Little Beaver Greenway Bike Group

01/09/2026

East Liverpool Unveils Plans for Transformative Heritage Trail Along Riverfront

by Hannah Hayes
Thu, January 8, 2026 at 10:38 PM.

EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — Officials say the East Liverpool Heritage Bike and Walking Trail could transform the city’s riverfront into a year-round destination for bike riders, walkers and tourists.

Also known as The Friends of the East Liverpool Heritage Trail, it will be about five miles long.

"It started a long time ago actually, but it’s just to change the perception of the area,” mayor Bobby Smith said. “There’s a bike trail out in Lisbon. That’s gonna come down this way. So, you can actually go from Lake Erie to East Liverpool on a bike trail and eventually you’ll be able to go to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh’s bike trails coming this way, so we’re trying to meet and then from there they could go to Washington, D.C. on the same bike trail."

Smith said this is a three-phase project, with the city needing to raise $185,000 in order to receive a matching grant from ODNR of about $1.7 million.

"The area that we’re looking at in the background here, this is where we used to get to east Liverpool’s downtown from the east end,” Smith said. “When the highway came in, this, of course, was abandoned. And as you can see, the view behind us, it’s unbelievable."

The hope for the trail is to not only provide people with an opportunity to get out and be active, but to also showcase the history of the city. Smith said the trail will lead to the point of beginning, which marked the first start of the first federal land survey in 1785.

He also mentioned that Lewis and Clark traveled through this spot, so the trail will include markers to link their journey.

"I actually am really excited because when it’s finished I wanna go down and walk it again,” resident Leeland McEldowney said.

Smith added that the trail will be concrete and asphalt.

11/11/2025

EL Seeks Community Help With Fundraising Drive for Bike Trail

Nov 11, 2025

KRISTI R. GARABRANDT

EAST LIVERPOOL- The City of East Liverpool kicked off a fundraising campaign to raise $180,000 for the bike trail through the city by announcing the name of the trail, The East Liverpool Heritage Trail and the establishment of the Friends of the East Liverpool Heritage Trail.

Drew Cooper, member, East Liverpool Community Partnership for Revitalization (ELCPR) who spoke at the kickoff event held Nov. 6 at the Museum of Ceramics said the group works on strategic initiatives that are transformative for the community with a focus on the downtown area.

“If we can get that part right, it will have a domino effect for the rest of the community,” Cooper said. “So, that is where we kind of found our niche.”

Cooper spoke on multiple events that take place downtown that get feet downtown and allow people to see the assets available and on the various committees and organizations that hold the events.

“There are no towns like this that really exist much anymore across the country,” Cooper said. “We have all lived in areas which there are strip malls in the area that are a dime a dozen. We have to preserve the gem of these small-town downtowns because they are where people, especially the next generation. We want to build this for the next generation, because these are the things they want. There is something appealing about what people call people centric spaces.”

Cooper went on to explain the vision for the bike trail and how it can show the beauty of the valley and draw people who want to hike and bike. The path will also go to the East End where people can walk/bike along the river. He noted these are assets that people don’t realize East Liverpool has.

Cooper also noted that when completed the bike trail would be the anchor and the destination for the Lake to Erie Greenway Trail which ends in Lisbon.

Cooper said the trail would bring activity and tourists into East Liverpool who would shop, go to restaurants, stay overnight, and engage in the community.

The bike trail introduced by East Liverpool City Council in 2019, is also about health and getting people out and active and community wellness giving people something to do, Cooper said.

According to an ELCPR media release, “The goal is to connect our community assets, promote healthier lifestyles and recreation while stimulating community and economic development.”

Cooper said since then the vision for the trail has gained significant traction and has received funding from Ohio Department of Transportation (ODNR) in the amount of $1.7 million and from Norfolk Southern in the amount of $40,000. But to unlock and utilize these investments, the city must raise $185,000 for matching funds.

Mayor Bobby Smith said he couldn’t thank everyone involved in supporting the city or the trail project.

Smith said he initially wasn’t supportive or enthusiastic about the trail project. He now sees it as a real gem for the city and that the trail is going to help keep the city heading in the direction and foster the good things to come along for the city.

He noted that going around the state he has seen the good things these trails have done for other cities.

America 250 has been noted as the first donor with their $25,000 donation due to the city’s association with the Point of Beginning. The funds donated have been allocated for a Point of Beginning trail head and visitor center.

Cooper noted that the friends of the trail was developed because they didn’t want to start building something and not have someone to maintain it. They also needed to build a community partnership that represents the community. Right now a partnership structure consists of the City of East Liverpool, ELCPR, LeapHub and Friends of the Trail.

Friends of the Trail has members from Columbiana County, City of East Liverpool, America 250, ELCPR and more, and is welcoming additional members who are interested in joining the organization.

Fundraising tiers with the Friends of the Trail include Trail Supporter at a $1,000 donation; Trail Friend with a $2,000 donation’ Trailblazer with a $5,000 donation; Ground Breaker with a $10,000 donation and Legacy with a $25,000.

The ELCPR is a registered 501 (c) (3) organization to which all donations are tax deductible.

To donate or volunteer for the trail contact Stu Wallace at [email protected] or 330-383-2292 or Lisa Painter at [email protected] or 412-996-6588.

Donations can also be made at www.downtowneastliverpool.com, select the donate button or by check made out to ELCPR with bike trail in the memo line and mailed to LEAP Hub, 119 East 5th St., East Liverpool, Ohio 43920.

Donations can be made by Venmo .

Smith said they can’t do this without help, and it’s going to take the community to help get it done.

[email protected]

05/21/2025

Please share your condolences to Jim & Dee Brown on the loss of their son Andrew.

Andrew James Brown
January 9, 1975 ~ May 19, 2025
50 Years Old

Andrew James Brown, age 50 of Clyde, OH, passed away Monday, May 19, 2025, at his home after a courageous two year battle with colon cancer. Andrew was born January 9, 1975, in Bellevue, OH, the son of James Brown Jr. and Dolores (Robinson) Brown.

To know Andrew was to witness a life full of heart, strength, and dedication to the people and passions that mattered most to him. Working in Manufacturing for many years he was also a very devoted supervisor as he loved teaching and seeing his team succeed. Andrew had a love for motorcycles and a talent for bringing people together around the grill, where good food and laughter were always guaranteed. He was a devoted father who found true joy in coaching his children in football, baseball, and softball—sharing not just skills, but time, encouragement, and love. In recent years, one of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. Whether cheering them on, sharing a quiet moment, or simply watching them grow, he lit up when they were near. At home, he shared a special bond with his dog, Bo, whom he raised and taught with patience and care. Andrew was grounded by a quiet but steady faith, and his life reflected the values he held close: loyalty, humility, and love. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he shared, and the family he cherished above all.

In addition to his parents, Andrew is survived by his wife, Andrea (Rufer) Brown of Clyde, whom he married August 25, 2018, in Sandusky; son, Bennett (DeLaini) Brown of Green Springs; daughter, Tayla Brown of Sandusky; step-daughter, Arraya McDuffie of Clyde; grandchildren: Braxton and Harper Brown; brother, Matthew (Renee) Brown of Lisbon; sister, Angela Canning of Salem; mother-in-law, Lisa Herrera; sister-in-law: Christina Rufer of Green Springs; and his beloved German Shepherd, Bo Samuel.

Andrew is preceded in death by his Paternal Grandparents: James Brown Sr. and Minerva Crosson; maternal grandparents: Bob and Lorraine Robinson; and father-in-law, Daniel Herrera.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 2:00pm until a funeral service beginning at 5:00pm at Foos Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 504 E. McPherson Hwy, Clyde, OH 43410.

Memorial donations may be made in Andrew’s honor to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870, or to his family.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at foosfuneral.com

05/19/2025

Final Phase of Asphalt Paving for Panhandle Rail Trail Begins

By John Lynch, Annalise Murphy, 56 mins ago
WTRF-
WTRF- 7News

The Weirton Public Works Department will begin the final phase of asphalt paving on the city’s Panhandle Rail Trail.

The final phase of paving will complete the asphalt surface of the entire 4.1-mile trail.

The City of Weirton says, the project will total more than $300,000 made up from the City of Weirton’s ARPA funds, a West Virginia Department of Highways TAP Grant, grants from the J.C. Williams and Mary Jane Brooks foundations and contributions from the Brooke and Hancock County Commissioners and the Weirton Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners.

“This effort is another fine example of teamwork in the City of Weirton,” Park Board Executive Director Coty Shingle said. “A lot of hard work has gone into this project encompassing multiple departments of the city and financial contributions from the city, state, county and federal governments as well as private charitable funds.”

The first phase of paving was completed in the fall of 2023, followed by a second round of paving in the fall of 2024, which saw the completion of over half the trail’s total distance. The final portion to be paved totals a little less than two miles.

The first step in the process of getting the Panhandle Trail paved was a WV TAP Grant application that was approved back in 2018. Other work on the project includes trail drainage and parking improvements.

“We realize this has been a pretty long journey,” Shingle said. “We applaud the patience of the public and they’ve had to bear with us through a process that began with grant writing efforts way back in 2016 and was slowed by an international pandemic over a period of a couple years.

“The Panhandle Trail has been a work in progress for all of that time and the leadership of each entity involved from the federal level down to the municipal level has been willing to make historically significant accommodations to see this project through to completion, which is a testament to their understanding of how important this recreation facility is to, not just the City of Weirton, but the entire Tri-State Area.”

Shingle added that the Weirton Rail Trail Committee has been a major player in trail maintenance and the advancement of the project for decades, not only contributing to trail maintenance, but assisting with grant writing, administrative work and trail promotion.

“Most people don’t realize there’s a group of dedicated volunteers still handling regular maintenance of the trail, and they’ve been champions and advocates of this project for more than 30 years,” Shingle said. “Their names don’t usually wind up in the media, they aren’t praise nearly as much as they should be, but they come back year after year to make this trail worth the kind of investment you’re seeing now. There wouldn’t even be a rail trail without their efforts dating back to the early 1990’s.”

The Panhandle Rail Trail, located in the city of Weirton and Brooke County, is a part of the West Virginia and U.S. Federal Rails-to-Trails program. It is secured by a 99-year lease held by the City of Weirton through the Weirton Board of Park & Recreation Commissioners, which automatically renews. The City of Weirton and Park Board receive administrative, operational and maintenance assistance from the Weirton Rail Trail Committee.

The Panhandle Trail is one of the most popular recreation outlets in the Tri-State Area. Not only does it serve the residents of Weirton, but many biking, walking and running enthusiasts travel across both the Pennsylvania and Ohio state lines to utilize this trail that is tucked away beautifully in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

The Panhandle Trail connects with the Washington County Trail as part of the Rails To Trails Conservancy (RTC), which is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that works to create a nationwide network of trails by converting former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.

Open from dawn to dusk all year round, the Panhandle Trail provides a safe and well-maintained outlet for those who love to walk, run or bike and enjoy the outdoors as they do so.

The Panhandle Trail, which see thousands of visitors a year, is a major connector of U.S. Bike Route 50, The Great American Trail and the Industrial Heartland Trail. U.S. Bike Route 50 runs from San Francisco, California to Washington, D.C.

05/02/2025

Hike and Bike Trail Expected to Move Forward Next Year - East Liverpool, Ohio
by: Jon Rudder

Posted: Dec 27, 2024 / 06:21 PM EST

Updated: Dec 27, 2024 / 06:21 PM EST

EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN) — A major project in East Liverpool is set to begin next year and local officials hope it will attract as many dollars as it does walkers and bikers.

Standing on a hillside overlooking the Ohio River, East Liverpool Councilman John Mercer envisions what a riverside trail along old Pennsylvania Avenue might look like.

“When you’re looking across the river to West Virginia. All of the leaves on the hill changing. It’s going to be amazing,” Mercer said.

Those visions are starting to turn into reality. The city is set to embark on an ambitious plan to create a hike and bike trail connecting downtown to the city’s East End.

“The economic possibilities of something like this are amazing for East Liverpool,” said Mercer.

The multi-phase trail would take about five years to complete. The first phase extends from Broadway Wharf downtown to the end of East Fourth Street but the crown jewel would be the next segment spanning from Old Pennsylvania Avenue, making use of an abandoned road along the hillside.

“That’s going to be a pretty spectacular view and there aren’t a whole lot of trails that are going to have a view like that in Ohio,” said Project Consultant Tom Chema.

Additional phases ultimately weave the trail through the city’s East End to the Point of Beginning near the Ohio-Pennsylvania Border. One day they hope to create a visitor’s center there to serve as a trailhead.

Officials tout the project as more than recreation but economic too.

“There was a study done during the Greenbrier Trail in West Virginia several years ago that shows that the people that come into town from out of town spend a lot of money. 58 percent spent $300 to $500 per visit. 38 percent spent more than $500 or more,” Mercer said.

The entire trail will cost about $16 million and they’ve secured about $7 million of grants and state funding for the project.

“It’s vital to keep young people in the area to have activities like this and it’s really helpful in bringing people in from the outside,” Mercer said.

02/04/2025

James Brown posted - Our big white fuzzy cat Snowball has passed away. He will be missed on the trail. And our hearts are broken.

This is just past 5 mile marker as you cross the road coming out of Lisbon. Snowball, aka Trail Kitty. Also he was a loveable Kitty that loved his treats.

On your Strava Trail Kitty Hill named after Snowball. 🐈 RIP

01/05/2025

April 2021 Original Article abt Bike & Hike Trail for E. Liverpool

Trail of Dreams: EL to Submit Riverfront Trail Plans for Federal Funding

Apr 8, 2021

Stephanie Ujhelyi
[email protected]

EAST LIVERPOOL — For the first time in a decade, Congress will be provided member-directed federal funding to certain projects within their communities. Mayor Greg Bricker hopes to see East Liverpool on that list.

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson is allowed to submit 10 project requests on behalf of his 6th Congressional District, which encompasses 18 counties in eastern and southern Ohio along the Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky borders. Those requests will be forwarded to the House Appropriations Committee from cities, government agencies and non-profits.

According to his congressional website, Johnson is most interested in “shovel ready” infrastructure projects already in development. For information about the community projects’ initiative, visit billjohnson.house.gov/constituentservices/community-project-funding.htm

Back in November, Bricker explained that city officials had commissioned the riverfront trail alignment study –which is still under way –but he believes that this project fits the bill.

“The more shovel-ready the project is, the better chance you have,” he said of the four miles in bicycle and walking trail. That stretch runs from the Point of Beginning on the city’s east end to the city’s downtown through either the old Pennsylvania Avenue or Ohio Avenue.

Bricker admits communities are somewhat under the gun, as the submission deadline is Friday. He explained that potentially the economic impact could be huge for East Liverpool especially if they are able to connect to the Greenway Trail, as this would allow people to bike from the lake to the river.

“The Ohio River is our biggest asset,” he added.

Since taking office in 2020, Bricker explained that he has been trying to work with a developer to create bring a hotel to downtown. “Something like the trail would drive more people to the city (to stay over and eat during their travels),” he said, citing an example like a large trail from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C.

Ben McKeeman, who is the project manager assigned to the study for Environmental Design Group, estimated the project could cost anywhere between $5 and $15 million depending on the hillside. He expects that the project could take three years to complete in phases.

Bricker hasn’t forgotten about his wellness center vision. But it had to take a back seat for just a few days as officials scramble to push this to the front of the line to meet the deadline.

“I wish we had the completed feasibility study in hand, but I would rather go down swinging than just go down at all,” Bricker continued, explaining that letters of support from community members will be invaluable, a point reinforced by Johnson on his website.

Letters can either be emailed to Bricker at [email protected] or mailed to him at 126 W. Sixth St., East Liverpool, Ohio 43920. Access to the building is still limited due to the pandemic.

“Thompson Park has been packed with people doing everything from walking to playing tennis. There is definitely a need for more outdoor space, and (officials) want to see that the East Liverpool trail is needed especially after Covid,” Bricker added.

01/05/2025

Hike and Bike Trail Expected to Move Forward Next Year
by: Jon Rudder

Posted: Dec 27, 2024 / 06:21 P.M.

EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN) — A major project in East Liverpool is set to begin next year and local officials hope it will attract as many dollars as it does walkers and bikers.

Standing on a hillside overlooking the Ohio River, East Liverpool Councilman John Mercer envisions what a riverside trail along old Pennsylvania Avenue might look like.

“When you’re looking across the river to West Virginia. All of the leaves on the hill changing. It’s going to be amazing,” Mercer said.

Those visions are starting to turn into reality. The city is set to embark on an ambitious plan to create a hike and bike trail connecting downtown to the city’s East End.

“The economic possibilities of something like this are amazing for East Liverpool,” said Mercer.

The multi-phase trail would take about five years to complete. The first phase extends from Broadway Wharf downtown to the end of East Fourth Street but the crown jewel would be the next segment spanning from Old Pennsylvania Avenue, making use of an abandoned road along the hillside.

“That’s going to be a pretty spectacular view and there aren’t a whole lot of trails that are going to have a view like that in Ohio,” said Project Consultant Tom Chema.

Additional phases ultimately weave the trail through the city’s East End to the Point of Beginning near the Ohio-Pennsylvania Border. One day they hope to create a visitor’s center there to serve as a trailhead.

Officials tout the project as more than recreation but economic too.

“There was a study done during the Greenbrier Trail in West Virginia several years ago that shows that the people that come into town from out of town spend a lot of money. 58 percent spent $300 to $500 per visit. 38 percent spent more than $500 or more,” Mercer said.

The entire trail will cost about $16 million and they’ve secured about $7 million of grants and state funding for the project.

“It’s vital to keep young people in the area to have activities like this and it’s really helpful in bringing people in from the outside,” Mercer said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

11/15/2024

Green Twp News
Court rules in favor of landowners in Mill Creek bikeway case
by: Abigail Cloutier

Posted: Nov 14, 2024 / 10:13 PM EST

Updated: Nov 14, 2024 / 10:13 PM EST

GREEN TWP., Ohio (WKBN) –- In the six-year battle between the Mill Creek MetroParks Board and several landowners, Mahoning County Common Pleas Court ruled Thursday in favor of the property owners fighting against eminent domain to extend the bikeway.

Landowners have been in court since 2018 after Mill Creek Metroparks wanted to use eminent domain to extend its bike trail six miles from Western Reserve Road through Green Township to the Columbiana County line.

“It has been a long fight,” said landowner Diane Less.

The extension would run through Less’ farm and the property of four other people in a move land owners said would be detrimental to their farms.

“The idea to use eminent domain so somebody can ride a bike…,” Less said.

Molly Johnson is the attorney on behalf of the landowners.

“What we feel is that this entire project was really an example of governmental overreach into the private lives and private properties of Ohio citizens,” Johnson said.

In Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Thursday, Judge Anthony D’Apolito ruled the park district did not meet requirements to appropriate the land, dismissing all seven cases.

Johnson, who is representing two other landowners in the case, said it’s because the scope of those requirements only extends to conservation efforts.

“The court’s ruling today said that the creation of this asphalt trail that would have destroyed habitat forest wetlands was not conservation of the natural resources,” Johnson said.

It’s the latest step in the six-year battle that has led the landowners from the common pleas court to the court of appeals and Ohio Supreme Court after it was initially ruled Mill Creek had the right to eminent domain.

The ruling could impact the scope of eminent domain in the state.

“Most of the landowners here that have been fighting for so long are fighting not just because this is their own life and their own property, but they’re fighting on behalf of the rights of all Ohio residents,” said Johnson.

However, it’s come with a lot of stress.

“Believe me, these legal fees are crushing — These are hardworking farm people,” Less said.

But this latest ruling doesn’t mean this is the end of the case. Mill Creek Park released a statement, saying they’re aware of the ruling and are working with their legal counsel.

“My clients are going to fight this until the absolute end,” Johnson said.

“It’s like a war and we’ve won a big battle and so, you know, hopefully, it’s the last one. But you don’t know what they will do,” Less said

07/26/2024

This is the inventory of the tee shirts that we have left from the July 13 Trail Benefit fundraiser. If anyone wants to buy a shirt, have them stop at the office. The office is open Monday thru Thursday from 9:00 to 2:00 each day.

XS- 10

Small- 0

Medium- 3

Large -13

XL - 4

2XL- 1

3XL- 1

Cost $20
Columbiana County Park District
330-424-9078
www.columbianacountyparkdistrict.org

07/14/2024

07/09/2024

SUPPORT THE GREENWAY TRAIL ON JULY 13TH.

Friends of the Park will be selling t-shirts along the trail.
Cost is $20.00.

8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

4 locations
Lisbon
Eagleton Road
Leetonia
Franklin Square