There are many sections of trail throughout the State of Ohio that need trail maintainers. There are all kinds, off-road, on road, hilly, flat, rural and urban. All of them need someone who cares enough about hiking to ensure that anyone, who wants to do so, will have an enjoyable experience hiking on that trail. This relationship is most successful when the maintainer/s takes pride in their trail as if it were their child. BTA calls this adopting the trail. As do all aspects of parenthood this requires work and commitment. The off-road trail adopter must hike his or her trail at least 3 or 4 times a year so that they can ensure that the blazes are accurate and clear, that the hike is not a battle with thorns and other greenery and that the deadfall is removed or routed around. Even on road sections need to be checked annually to ensure that the blazes are visible.

Late winter and early spring are ideal times to adopt a piece of the trial because without the undergrowth it is easy to follow and make friends with it. Soon it will be warm enough that the paint won't freeze and we can refresh or replace blazes. Now is the time to call on and schedule the chain saw crew to remove down trees. It will never be easier to beat back the briars and dig out the wild roses thus getting a head start on the summer's maintenance. This could be a great way to start the New Year.

We all like to hike the Buckeye Trail. Please give up four days a year to maintain it for all of us. You will have a good time, get outdoors and get good exercise. No one is more important to the trail than the maintainers who do their job and ensure that it is fun to hike. To join us call Jack Watkins at 800-881-3062 or e mail at info@buckeyetrail.org. Thank you

To receive more information about the Buckeye Trail, use the information request form or E-Mail to info@buckeyetrail.org.
Last updated: February 26, 2002
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This page Copyright (c) 2002 by the Buckeye Trail Association