Make plans to attend the BTA 51st Annual Meeting! Click here to learn more.

The Buckeye Trail Association is ramping up its conservation efforts to protect the trail and the lands through which it passes. We could use your help today on the Pretty Run project in Vinton County; Click here to learn more.

Thank you to everyone who made our 50th Anniversary year (2009) a fun filled year with many events taking place all around the state. We started with a hike at Findley State Park last February in the Medina Section and ended with a hike in December along the Dayton riverfront in the Troy Section.

For nearly 1444 miles, the Buckeye Trail winds around Ohio, reaching into every corner of the state. From a beachhead on Lake Erie near Cleveland, to an hilltop overlooking the Ohio River in Cincinnati, a hiker can experience a little of all that Ohio has to offer. 

First envisioned in the late 1950’s as a trail from the Ohio River to Lake Erie, the Buckeye Trail evolved into a large loop, branching both north and east from Cincinnati. The separate legs rejoin in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland, and complete the trip to the lake. Because it is a loop, it is also in essence, endless. You may start a hike at any point and hike as long as you want without ever reaching an end!

The trail is identified by blue blazes, 2" wide by 6" high, on trees or poles. A single blaze marks the trail where the route is fairly straight or obvious, while a double blaze marks a turn with the upper blaze offset to indicate the new direction. A double blaze with no offset simply means pay attention - the trail route may not be obvious.

The trail is maintained and managed by the Buckeye Trail Association, a private, non-profit volunteer organization. Use this site to help plan your Buckeye Trail adventure. Start with the overview map, then zoom in on a section of interest. Read the section close-ups, contact the section supervisors, and get the detailed maps for those areas that interest you. Make use of the Featured Hike and Short Hikes sections for ideas. Check the events for a group hike, and finally, visit the on-line store to buy everything you will need. 

Most important…find the time to explore Ohio up close and personal along the Buckeye Trail. 

Special announcements:

• Articles for the Trailblazer should now be sent to trailblazer@buckeyetrail.org.
  
  
  
• Check out the BTA Century Barn page.
  
  
• Support the Buckeye Trail. Make a donation to one of the four funds that finance the many projects of the BTA. You can read about the funds and donate online on our Four Funds page.
  
  
• Renew your BTA membership online! The Buckeye Trail Association now accepts credit cards allowing you to renew your membership on line. Check out our Renewal Page for more information.
  
  

Follow The Blue Blazes, written by BTA member Bob Pond is the definitive guide to the Buckeye Trail. Order your copy today from the BTA On-Line Store and save. BTA Members will save almost $5.00 over the cover price when they order directly from the BTA Store, and all proceeds will go back into the Buckeye Trail. For more information about the book, visit the Ohio University Press web site.

• Are your maps up to date? Check the latest publication date of all 26 BT maps on the Trail Alerts page. Use our Order Form to get the ones you need.
  
  
• HELP!! For more information follow this link!
  
  
• Please take our on-line survey to provide us with valuable feedback! Your time is appreciated.