Buckeye Trail Towns

Small towns, big trail magic

Where the Buckeye Trail and Ohio’s communities meet

Buckeye Trail Towns are where outdoor adventure and Ohio’s trailside communities come together. Located along the 1,400+ mile trail, participating towns offer spots for hikers to eat, stay, and explore, while supporting tourism, small businesses, and local vitality.

Trail Towns are listed in clockwise order as you hike the Buckeye Trail, starting with Mentor at the northern terminus of the Buckeye Trail.

Graphic map of the Buckeye Trail showcasing Buckeye Trail Towns.

Explore Ohio’s Trail Towns

Each Trail Town along the Buckeye Trail offers something special. From historic downtowns to scenic riverways, these communities are places to pause, explore, and connect with local culture.

What is a Trail Town?

Trail Towns are selected communities that meet the following criteria:

  • The Buckeye Trail currently passes through or is planned to pass through the town
  • The town is incorporated, with local government that is open to collaboration
  • The town offers at least one service to support trail users, such as food, lodging, or resupply

Trail Towns work with the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) to promote the trail, improve access, engage volunteers, and raise awareness among residents and visitors. This partnership helps the trail community grow while offering new opportunities for economic development.

Trail Town stories and news

Read the latest news, stories, and community features from Trail Towns across Ohio.

Trail Town news →

Become a Trail Town

Want to create a Trail Town in your part of Ohio? Chances are you already have relationships with people connected to your area’s chamber of commerce, local businesses, and other community partners. This program helps identify ways your town and the Buckeye Trail can work together, plan together, and mutually benefit from the trail’s presence.

Email our Trail Town Coordinator to get started: trailtown@buckeyetrail.org →

Trail Towns are listed below starting from the Northern Terminus of the Buckeye Trail on the shores of Lake Erie, in clockwise order around the state.

Mentor, Ohio

Mentor, Ohio

Mentor, Ohio, a Buckeye Trail Town blending Lake Erie’s shoreline, natural beauty, and outdoor connection. Read more →
Chardon, Ohio

Chardon, Ohio

Buckeye Trail Town Chardon, Ohio, is Ohio's snowiest city and Maple Syrup Capital—featuring scenic trails, a historic square, and year-round outdoor charm. Read more →
Mantua, Ohio

Mantua, Ohio

Mantua, Ohio, the Buckeye Trail Town where the Buckeye, Headwaters, and Cuyahoga River Water Trails meet in a charming historic village. Read more →
Zoar, Ohio

Zoar, Ohio

Zoar, Ohio, a historic Buckeye Trail Town blending 19th-century charm, canal heritage, and peaceful trail scenery. Read more →
Deersville, Ohio

Deersville, Ohio

Deersville, Ohio, a quiet Buckeye Trail Town offering access to Tappan Lake, wooded trails, and the heart of Ohio’s hill country. Read more →
Shawnee, Ohio

Shawnee, Ohio

Buckeye Trail Town Shawnee, Ohio, is the gateway to the Wayne National Forest with rich mining history and vibrant trail culture. Read more →
Peebles, Ohio

Peebles, Ohio

Peebles, Ohio, is a historic Buckeye Trail Town surrounded by forested ridges, ancient sites, and Appalachian charm. Read more →
Milford, Ohio

Milford, Ohio

Milford, Ohio, is a vibrant Buckeye Trail Town at the crossroads of the Buckeye and Little Miami Scenic Trails. Read more →
Loveland, Ohio

Loveland, Ohio

Loveland, Ohio, is a Buckeye Trail Town known for its scenic riverside trails, vibrant downtown, and cycling culture. Read more →
Spring Valley, Ohio

Spring Valley, Ohio

Spring Valley, Ohio, is a peaceful Buckeye Trail Town offering trails, wildlife, and small-town charm. Read more →
Xenia, Ohio

Xenia, Ohio

Xenia, Ohio, is a Buckeye Trail Town and crossroads of Ohio’s rail-trails, known for cycling, history, and outdoor adventure. Read more →
Yellow Springs, Ohio

Yellow Springs, Ohio

Yellow Springs, Ohio, is an eclectic Buckeye Trail Town known for outdoor adventure, local art, and small-town spirit. Read more →
Dayton, Ohio

Dayton, Ohio

Dayton, Ohio, the Buckeye Trail Town and birthplace of flight, where the Wright Brothers’ legacy meets miles of scenic trail. Read more →
Troy, Ohio

Troy, Ohio

Buckeye Trail Town Troy, Ohio, features a historic downtown, Great Miami River access, and miles of scenic adventure. Read more →
Piqua, Ohio

Piqua, Ohio

Piqua, Ohio, a Buckeye Trail Town connecting canal-era charm with modern recreation along the Buckeye Trail. Read more →
Fort Loramie, Ohio

Fort Loramie, Ohio

Fort Loramie, Ohio, is a Buckeye Trail Town blending canal heritage, lake views, and welcoming community spirit. Read more →
St. Marys, Ohio

St. Marys, Ohio

Buckeye Trail Town St. Marys, Ohio, links Grand Lake St. Marys, canal heritage, and small-town charm. Read more →
Spencerville, Ohio

Spencerville, Ohio

Spencerville, Ohio, is a Buckeye Trail Town rooted in canal heritage and surrounded by peaceful rural landscapes. Read more →
Delphos, Ohio

Delphos, Ohio

Delphos, Ohio, is a Buckeye Trail Town linking Miami and Erie Canal history with small-town charm and outdoor adventure. Read more →
Defiance, Ohio

Defiance, Ohio

Buckeye Trail Town Defiance, Ohio, is rich in frontier history and riverfront beauty at the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers. Read more →
Napoleon, Ohio

Napoleon, Ohio

Buckeye Trail Town Napoleon, Ohio, is rich in canal-era heritage along the scenic Maumee River. Read more →
Wakeman, Ohio

Wakeman, Ohio

Wakeman, Ohio, is a Buckeye Trail Town blending natural beauty, historic architecture, and a welcoming village feel. Read more →