“Most people see Ohio from the window of a car or the seat of a bicycle, moving by at a relatively fast speed. But when you take the time to discover Ohio on foot, you realize how incredibly beautiful it is.”
—Andy Niekamp, first solo thru-hiker of the Buckeye Trail
Carry what you need. The trail awaits.
With more than 1,400 miles of connected trail, the Buckeye Trail offers long-distance hikers both challenge and community. Whether you’re out for a weekend or the full loop, it’s a chance to explore forests, small towns, and everything in between.
What to expect
Backpacking and thru-hiking the Buckeye Trail is a one-of-a-kind experience. The trail blends remote wilderness, scenic country roads, and stretches through towns and cities. Along the way, you’ll encounter:
- State forests, wildlife areas, wilderness, and parklands
- Rural communities and back roads
- Trail towns where you can rest, resupply, and connect
The Buckeye Trail can be hiked as a thru-hike (in one continuous journey) or a Section or Circuit hike (completed over time). While most people take several years to hike the entire trail in Sections, many have completed it in one continuous trip. A full thru-hike typically takes three to four months, depending on pace, route, and weather conditions.
Resources for long-distance hikers
Plan your journey with these essentials:
Buckeye Trail Section maps:
Available in paper and digital formats
Trail Alerts & Map Updates:
Stay up to date on reroutes or closures
Hiking Awards and finishers:
Get your patch when you complete the trail
Tips from the trail
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Start small to build confidence. Try a weekend hike before attempting longer Sections.
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Plan your campsites. Camping is not permitted everywhere. Use designated sites, state parks, and private options.
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Know your resupply options. Many towns are close to the trail, but not all offer full services.
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Prepare for limited water. Some stretches require you to carry extra or plan water stops in advance.
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Use offline tools. Cell service is not reliable in all areas. Download maps and updates beforehand, and bring copies of our trail maps.
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Leave No Trace. Respect the trail, the land, and the communities you pass through.
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Track your progress. Document your miles and experiences, and consider submitting your hike to the Buckeye Trail Association.
Make it official
If you complete the entire Buckeye Trail or the Little Loop, don’t forget to:
- Submit your name to our finisher list.
- Request your free completion patch.
- Share your story with the Buckeye Trail Association.
