Trail Alert and Facility Change
- Date Posted
- Aug 31, 2020
- Section
- Stockport
- Chapter
- The Wilderness Chapter
In October 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced an agreement between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and American Electric Power (AEP) to secure more than 41,000 acres of what had been known as AEP ReCreation Lands and place that land into the public trust in perpetuity. Its administration has been divided between ODNR’s Division of Parks and Recreation and its Division of Wildlife. Division of Parks and Recreation has named their new park as Jesse Owens State Park, now contains 2,794 acres. Division of Wildlife has named their new wildlife area as Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area. At 20,672 acres, it already is the largest wildlife area owned by the Division of Wildlife. By Jan 31, 2021, it will have grown to 38,414 acres. ODNR seeks to acquire the funds necessary to purchase the remainder of the ReCreation Lands.
BTA considers itself fortunate that the entirety of the trail that once was within the ReCreation Lands, 24.4 mi, remains intact and now is within Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area. This trail extends between Pt 27 in the Belle Valley Section and Pt 6 in the Stockport Section.
Division of Wildlife has been working with AEP to help maintain rules regarding hunting, fishing and trespass. I suspect that no hiker will notice much change along the trail. However, with such a major change in ownership, changes should be anticipated. We will try to keep you up-to-date as we become aware of changes.
Following the transfer, fewer campsites remain open. At this time, B Hook Lake Campsite (Campsite A), Maple Grove Campsite (Campsite G), Sand Hollow Campsite (Campsite C) and Sawmill Road Campsite (Campsite D) are available. All campsites are operated by the Division of Parks and Recreation. However, none of these campsites are on the BT.
The campground, formerly known as Wood Grove or Campground H, located near Stockport Pt 3, has been closed. The closure is permanent. Bicentennial Campground (Campground K) is not open to BT hikers.
