WORTHINGTON, OH (May 18, 2003)-Brent and Amy Anslinger have logged nearly 10,000 miles of backpacking experience and now are set to continuously hike the first and only long distance hiking trail located entirely within the state of Ohio, the Buckeye Trail. The couple plans a fall 2003 hike which they will start at the southern terminus of the Buckeye Trail overlooking the Ohio River in Cincinnati and traverse 1280 miles of the state in a clockwise direction as they pass through 40 of Ohio's 88 counties on their way back to Eden Park in Cincinnati.

Brent and Amy have most recently worked as Backpacker Magazine's "Get Out More! Road Team" where they presented over 100 backpacking clinics in 40 states during 2 nationwide tours. Prior to working for Backpacker the couple honeymooned by walking 2650 miles from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. Brent has also completed the 2160-mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine and Amy has completed a 3-month National Outdoor leadership School Course in Alaska.

As part of the Bicentennial Celebration they will be leading hikes on the Buckeye Trail as it passes through Ohio State Parks. And in December of 2003, after completing this circuit hike of Ohio, the Anslingers will be touring the state by vehicle, visiting Elementary Schools and Community Centers. They will be sharing the natural and cultural history to be discovered along this journey through a multi-media presentation to groups of all ages.

Recognition of the unique status of the Buckeye Trail was given in 1967, when the Ohio General Assembly passed a resolution recognizing the Buckeye Trail as a unique hiking trail existing entirely within the state of Ohio. In 2000, the White House Millennium Council also recognized the Buckeye Trail as a State Legacy Millennium Trail which is described as "reflecting the essence and spirit of our nation's states and territories. Each of them stitches a design in our landscape and together helps create a picture of America."

The trail follows 2" x 6" blue blazes painted every few hundred feet on trees and utility poles as they lead the walker through urban, suburban, small town, and rural areas; the rolling hills of the Appalachians to the flat plains of the former Great Black Swamp; river valleys, forests and farm fields for nearly 1300 miles around Ohio. Within a one-hour drive of the Buckeye Trail lie nearly 15 million people, including the entire population of Ohio. The trail makes accessible many historic and scenic spots in the Buckeye State where traveling on foot gives you an entirely new and unique perspective.

Public use of the Buckeye Trail is at no cost to the user. It is made possible through the permission and cooperation of many agencies and individuals. These include the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Historical Society, the U.S. Forest Service, The Muskingum and Miami Conservancy Districts, numerous local park districts, other governmental agencies, and private landowners.

The trail exists for the enjoyment of the citizens of Ohio and other states due to the volunteer work, inspiration and efforts of hundreds of members of the Buckeye Trail Association. The Buckeye Trail has been recognized as vital, since its path was chosen for both the North Country National Scenic Trail and the American Discovery Trail.

To receive more information about the Buckeye Trail, use the information request form or E-Mail to info@buckeyetrail.org.
Last updated: July 15, 2003

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