The Land Conservancy proudly acquired and permanently protected the 30-acre Kerestes Cliffs and transferred the property to Columbiana County Park District for management as a publicly accessible park, open for nature observation, hiking, and rock climbing.
Permanent conservation of Kerestes Cliffs ensures critical habitat for native Ohio plants and wildlife, including State-listed bird species such as Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Redstart, Black-billed Cuckoo, Great Crested Flycatcher, Hooded Warbler, Wood Thrush, and Yellow-throated Vireo.
This project also benefits water quality for the Middle Fork of Little Beaver Creek, as the site’s wooded slopes drain directly into the high-quality stream. Little Beaver Creek supports 63 species of fish, 49 mammal species, 140 types of birds and 46 species of reptiles and amphibians, including Ohio’s largest population of endangered Hellbender Salamanders.
Outdoor climbing access is extremely limited in northern Ohio, and there are only 19 public outdoor areas where climbing is legal statewide. Accordingly, this site presents a very unique offering for visitors to the region. Kerestes Cliffs is located inside the “Logtown Climbing Area,” which has a rich history of being a sought-after climbing destination since the 1960s.