What is the Buckeye Trail?
A 1,400+ mile adventure through the heart of Ohio
The Buckeye Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that forms a loop, stretching more than 1,400 miles around Ohio. Marked by iconic blue blazes, it connects cities, small towns, farmland, forests, historic landmarks, and scenic riverways.
Quick facts
- Length
- More than 1,400 miles
- Ohio counties traversed
- 47
- Year established
- 1959
- Trail marking
- Blue paint blazes
- Designations
- Millennium Legacy Trail, State Recreational Trail
- Maintained by
- The Buckeye Trail Association and its volunteers
About the Buckeye Trail
The Buckeye Trail forms a loop that winds through 47 counties in Ohio. Its route follows the ridges above the Ohio River, cuts through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, traverses Appalachian foothills and farmland, and weaves through historic canal towns and Civil War-era communities.
The trail connects urban centers like Cincinnati, Dayton, and Cleveland with small villages and state parks. In many places, it overlaps with other major long-distance trails, including the North Country National Scenic Trail and the American Discovery Trail.
The Buckeye Trail is maintained by the nonprofit Buckeye Trail Association, which has worked since 1959 to build, preserve, and promote the trail. Volunteers, members, and local chapters work together to care for the trail’s many miles, ensuring it remains accessible and safe for all.
Protecting land and inspiring people
The Buckeye Trail is a free, open, and public space that connects people to the land, to each other, and to the stories that shaped Ohio and the nation.
Conservation: The trail helps protect natural landscapes, supports biodiversity, and promotes sustainable recreation.
Health and wellness: The Buckeye Trail offers opportunities around the state to explore the outdoors at your own pace, supporting physical and mental well-being.
Community and economy: The trail passes through dozens of official Buckeye Trail Towns, bringing hikers into local shops, diners, and lodging. These visits support local businesses and economic development in Ohio’s great small towns and villages.
Values: The Buckeye Trail is built on stewardship, accessibility, community, and a deep love of the outdoors. We follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the trail for future generations. Our strength comes from our commitment to working together.
Ohio’s trail is unlike any other
The Buckeye Trail is one of the nation’s most unique long-distance hiking trails:
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Nation’s longest loop trail: At more than 1,400 miles, the Buckeye Trail is the longest loop hiking trail in the U.S.
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Statewide reach: The trail traverses 47 counties, passing through more than 100 towns and villages, and is within 90 minutes of every Ohioan.
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Founded in 1959: Built and maintained by the nonprofit Buckeye Trail Association (BTA).
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Thousands of volunteer hours: Hundreds of volunteers devote thousands of hours so that millions of people can enjoy the trail every year.
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Recognized by Ohio: Officially designated as a State Trail by the State of Ohio.
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We have our own day: In 2012, Governor John Kasich designated April 26 as Buckeye Trail Day throughout Ohio.
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Part of a national network: Hosts 900 miles of the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail and 300 miles of the 6,800-mile American Discovery Trail.
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Diverse pathways The trail follows wooded footpaths, abandoned railroads, canal towpaths, river and lake shores, country roads, and multi-purpose trails connecting rural and urban landscapes and some of the most important historic sites in the nation.
