Middle Ridge
Begins at the forest's mile 0, 36.8690, -84.4833 - no trailhead mapped Drive to where the trail begins
Beaver Creek Wilderness the Forest Service's write-up
Towering sandstone cliffs, natural arches and rippling streams are some of the special features that led to the designation of this 4,877-acre area as a wilderness in 1975.
The wilderness provides visitors a place where they are free to explore nature's solitude and scenic beauty. No motorized or mechanized equipment is allowed.
The wilderness is remote and the terrain is rugged. Several trails occur throughout the area, but be prepared for strenuous hikes. Much of the area is nestled below spectacular sandstone cliffs.
In keeping with the wilderness concept, signage is kept to a minimum. You should not expect trail signs or markers to guide you.
Primitive camping is permitted in the Beaver Creek Wilderness as long as you remain 300 feet away from any road or stream and out of site from any trail.
Before becoming a wilderness, this area was settled as a small coal mining town during the early 1900s. Signs of the past remain visible with old roads, stone fencing, exotic shrubs and grave sites scattered throughout the area. Over time, nature is slowly erasing some of these signs that man left behind.
Note: Cell phone communications and emergency rescue services may be limited in the wilderness.
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