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Little Beaver Creek in Columbiana County was the first river in Ohio to be designated a Wild and Scenic river by the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1974. It is one of only three rivers in Ohio which also have been included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program.

The valley of Little Beaver Creek is characterized by steep walls, high rock cliffs and numerous gentle rapids. The trees and plants include several unusual species more commonly found in cooler, more northern climates, such as Canada yew, yellow and black birch, hemlock and mountain maple. In spring, the stream banks are lined with delicate wildflowers including hepatica, violets and spring beauties.

The West Fork is believed to be one of the last strongholds for the Eastern Hellbender, the largest salamander in North America and a species in serious decline. Once common throughout the Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio River valley, this two-foot amphibian now is found in relatively few streams, mainly those that have been isolated from development and urbanization.