A coalition of 10 Appalachian Ohio counties has officially launched a regional tourism brand, “Ohio Foothills,” to market the eastern part of the state as a unified travel destination known for its outdoor recreation, small-town culture, and rich Appalachian heritage.
The brand includes Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, and Washington counties, all working together to draw visitors and investment to what organizers describe as “Ohio’s front porch to Appalachia.”
Supported by local convention and visitors bureaus, regional development groups, and the state’s Appalachian Planning and Development Commission, the Ohio Foothills campaign features a new logo, website, and marketing materials aimed at positioning the area as a cohesive and authentic destination rather than a collection of individual towns.
“This is about telling one story for our entire region,” said Lisa Granger, executive director of Visit Belmont County and chair of the new Ohio Foothills Tourism Council. “We have rivers, rails, nature trails, and communities that welcome visitors like family—now we finally have a way to promote that together.”
The branding effort, developed over the past year with support from the Ohio Department of Development’s TourismOhio program, emphasizes experiences such as hiking in Salt Fork State Park, biking along the Great Guernsey Trail, exploring historic downtowns, and attending local festivals.
Officials say unifying under a single tourism identity can strengthen grant applications, encourage cross-county collaboration, and attract travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Tourism currently generates millions for the Appalachian region but remains under-promoted compared to Ohio’s larger cities.
“Economic development starts with people recognizing the value of where they live and what they can share with others,” said Jeff Hayes, regional development director for the Appalachian Growth Partnership. “The Ohio Foothills brand gives our communities a shared voice and visual identity in a crowded travel market.”
The initiative also aims to expand entrepreneurship in hospitality, encourage outdoor-related businesses, and support workforce opportunities tied to recreation and heritage tourism.
Ohio Foothills’ digital presence officially launched this week at ohiofoothills.com, offering trip guides, event calendars, and scenic road trip itineraries. Leaders hope the new brand will help redefine this stretch of Appalachia as both a welcoming getaway and a growing economic corridor.