• 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.

The purpose of the Association is to promote the construction, maintenance, and use of a state-wide trail system, within the State of Ohio, to be supplemented with side trails, campsites, and other facilities, so as to render accessible some of the historical and senic spots of the Buckeye State. The trail shall be primarily a footpath, but certain portions may be designated for use by horsemen and/or other non-motorized users. Said corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes co-extensive with the purposes set forth in Section 501 ©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) including for such purposes the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under said Section.

BTA MISSION: The Buckeye Trail Association is the leader in building, maintaining, protecting and promoting use of Ohio’s longest scenic hiking trail for our citizens, communities and partners. We provide outdoor recreation, opportunities to volunteer, education, access to the varied resources of Ohio and local economic benefits.

BTA VISION: The Buckeye Trail, Ohio's State Scenic Trail, is a sustainable hiking trail that provides a safe and unique experience throughout the state reflecting the diverse resources, people and stories of Ohio. The trail is a dedicated, recognized and protected route developed and maintained by the Buckeye Trail Association, an organization reflective of the diversity of the trail. The Buckeye Trail Association works in close partnership with communities, organizations and agencies around Ohio creating a legacy for present and future generations.

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 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, send an E-Mail to info@buckeyetrail.org.

Last updated: July 3, 2011
This page Copyright ©2004-2011 by the Buckeye Trail Association