsofohio.org.
If you believe in ghosts, you'll want to explore the remains of the canal locks.
Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook
To view a map of the park's trails and historical sites, click here.
Whatever dark history it might hold, 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, let us know if you had any creepy experiences near the canal locks!