About Beaver Creek Wilderness
View Guide with MapTowering 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. It is located on Stearns District of the Daniel Boone National Forest.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.
How to Get There
To Three Forks of Beaver Trailhead:From Whitley City, take US 27 north 12.5 miles; turn right onto Bauer Road for 2.25 miles; turn left onto Forest Service Road 51 for .8 mile. The trailhead will be on your left.From Somerset, take US 27 south for 13 miles; turn left onto Bauer Road for 2.25 miles; turn left onto Forest Service Road 51 for .8 mile. The trailhead will be on your left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Beaver Creek Wilderness
Heading to Beaver Creek Wilderness? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Beaver Creek Wilderness?
No central reservation system listed for Beaver Creek Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/236751) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Beaver Creek Wilderness?
To Three Forks of Beaver Trailhead:From Whitley City, take US 27 north 12.5 miles; turn right onto Bauer Road for 2.25 miles; turn left onto Forest Service Road 51 for .8 mile. The trailhead will be on your left.From Somerset, take US 27 south for 13 miles; turn left onto Bauer Road for 2.25 miles; turn left onto Forest Service Road 51 for .8 mile. The trailhead will be on your left.
References & Official Resources