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Camping Update

Date Posted
Oct 23, 2020
Section
Whipple
Chapter
The Wilderness Chapter

This trail change is released because the Halfhill Campsite is now open for use by backpackers on the Whipple Section of the trail.

In addition, we added the opportunities already published in the most recently published Whipple Section (October 2010) in the format used during the last several years.

CAMPING ALONG THE TRAIL

The location of all camping facilities within the Whipple Section that are both known to BTA and within reasonable walking distance of the trail are shown on the map and listed below. Rules are established by the landowners in all cases.

  1. Between Pt 1 and 8, dispersed camping is permitted within the Wayne National Forest. The rules: use minimum impact methods, camp out of sight from the trail and, most important, be sure that you are on property that is owned by the USDA Forest Service and not designated as a park site. Segments of the Forest that meet these criteria may be found scattered along the trail between Pt 1 and 8.

  2. Between Pt 7 and 8, find the Lane Farm campsites. Facilities: P, Pr, PT. From Pt 7, follow SR 26 W towards Marietta for 1.7 mi.

  3. Between Pt 12 and 13, find the Halfhill Campsite. This is a primitive campsite with no facilities although water (purification necessary) can usually be found in a stream within 100’ of the site. The site is some distance from the trail. However, the route from Pt 12 to the site and back to the trail at Pt 13 is both quite scenic and 0.3 mi shorter than the main route. See the Halfhill Campsite Log elsewhere. If you plan to use this campsite, we recommend that you follow the log which is an alternative route to the BT itself.

The Buckeye Trail Association does not manage any campsites within this section. Dispersed camping is not permitted on private or state lands without express permission of the owner/manager. Hikers are expected to comply with all rules in all instances. Request special camping information from the BTA at request@buckeyetrail.org

THE HALFHILL CAMPSITE LOG

CW 0.0 N | CCW 2.8 S | Point 12 | Reeds Run Rd (T331) at Berg Church Rd (T332)

From the S end of this extended, triangular intersection (a road sign on its highest corner), exit Reed’s Run Rd. Bear N onto Berg Church Rd. After 0.9 mi, BT turns W onto Nichols Rd (T329). To get to Halfhill Campsite, continue N on Berg Church Rd past a surprisingly large cemetery and the still active church (400’). Berg Church Rd ends after 100’. Turn E onto Nichols Rd (T329), which reappears as a poorly maintained track, and descend. After 0.3 mi, Nichols Rd ends at Whipple Run Rd (T24). Follow Whipple Run Rd generally N as it meanders across Whipple Run (500’) and passes Offenberger Rd (T518, 250’, exits E).

CW 1.1 ESE | CCW 1.8 S | Point A | Whipple Run Rd (T24) at Trail to Halfhill Campsite

Location: 39.50815N, 81.39542W. From here, a trail leaves the road ESE. The trail meanders over and around a very low ridge. After 0.16 mi, reach the Halfhill Campsite, located at 39.50866N, 81.39324W. Use of this primitive campsite is free for backpackers. Follow minimum impact methods. Purify water from the stream downhill just 100’ away. Notify the Owner at Halfhill757@gmail.com when you will be at the site.
To return to the trail at the next point, head N on Whipple Run Rd. After 400’, pass a side-road, T517, that exits WNW. Continue past Becker Rd (T38, 0.24 mi, exits N) as Whipple Run Rd turns N. After 0.14 mi, pass T517 that returns from the S. After 0.5 mi, cross Whipple Run and, soon, pass Whitely Rd (T522, 400’, exits SW). After 0.6 mi, rejoin the BT on Kohl Rd (T391). Turn N across Whipple Run and enter Whipple.

CW 2.8 S | CCW 0.0 E | Point 13 | Kohl Rd (T24) at SR821 in Whipple

This is the end of the Halfhill Campsite Log.

© Buckeye Trail Association