• Current BTA Officers and Trustees

In 1958, Merrill Gilfillan wrote an article for the Columbus Dispatch proposing a trail from Cincinnati to Lake Erie. One of his hopes was that the trail would serve as an encouragement to young people to slow down and learn about their native land. Spurred on by the article, several people, including Merrill, met in Columbus in February, 1959 to discuss building such a trail. In June, they formed a non-profit organization - The Buckeye Trail Association.

The first 20 miles were dedicated on September 19, 1959 in Hocking County. Several of the founders and early leaders were among the 34 people making that dedication hike, including the BTA's most famous grandma, Emma Gatewood. From that beginning, the trail grew to over 1444 miles under the auspices of the BTA. It was completed near Deer Lick Cave in the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area in 1980.

Today, the Buckeye Trail Association is a large, strong body of volunteers who maintain and promote the trail. Though the entire route is marked, the Buckeye Trail continues to change and improve. The BTA looks for ways to move road sections off the roads, and to upgrade those off-road sections to high quality trail.

But the Buckeye Trail Association is more than just a management organization. It is also a social group. Several events are planned each year, both formally by the association, and by individual members. Most of these events are open to the public. You can check out the events page for a list of many of these.

The Buckeye Trail Association sponsors a major event each year on National Trails Day. Referred to as "Go to Blazes Day", this event mobilizes volunteers throughout the state in an effort to touch up all the blazes along the trail. The event helps keep the Buckeye Trail blazed throughout its entire length. Check the events page for information on the next "Go to Blazes Day".

Annually, the Association holds a gathering for all members, usually at a location near the trail. For three days, members are entertained and educated through a series of workshops and presentations. Several hikes are usually scheduled around the area. Finally, the annual business meeting, open to all members, is held during the gathering, giving every member a voice in the operation and future of the Association.

You are invited to join the Buckeye Trail Association. Simply fill out our membership form and send it to the address on the form. You will receive a new member's packet, a membership directory, and the quarterly newsletter, Trailblazer. But most of all, you receive the satisfaction of helping maintain and improve one of America's longest and most diverse trails.

To receive more information about the Buckeye Trail, use the information request form or E-Mail to info@buckeyetrail.org.

Last updated: April 28, 2008
This page Copyright ©2004-2008 by the Buckeye Trail Association