{"id":2454,"date":"2023-06-05T00:10:59","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T00:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitcolumbianacounty.com\/?p=2454"},"modified":"2024-05-29T18:30:08","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T18:30:08","slug":"get-outdoors-in-columbiana-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitcolumbianacounty.com\/?p=2454","title":{"rendered":"Get Outdoors in Columbiana County"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In today\u2019s world of Zoom meetings, screen time, and social media, taking time to enjoy the outdoors can be the best antidote. In fact, studies have even shown<\/a> that spending time in nature can be good for your health! Why not swap some of your screen time with some scenic time in Columbiana County? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Columbiana County is the perfect place to appreciate what Mother Nature has to offer. With scenic vistas, many municipal and state parks, bird watching opportunities, and a variety of other outdoor recreational activities to choose from, there are plenty of ways to take some time to get outside. If you\u2019re looking for things to do in Columbiana County, read on for some excellent options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick your passion!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Columbiana County has outdoor recreational activities well suited for a variety of interests, ages, mobility levels, group sizes, and experience levels. We\u2019ve compiled a list of some below, but be sure to check out our Recreation page<\/a> for even more fun activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Little Beaver Creek Greenway Bike Trail<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cycling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Little Beaver Creek Greenway Bike Trail <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLike riding a bike\u2026\u201d <\/strong>Just like you never forget how to ride a bike, you\u2019ll never forget the first time you cruise down the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Bike Trail. This 12-mile trail was first opened in 2000 and has become a popular route for cyclists, hikers, and runners alike. Following the path of the Little Beaver Creek River, the trail stretches from Washingtonville in the northern portion of the county all the way down to the county seat, Lisbon. Along the way, you can take in the trail\u2019s scenic views  from wooded areas to wetland wildlife habitats to open fields. You can also see incredible remnants from Ohio\u2019s history like the Leetonia Beehive Coke Ovens, Teegarden Centennial covered bridge, and the Sandy Beaver Canal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trail has eight parking lots to start from, so you can do as much or as little of the trail as you\u2019d like. Some lots are wheelchair accessible. There are also picnic tables, benches, and restrooms along the way. Take a look at the trail map<\/a> to begin planning your route!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If renting a bike is more your style, Donna\u2019s Bicycle Shop<\/a> in Lisbon offers bicycles, tricycles, and tandem bikes for rent by the hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beloved by Cyclists for Years <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Columbiana County has a history of being beloved by cyclists. Since 1995, \u201cSpring In Columbiana County, Ohio\u201d has involved a gathering of regional cyclists to tour the county. This event is commonly referred to as SICCO and it\u2019s organized by a local cycling group called the \u201cout-spokin wheelmen\u201d. The event is open to anyone<\/a>. It involves a 35-mile route throughout the county and occurs annually on the first Sunday in May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Disc<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Centennial Park<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disc Golf <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Get your steps in and test your disc golf skills with us. Columbiana County is home to six disc golf courses<\/a> around the county, all of which are free to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenic Vista Park Disc Golf Course <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Udisc.com ranking <\/strong>(4.4<\/strong><\/a>) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in Lisbon, this beautiful and woodsy 18-hole course built in 2018 is a challenge that winds in and out of forested areas and open holes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

East Palestine Disc Golf Course <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Udisc.com ranking (4.2<\/strong><\/a>) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

East Palestine Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole course located in East Palestine City Park. This course does have a lake that comes into play on a few holes, so beginners should take care to review the course map before starting their round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Centennial Park Disc Golf Course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Udisc.com ranking (3.8)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy one of Salem\u2019s best-known and historic public spaces, Centennial Park, by playing a 9-hole round of disc golf! The course allows you to admire the park\u2019s wooded areas, including old, dense oak trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firestone Park Disc Golf Course <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Udisc.com ranking <\/strong>(3.8<\/strong><\/a>) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This course is an excellent option for disc golf beginners but provides plenty of enjoyment for veterans as well. This 9-hole course in the city of Columbiana\u2019s Firestone Park weaves through the park, giving you some unique scenery including a public pool, pickleball courts, and a lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thompson Park Disc Golf Course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Udisc.com ranking <\/strong>(3.8) <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to play a LOT of disc golf, East Liverpool\u2019s Thompson Park Disc Golf Course contains a mix of 27 both wooded and open holes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hammond Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Udisc.com ranking (3.7)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stroll through Wellsville\u2019s beautiful Hammond Park, which is home to an 18-hole disc golf course that was built in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Links at Firestone Farms<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golf <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re looking for an 18-hole championship course to test your skills, want to enjoy a more casual 9-hole round, or simply wish to play somewhere new, Columbiana County is the place to play your round. Visit our Golf Guide<\/a> to learn more about the courses located in or near Negley, Columbiana, Lisbon, East Rochester, Beloit, Calcutta, and Alliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Guilford<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Guilford Lake State Park<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watersports <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are you looking to spend some time on or in the water with swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking? Columbiana County\u2019s waterways are the perfect spot. Be sure to check out our Recreation page<\/a> for even more ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guilford Lake State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the county\u2019s largest lake, Guilford Lake State Park is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in water sports. The nearly 400-acre lake permits both hand-powered watercraft as well as boats with motors up to 10 horsepower.<\/a> If you don\u2019t have your own, kayak and paddle boat rentals are available as are power boat rentals. There\u2019s also a public swimming beach on the northwest side of the lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Little Beaver Creek<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that the Little Beaver Creek<\/a> was the first river in Ohio (and in the nation) to be designated a wild river? Kayakers and canoers alike can enjoy gorgeous views and experience wildlife on its 36-mile route. It has eight access points from just south of Leetonia to East Liverpool, with parking, restrooms, and picnic benches offered at many of them. While the river has mostly quiet pools and clear swiftly flowing tributaries, some areas do have rapids most appropriate for experts, so plan your route carefully and research the water levels before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zepernick Wildlife Area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t want to miss this 518-acre wildlife area<\/a> situated in the western part of <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Columbiana County, near Hanoverton. The area features a 39-acre lake accessible by a boat ramp<\/a> located off of the largest parking lot. Its marsh, ponds, open fields, and wooded areas are also great for hiking, fishing, and hunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Beehive<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beehive Coke Ovens<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hiking opportunities are available all over Columbiana County, including in many of the parks mentioned here such as Guilford Lake State Park, Beaver Creek State Park, Scenic Vista Park, Hellbender Bluff, Zepernick Wildlife Area, and the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Bike Trail. But, that\u2019s just the start of hiking here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beehive Coke Ovens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Leetonia, you\u2019ll find an opportunity for a truly unique hiking experience as well as a good reminder of our region’s economic history. The Beehive Coke Ovens<\/a> are brick structures that are all that remain of the Leetonia Iron and Coal company, which used the ovens to purify coal from nearby mines. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. The park itself is 10-acres with an additional 25-acre nature preserve. It is also connected to the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Bike Trail, if you\u2019d like to walk a paved route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Country National Scenic Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Columbiana County is home to a long-stretch<\/a> of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which stretches 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont. It roughly follows the route of the Sandy and Beaver Canal Systems and it trails through Beaver Creek State Park before reaching Pennsylvania. Hikers will experience both on-road and off-road hiking on this route, and camping spots are available along the way. The views will range from rolling hills, scenic farmland, and quintessential small towns to dense forests, river views, and scenic overlooks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Beaver<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beaver Creek State Park Wildlife Education Center<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watching the Wildlife <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Columbiana County is home to an abundance of birds, fish, and mammal species. Come observe these creatures in their natural environments and experience the wonders that nature has to offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ohio Owls and Birdwatching <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re an ornithologist, or just a casual birdwatcher, there are plenty of sites around the county to catch a glimpse of Ohio Owls and other birds. Birdinghotspots.org has a useful map of the best locations around the county for birdwatching.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beaver Creek State Park Wildlife Education Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For families (or really anyone interested in learning more about wildlife in Ohio) the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center<\/a> is an excellent educational resource. During your visit to this museum of natural history and learning center, you can see over 300 mounted specimens from across North America, discover how to identify different birds, view Native American artifacts, and even hold a live snake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hellbender Salamander<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We couldn\u2019t write a post about Columbiana County\u2019s wildlife without mentioning the famous Hellbender salamander. It is Ohio\u2019s largest amphibian and can grow up to two feet long or more. Seeing this endangered animal is rare, but you may catch a glimpse of one at one of our parks such as Hellbender Bluff or Beaver Creek State Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Beaver<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beaver Creek State Park Campground<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing quite like setting up camp, relaxing by a bonfire, and sleeping underneath the stars. Columbiana County has plenty of places to rest your head for the night, including public and private camping options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guilford Lake State Park Camping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Guilford Lake State Park Campground<\/a> has 40 electric sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. The campground\u2019s private beach and playground make it perfect for families. Its positioning along the lake also gives campers access to boat docks, and kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beaver Creek State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t possibly experience everything Beaver Creek State Park has to offer in a day. It is a beautiful park for hiking, fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. The park also has incredible historic locations you won\u2019t want to miss, including Gaston\u2019s Mill, the Thomas J. Malone covered bridge, the Sandy and Beaver canal, and a historical marker to memorialize the death of famous bank robber Pretty Boy Floyd. The campground itself<\/a> has 6 electric sites and 39 non-electric sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hellbender<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hellbender Bluff<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hunting <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For those of you who are just counting down the days until hunting season, there are several public hunting areas in the county. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hellbender Bluff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hellbender Bluff is a 752-acre wildlife area<\/a> located south of Lisbon. It\u2019s an excellent opportunity for hunters – especially if you\u2019re interested in whitetail deer or turkey (both of which have a significant population in the wildlife area). <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Principal game at Hellbender Bluff includes: <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n