Key to the icons included with each description:

	Campsites available (modern)
	Campsites available (primitive only)
	Food Stores along or near trail
	Restaurants along or near trail
	Outdoor Outfitter available in section
	Emergency Medical Facility in section

Use our overview map to see where each section is located.

Bedford 
Supervisor: Debbie Zampini, Phone 440-567-1894 
See a map of this section

The Bedford section begins at a kiosk in the Brecksville Reservation, Cleveland Metro Parks. This kiosk marks the beginning of the Bedford and Akron Sections and the end of the Medina Section. The Bedford Section heads northeast, while the Akron Section heads south and Medina heads west. This junction marks the spot where the Buckeye Trail was formally completed, linking the four corners of Ohio. Shortly, the trail crosses the Cuyahoga River on a wrought iron bridge, and continues off-road through various parklands. Further on, the trail uses a Rail-Trail for several miles.  In the northern half of this section, the trail finds itself more and more on roads. The Bedford Section ends at Headlands Beach State Park on Lake Erie, the BT's Northern Terminus, where it meets the Burton Section from the south.   [Key]

Burton 
Supervisor: Mel Beers, Phone 440-350-9581
See a map of this section

The Burton Section begins at the northern terminus of the Buckeye Trail, in Headlands Beach State Park on the shores of Lake Erie. BT heads south away from Lake Erie on streets through Grand River into Painesville. BT passes The Rider Inn, waypoint on Underground Railroad and joins Lake County Metroparks Greenway. Trail climbs steadily up low Appalachian escarpment and visits Girdled Road Reservation. After crossing into Geauga County, the trail passes through Big Creek Park, where camping is permitted by reservation. The trail continues south approaching the headwaters of the Cuyahoga River, continuing through the village square of Burton. Century Village on Burton Square is a site of various festivals highlighted by the annual Apple Butter Festival every autumn. South of Burton, the trail passes Hiram Rapids on the Cuyahoga River before passing into the Mogadore Section.   [Key]

Mogadore 
Supervisor: Matthew Funk, Phone 330-310-9022 
See a map of this section

Two State Parks are the highlights of this section.  West Branch State Park circles the western edge of the Michael J. Kirwan reservoir.  Lots of older hardwoods, rolling terrain and peaceful creeks are the course of your travel.  Use Knapp road (White Blazed) to complete a 8.3 mile circuit hike of this area. Quail Hollow State Park also has many interesting old hardwood acres.  It became a State Park in 1975 because of its diverse wet habitat and tall grass prairie.  The herb and flower garden is a favorite spot for hikers. The 8.5 miles of the Buckeye Trail along the Mogadore reservoir is a favorite of many hikers.  Its relatively flat course through lush pines and fine fishing spots is a great way to spend an afternoon. The Goodyear Airship Hanger at Wingfoot lake is a mighty structure that houses the Spirit of Akron blimp.  The site of this blimp overhead and practicing take-off and landings is a common site while hiking the Mogadore section. The section ends just west of Quail Hollow State Park in the town of Hartville.  Be sure to stop at the chocolate factory 10 feet from the trail and reward yourself with these homemade goodies. The trail leaves Hartville in the Massillon Section.   [Key]

Massillon
Supervisor: Mary Hamilton, Phone 330-602-4071 
See a map of this section

The Massillon Section begins in Hartville where the Mogadore Section ends. The north end of the trail follows suburban roads past Nimisilla Reservoir, a unit of Portage Lakes State Park. In Crystal Springs, the trail connects to the south end of the Akron Section on towpath. This junction closes the 'Little Loop' of the Buckeye Trail. The little loop comprises the Akron, Bedford, Burton, Mogadore and Massillon Sections. The Massillon Section continues along the Towpath Trail, a unit of Stark Parks. Former towpath is followed through the remainder of Stark County and much of Tuscarawas County. The trail visits the towns of Massillon, Navarre and Bolivar. South of Zoarville, the Buckeye Trail again follows country roads past Camp Tuscazoar into the Bowerston section. (39% off-road trail)    [Key]

Bowerston 
Supervisor: Scott Pendleton, Phone 740-942-2624 
See a map of this section

Much of the Bowerston section follows county and township roads but Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District properties provide many miles of off-road experience. The trail skirts Leesville Lake, passes through the town of Bowerston, and follows the shorelines of Tappan, Clendening and Piedmont Lakes. After passing through the small town of Smyrna, the trail continues along a very scenic township road and over a covered bridge at Skull Fork. (38% off-road trail)    [Key]

Belle Valley 
Supervisor: Gary Williams, Phone 740-732-7291 
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The Belle Valley section is a mostly hilly, completely rural portion of the BT that runs through Guernsey and Noble Counties in southeast Ohio. The section runs from Winterset to the America Electric Power Recreation Lands. The trail here is mostly on rarely traveled dirt roads, with off-road portions located at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, Seneca Lake (the southernmost of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Lakes), Wolf Run State Park and America Electric Power Recreation Lands. The trail passes through the villages of Old Washington, where the trail crosses I-70, and Belle Valley, where it crosses I-77, and Hoskinsville.   [Key]

Road Fork 
Supervisor: George Schubert (304) 876-6829 
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Along with the Whipple Section, this section provides a link between the off-road trail in AEP Recreation Lands and North Country Trail in the Marietta Unit of Wayne National Forest. Although somewhat below average in off-road trail, this segment lies in very remote, wooded country of high ridges. Some of the roads are so little used that days may pass between vehicles. The trail leaves the Belle Valley Section in Belle Valley and heads east past Caldwell Lake, Fulda, Lamping Homestead and Ring Mill on the way to the Whipple Section at County Road Nine. (27% off-road trail)    [Key]

Whipple
Supervisor: Gary/Rae Ward, Phone 740-678-2116   
See a map of this section

Along with the Road Fork Section, this section provides a link between the off-road trail in AEP Recreation Lands and North Country Trail in the Marietta Unit of Wayne National Forest. Although the ridges remain high and are generally forested, the trail passes through farmland and several remote towns with few facilities. Towns and other features include Hills Covered Bridge, Stanleyville, Whipple, Warner, Macksburg, Crooked Tree and Hackney. This section ends in the Stockport Section near Onion Run. (26% off-road trail)    [Key]

Stockport 
Supervisor: Herb/Susie Hulls, Phone 740-585-2603 
See a map of this section

Almost all of the Stockport section is hilly and timbered with small to medium farms scattered throughout. About three fourths of the trail follows township or back roads that are little used. The 18 plus miles of off road trail through American Electric Power ReCreation lands is an enjoyable hike where many lakes and beaver dams can be seen. Camping and water are available at AEP Woodgrove Campground H on Morgan County Road 27. Other off road sections are around the villages of Stockport and Chesterhill. The historic town of Stockport is very nice with some stores and restaurants plus the beautiful Muskingum River with tables and pit toilets at the bridge. The few towns the trail passes through are small but nice with small stores.   [Key]

New Straitsville  
Supervisor: Jay Holwick, Phone 740-743-3813 
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The eastern portion starts at SR 78 northeast of Burr Oak Lake and goes into the Wayne National Forest. Eventually the trail follows the Burr Oak shoreline leaving the Burr Oak area to go through the Wayne National Forest. Public camp grounds are available at Burr Oak boat docks three and two (boat dock one is a picnic area only). The Wayne National Forest area trail is mostly off road until you reach the Logan, Ohio area then it follows country roads until the section ends at SR 664, four miles northwest of Logan Ohio. Rolling wooded hills with numerous streams to cross, and much beaver activity are in the Wayne National Forest area. Deer, turkey and other animals can be seen on this hike. During the summer months most of the streams are dry, so pack in your water supply. Shawnee, Ohio hosts the only restaurant and is near to the trail at Tecumsey Lake. Camping in the Wayne National Forest is permitted, but primitive no trace. A small store for minimal resupply is available in nearby New Straitsville or Murray City.   [Key]

Old Man's Cave  
Supervisor: Byron and Jamie Guy, Phone:(614) 306-6603 
See a map of this section

This section begins northeast of Logan at SR 664 and Walnut Dawler Road. The trail meanders southwest through Enterprise and skirts the SE side of SR-33 were it enters Lake Logan State Park at the levee. Near here, we honor one of the Buckeye Trail’s founders, William (Bill) Miller, by naming a short section after him. Cross Duck Creek on a new narrow foot bridge and continue south on back country roads, through the hemlocks in Hocking State Forest. The trail crosses Big Pine Creek on a large-elevated steel bridge and continues into the Old Man's Cave area.  Here you will find primitive and class "A" camping after hiking a steep paved road. The main attractions in this area are: Conkles Hollow, Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Aah Cave.  Old Man's Cave area offers, parking, tables, toilets, water, and dining lodge. Here too, we honor a famous founder, Grandma Gatewood, by naming a portion of the trail in her name. Stop, rest and view 350 million years of geology and thousands of years of human history. We leave this area at Ash Cave by crossing SR 56 and entering TWP 254.  Hiking back country roads and steep hills we leave the Old Man’s Cave section and enter the Scioto Trail section at SR 327 and Clark Hollow Road.   [Key]

Scioto Trail 
Supervisor: Deven Atkinson, Phone 750-947-7805 
See a map of this section

The Scioto Trail Section traverses portions of Vinton, Hocking, Ross and Pike counties. These are the legendary foothills of the Appalachians - beautiful southern Ohio hill country. The BT passes through three state forests - Tar Hollow State Forest, Scioto Trail State Forest, and Pike State Forest. These forests have state parks nearby, affording plentiful camping and recreational facilities for individuals and groups. The trail through the state forests is either off-road or on state forest access roads. The Scioto Trail Section begins on State Route 327 just east of Tar Hollow State Forest. It works its way northwest through the forest up to the Tar Hollow Fire Tower, then southward through state forest and private lands to US Route 50, just west of Londonderry. These miles provide some beautiful sections of forested off-road trail as well as some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from a variety of ridgetops. The Buckeye Trail then connects to Scioto Trail State Forest via pastureland, backcountry roads and picturesque off-road ridgetops overlooking the Scioto River valley, crossing the Scioto River just before entering the Scioto Trail State Forest. The trail west of Scioto Trail State Forest follows mostly remote, scenic backroads to the small crossroads of Nipgen, just outside of Pike State Forest. The western terminus of the section is in Pike State Forest, southeast of Pike Lake Dam.   [Key]

Sinking Spring  
Supervisor: Jim Runk, Phone 937-289-2481 
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The Sinking Spring section offers some beautiful scenery and hiking as it's northern half passes through Pike State Forest. Almost 24 miles of the trail passes through the forest or adjoining Pike Lake State Park, utilizing forest roads, abandon dirt roads and plain old trail. Plenty of facilities are available in the park. After crossing SR 41, the trail enters the Fort Hill historical area, site of a Hopewell Indian ceremonial mound build 2000 years ago.  A side trail leads to the mound atop the hill. Nearby is Butler Springs Christian Center, site of several BTA Annual Meetings, including 1999. The Buckeye Trail continues through Fort Hill on trails before finally going on roads. After passing through Sinking Spring, the trail goes by another Indian mound at Serpent Mound. South of SR 32 are several miles of trail, over Tolle Hill, through Davis Memorial and near Mineral Springs Lake.   [Key]

Shawnee 
Supervisor: John/Darlene Rethman, Phone 513-398-9527 
See a map of this section

Starting near Mineral Springs Lake, the Shawnee Section follows back country roads for several miles, pasing through the small towns of Mineral Springs and Wamsley. Entering Shawnee State Forest, the Buckeye Trail follows several forest trails, including the Backpack Loop Trail (Note: in much of the state forest, the Buckeye Trail is not marked with its traditional blue blazes, as the Shawnee Day Hiking Trail uses blue blazes and was there first!). This area is often called the Little Smokies, and the spectacular views offered from the Buckeye Trail will show you why. The BT leaves the state forest along the Wilderness Loop trail, and continues on backroads into the West Union Section.   [Key]

West Union 
Supervisor: Steve and Susan Miller, Phone 513-734-7566

 
See a map of this section

The most southerly point on the Buckeye Trail is reached in this section where the trail dips within two miles of the Ohio River. The trail primarily follows back roads alongside several small streams. The only town directly on the trail is Bentonville, but the larger city of Manchester lies only two miles off the trail. As the trail continues westward, the hills begin to flatten and more farmland appears. The trail passes White Oak Creek Covered Bridge and goes through Brown Covered Bridge, both across White Oak Creek.(No off-road trail)   [Key]

Williamsburg  
Supervisor: Chris McIntyre, Phone 513-583-0256 
See a map of this section

Much of the eastern part of this section follows narrow country roads past numerous farms and small towns. The terrain consists mostly of gently rolling hills. Two stream fords and a hike by Grant Lake highlight this portion. After passing through the city of Williamsburg, the trail winds 25 miles through East Fork State Park, the only portion entirely off-road. The western portion of the section finds increasing urban evidence as the trail nears Cincinnati. It passes through the city of Batavia, and along some more heavily traveled roads, before ending in Milford, where it joins the Loveland Section and the Little Miami Rail Trail.   [Key]

Loveland 
Supervisor: John Rethman, Phone 513-398-9527 
See a map of this section

The Buckeye Trail, from it's southern terminus at the upper overlook in the northeast corner of Eden Park in Cincinnati, to the intersection of US 50 and Wooster Lane in Terrace Park is on urban and suburban streets. This section leads you past some wonderful examples of mansions and churches that were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From the intersection of US 50 and Wooster Lane to the end of the Loveland Section the Buckeye Trail follows the Little Miami Scenic State Park, a paved bike path located on abandoned Penn Central railroad right of way along the Little Miami River. Popular on hot summer days, the bike trail follows a rail bed first build in the 1840's as the Little Miami Railroad, named after the nearby river and not the size of the train! As the trail heads north, you pass through Camp Dennison, used as a Civil War camp by the Union Army. North of Loveland, the land gets less urban, though you can often hear the sounds of Kings Island amusement park near Foster. After passing through Morrow, the trail passes under the I-71 bridge and into the Caesar Creek section. The Fort Ancient prehistoric Indian earthworks and museum are adjacent to the trail near SR 350.   [Key]

Caesar Creek 
Supervisor: Dave Drumm, Phone 937-438-8194 
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The Buckeye Trail enters this section on the Little Miami Scenic State Park bike trail, but leaves it immediately to follow country roads into Caesar Creek State Park. Here you enjoy over 20 miles of off-road, unpaved hiking along the lakeshore, passing the public beach. North of the park, the trail follows a combination of back roads and rail-trail through the college town of Yellow Springs. The BT continues North on the Little Miami Scenic Trail (bike trail) into Springfield, then turns soutwest as it heads for the city of Dayton. Near Fairborn, a brief off road trek takes you through the Cold Springs Reserve, and then eventually on to the Wright Brothers' Memorial Bikeway and the Troy section.  [Key]

Troy 
Supervisor: John Heater, Phone 937-773-0821 
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On canal towpaths, along railroad tracks, under two Interstate Highways and beside a monument commemorating the Wright Brothers' First Flight, the Troy Section of the Buckeye Trail offers hikers a glimpse into the evolution of transportation in Ohio. It follows in close proximity to the Great Miami River, using the same basic trail that the Shawnee and Miami Indians blazed to their ancient hunting grounds in Kentucky.  This trail was later used by immigrants settling the Northwest Territory from Cincinnati and eventually by the Ohio Canal Commission, which began construction of the Miami & Erie Canal in 1826.  From south to north, hikers will walk near the Wright State University Campus while military jets from the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base soar above.  Over Wright Brothers Hill and into the entrance of the U.S. Air Force Museum, the trail continues on along the Mad, Great Miami, and Stillwater Rivers on an 8-mile strech of an old and new Bike/Hike Trail.  North of Dayton, the trail enters the Taylorsville Reserve Metro Park where an observant hiker can spot the remains of the canal bed.  The trail follows roads and new HIke/Bike trails through Tipp City, Troy, and Piqua. The trail exits the city of Piqua along the Great Miami River Levy. These relocations add about 8 miles of new "off-road" trail to this section. North of Piqua, the trail passes historic Johnston Farm, a restored farm which features a mule-drawn canal boat during the summer. Finally crossing Loramie Creek at the site of an old aqueduct, the Troy Section concludes in Lockington, the site of nine canal locks and generally considered one of the engineering wonders of the 19th century.   [Key]

St. Marys 
Supervisor: Melissa Reed, Phone 937-381-5100 
See a map of this section

This section follows the old Miami-Erie Canal for just about its entire length.  The canal was built in the 1830's between the Ohio River and Lake Erie.  You will walk past many of the original locks as you start the section in Lockington.  Most of the walk will be along the original towpath, though some road walking is used where the towpath is gone.  The trail passes through the old canal towns of Minster, New Bremen and St. Marys before ending in the village of Kossuth.   [Key]

Delphos 
Supervisor: Dave Stilwell, Phone 419-394-8874 
See a map of this section

The Buckeye Trail starts this section on the towpath of the Miami-Erie Canal, between the old canal and CR-66A. Shortly, you will pass through Deep Cut Park, a 512 foot long, 50 foot deep cut made entirely by hand. Laborers were paid 30 cents per day plus a jigger of whiskey. The trail continues on the towpath through the town of Spencerville and on to Delphos. Beyond Delphos, the trail generally follows the route of the canal through the Auglaize River valley. Much of the northern half of the section follows county and township roads, ending in the town of Junction.   [Key]

Defiance 
Supervisor: Allen Deemer, Phone 419-258-2274 
See a map of this section

The southern half of this section is all on-road. It follows county roads with light traffic. The trail then enters the city of Defiance where it follows tree-lined streets, crosses the Maumee River, and turns east through Pontiac Park, where there is a monument to Johnny Appleseed. The trail continues on-road to and through Independence Dam State Park, past the old canal locks. It follows along the Miami and Erie Canal on the towpath and is certified North Country Trail (6.6 mi.). The Buckeye Trail leaves towpath back on road to Napoleon.   [Key]

Pemberville 
Supervisor: Charles Huth, Phone 419-448-0007 
See a map of this section

You've reached the flat farm land of Ohio where the major risk to hikers is falling into one of the deep drainage ditches along the road. The land here was shaped during the last ice age, leaving it flat and fertile. This section provides a pleasant, easy walk, ideal for lazy summer days or crisp autumn weekends. While following the many back roads you will experience the midwest country atmosphere close-up. The section begins in the small town of Waterville and passes north of Bowling Green before crossing I-75. From here, the trail turns northeast through farm land and alongside small streams and rivers, through the towns of Pemberville, Woodville and Elmore. From Elmore, the trail turns southeast west of Fremont and ends in the tiny village of Old Fort. (6% off-road trail)    [Key]

Norwalk 
Supervisor: Charles Huth, Phone 419-448-0007 
See a map of this section

Farms, and long straight stretches of road walking await you in the Norwalk section. Though not filled with steep climbs or breathtaking views, this sections offers an easier walk for those who want to stroll, not hike. You'll spend most of your walk on lightly traveled back roads, passing many farms. The abundance of crossing roads make it possible to 'loop' hike, returning to your start without backtracking. The Buckeye Trail itself heads primarily in an easterly direction, skirting several small towns along the way. After passing through Havana, the trail follows a series of due east roads for 30 miles, before finally going off-road and into Findley State Park. Here the section ends and the Medina section starts.   [Key]

Medina 
Supervisor: Cecilia Hartman, Phone 216-521-0560 
See a map of this section

Most of this section is on rural, relatively flat, roads. It starts in Findley State Park, south of Wellington on State Route 58, and goes right through the park. It later crosses a causeway through Spencer Lake and Spencer Lake Wildlife Area, goes through Letha House Park, a Medina County Park, and also follows the Lester Rail-Trail (another Medina County Park) for about 3 miles. It then goes through a very suburban built up area of Brunswick, passing along side Plum Creek Park (yet another Medina County Park). It is then along rural roads until it gets to Hinckley Reservation, a unit of Cleveland Metroparks, very near the famous Buzzard Roost and up through Hinckley Ledges. The eastern section is in the Brecksville Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks, and ends at Deer Lick Cave.   [Key]

Akron 
Supervisor: Dana Zintek, Phone 330-928-8931 
See a map of this section

The remoteness of this section is quite amazing. The Buckeye Trail passes through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where waterfalls, a covered bridge, the Ohio & Erie canal and Hale Farm and Village are some of the highlights. The trail leaves the C.V.N.P.. and enters the city of Akron. You hike on sidewalks past the 65-room mansion Stan Hywet, abolitionists John Brown's house, the Akron Historical Society’s complex and the Akron zoo. South of Akron the trail continues on the Ohio & Erie towpath into Canal Fulton where you can ride the St. Helena III canal boat or visit the Heritage Society museum. Continue south on the towpath to Crystal Springs and into the Massillon section.   [Key]

Information on this page is provided as a service by the Buckeye Trail Association. It is believed accurate, but not guaranteed. Changes may occur at anytime. When known, such changes will be noted on this web site, and in Trailblazer, the BTA's bi-monthly publication. The Buckeye Trail Association is not responsible for any errors, omissions or changes to the information on this page. If you note any errors, please contact the Buckeye Trail Association, PO Box 254, Worthington, Ohio, 43085, or E-Mail the webmaster.

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Last updated: April 28, 2009
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