Lumber Heritage Region Receives DCNR Grant to Develop Warren County’s First 18-Hole Disc Golf Course

Warren, PA – The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) has been awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to design and build an 18-hole disc golf course on the Hatch Run Property in Warren, PA. LHR is partnering with the Warren County Visitor Bureau and the Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) to bring this exciting recreational project to life. This will be the first and only 18-hole disc golf course in Warren County, offering a unique combination of outdoor recreation, historic interpretation, and conservation education.

The Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area, managed by the Warren County Conservation District, is a 350-acre property dedicated to environmental education, outdoor recreation, and sustainable land management practices. The area features scenic trails, diverse wildlife habitats, and forested landscapes, making it an ideal location for a disc golf course that emphasizes both recreation and environmental awareness. The course will be designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, preserving the property’s rich biodiversity while providing an engaging space for disc golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.

This project aims to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the region while promoting environmental stewardship and local history. The course will feature interpretive signage highlighting Warren County’s rich lumber heritage, forestry conservation efforts, and the ecological significance of the Hatch Run property.

“We are thrilled to bring this exciting project to Warren County with the support of DCNR and our dedicated partners,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the LHR. “Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport that appeals to all ages and skill levels, and this course will not only provide a fantastic recreational outlet but also help connect players with the history and natural beauty of the region.”

In addition to benefiting local residents, this project will be a significant asset to Warren County’s tourism efforts. As disc golf continues to grow in popularity, the new course will attract players from surrounding areas, boosting visitor traffic, local businesses, and outdoor tourism. The Warren County Visitors Bureau recognizes this as an opportunity to diversify the county’s outdoor recreation offerings and further position the region as a premier destination for nature-based tourism.

“As Warren County’s destination marketing organization, our job is promoting our assets to bring people to the area. When Holly approached us asking if there was a dream project we would like to pursue, a disc golf course was the automatic answer. Warren County is known for a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, our number one tourist draw, but nowhere in the county is a disc golf course, one of the nation’s most rapidly growing sports. The location at HRCD is perfect with its proximity to restaurants, stores, and other amenities while still providing a remote forest experience. This will be a great economic asset as dedicated disc golfers travel far and wide to try new courses and will need a place to eat, sleep, and shop. It will also give locals easy access to a new adventure. Every step of the process has been exciting, and we look forward to seeing Warren County’s newest amenity come to fruition and become a favorite for locals and tourists alike.” – Casey Ferry, executive director of the Warren County Visitors Bureau.

LHR, in collaboration with the Warren County Visitors Bureau and WCCD, will ensure the course is designed to enhance the outdoor experience while maintaining the integrity of the Hatch Run property. The inclusion of interpretive elements will provide players with a deeper appreciation for Pennsylvania’s lumber industry, forest conservation, and sustainable land management practices.

The project is currently in the design phase, with construction set to begin in the coming months. Once completed, the course will be open to the public, providing free access to both beginners and seasoned disc golfers.

For more information on the project or ways to get involved, please contact Holly Komonczi.

 About the Lumber Heritage Region

The Lumber Heritage Region is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and culture of Pennsylvania’s lumber industry through community engagement, education, and sustainable recreation initiatives.

 About the Warren County Visitors Bureau

The Warren County Visitors Bureau promotes tourism and outdoor recreation in Warren County, highlighting its natural beauty, history, and unique attractions to visitors from near and far.

About the Warren County Conservation District

The Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) works to conserve and protect the county’s natural resources through education, stewardship, and sustainable land management practices.