The Buckeye Trail Association’s annual events

Led by dedicated Buckeye Trail Association volunteers, these annual events bring hikers, volunteers, and trail lovers together to celebrate the Buckeye Trail across Ohio. Whether you’re here for a challenge, a weekend getaway, or a chance to connect, there’s something for everyone.

View all upcoming events →

TrailFest 2025 group of people at the Buckeye Trail Annual Meeting. Photo by Jill Moorhead.

TrailFest and Buckeye Trail Association Annual Meeting

September | Location varies | Hosted by the Buckeye Trail Association and local Chapters

Our biggest event of the year includes hikes, workshops, camping, and camaraderie in a new location each fall. TrailFest also serves as the Buckeye Trail Association’s Annual Meeting, where members gather to elect trustees, celebrate achievements, and honor volunteers.
Blue Blaze Festival runners in Shawnee, Ohio.

Blue Blaze Festival

September | Shawnee, Ohio | Hosted by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter

Trail runs, hikes, and backpacking workshops in historic Shawnee. A weekend of outdoor fun celebrating the Buckeye Trail and Appalachian Ohio.
Brrrrrr Oak Winter Hike 2025. Photo by Shawn.

Brrrrr Oak Winter Hike

January | Burr Oak State Park, Glouster, Ohio | Hosted by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter

A winter tradition at Burr Oak State Park featuring hikes of all lengths, warm soup, and community spirit by the fire.

Blue Blaze Academy trail maintenance and building training for the Buckeye Trail Association inaugural class.

Blue Blaze Academy

May | Location varies | Hosted by the Buckeye Trail Association in partnership with the North Country Trail Association

A hands-on trail-building and stewardship workshop for volunteers—learn to build, maintain, and protect the Buckeye Trail.
MorelFest photo of morels from the Buckeye Trail Association.

MorelFest

May | Buckeye Trail Association Century Barn, Deersville, Ohio | Hosted by the Muskingum Lakes Chapter

Celebrate spring, community, and the elusive morel mushroom with foraging hikes, live music, and campfire fun at the BTA Beall Farmstead.
People celebrating after the Buckeye Trail Association's Biggest Day Hike in recognition of National Trails Day. Photo by Jill Moorhead.

Biggest Day Hike

June | Throughout Ohio | Coordinated by the Buckeye Trail Association and partners in partnership with the American Hiking Society

Sponsored by the American Hiking Society in recognition of National Trails Day, we collectively hike as much of the Buckeye Trail as possible in a single day. Participants sign up for individual segments across the state, working together to cover all 1,440+ miles.
Finalizing the loop for the Little Loop Challenge. Photo by Jill Moorhead.

Little Loop Challenge

June | Northeast Ohio | Hosted by the Crooked River Chapter

Trail lovers come together to collectively hike all 275+ miles of the Little Loop in one day, and then gather to celebrate the achievement with fellow hikers and friends.
Someone making eggs at the E.G.G.S. solstice hike at Burr Oak State Park. Photo by Jill Moorhead.

EGGS Hike (Emma “Grandma” Gatewood Solstice Hike)

June | Burr Oak State Park, Glouster, Ohio | Hosted by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter

This weekend event honors Emma “Grandma” Gatewood’s legacy with timed endurance challenges through Burr Oak and Wildcat Hollow, and is held each year near the summer solstice.
Circuit Hike Group on Ohio's Buckeye Trail. Photo by Jill Moorhead

Circuit hikes

Monthly | Throughout Ohio | Hosted by the Buckeye Trail Circuit Hike group

Monthly group hikes that add up to a full circuit of the Buckeye Trail over 3–4 years, guided by experienced leaders from across the state.

Learn more about circuit hikes →