The Lumber Heritage Region, Warren County Visitors Bureau and the Warren County Conservation District has announced the selection of Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf as the course designer for Warren County’s first, and only, 18-hole disc golf course to be set within the Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area.

This project was financed, in part, by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Heritage Areas Program, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf, a nationally recognized course design firm with more than 30 years of expertise, and founder J. Gary Dropcho have a proven record of designing sustainable, competition-ready disc golf courses across the Mid-Atlantic region.

“It was a difficult decision. Ultimately, we chose the one we felt would best guide us through the complexities of creating a challenging and diverse course from start to finish,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of LHR.

“This is more than just a disc golf course — it’s a gateway to outdoor recreation, conservation education, and regional history,” said Casey Ferry, WCVB Executive Director. “Partnering with Grip It & Rip It ensures we are delivering a top-tier experience that respects the natural landscape and draws people from near and far.”

“I am humbled to be trusted with the design of the first 18-hole disc golf course in Warren County, and I am excited to immerse the disc golfers in the natural beauty of the Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area. I am anxious to feature the verdant hemlock and deciduous forests, grassy meadows, sloping glades, rock outcroppings, and gurgling waters of Simmons and Hatch Runs in the design. The course will be flexible and respectful of other uses of HRCDA, be appropriately challenging for beginning as well as expert players, and be a model of sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said J. Gary Dropcho of Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf.

Dropcho continued: “Hatch Run will be my 25th disc golf course design project, and, based on my visits to the site, I will need to use all my previous learning and acquired skills to reveal the disc golf challenges rooted in the landforms and flora of this Allegheny River headwater region. I’m looking forward to the Hatch Run disc golf course grand opening in 2027, but also looking forward to working with staff of the Lumber Heritage Region, Warren County Visitors Bureau, Warren County Conservation District, and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to make it all happen.”

A One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Experience in Hatch Run

The Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area, a 350-acre property managed by the WCCD, is the backdrop for this nature-integrated course. Known for its commitment to environmental education, wildlife habitat preservation, and sustainable land use, the property offers forested terrain, waterways, walking trails, and diverse ecosystems — elements that will be preserved and highlighted throughout the course design. Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf will integrate interpretive signage, historical touchpoints, and eco-conscious routing to reflect the area’s rich lumber heritage and conservation mission.

The course will serve as a unique fusion of recreation and learning.

In addition to offering an exciting challenge for disc golfers of all skill levels, the design will immerse players in the story of Hatch Run–highlighting the property’s role during Pennsylvania’s lumber boom and showcasing ongoing conservation efforts. Through well-placed interpretive features, players will discover how sustainable forestry practices are shaping the land today while gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s environmental and industrial past.

A Boost for Local Recreation and Tourism

Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and this project marks a major milestone for Warren County’s outdoor recreation scene. The course will be free and open to the public, catering to both seasoned players and curious beginners.

“As Warren County’s destination marketing organization, our job is to bring people here, and this is the kind of project that does just that,” said Casey Ferry, WCVB Executive Director. “Hatch Run’s location offers that rare mix of forest seclusion and convenience to amenities like restaurants and lodging.”

“The WCCD is excited to incorporate a new outdoor recreation opportunity on the HRCDA Property, while continuing to follow our mission of conservation and education. We can’t wait to see how Gary from Grip It & Rip It will design a disc golf course to flow with the property and its current uses,” said Katie Stover, District Manager WCCD.

The course is expected to enhance the area’s outdoor offerings, strengthen environmental education efforts, and serve as a draw for tourists — creating a positive ripple effect for local businesses and community well-being.