West Union
- Miles
- 58.5 total miles / 6.9 off-road miles (11.8%)
- Section supervisor
- Nikki Gerber
- Contact
- westunion@buckeyetrail.org
- Paper map publication date
- January 2020
- Chapter
- Appalachian Foothills Chapter
- Counties
- Adams, Brown
- Abutting Sections
- Shawnee, Williamsburg
- Trail alerts and map updates
- See all
- Page last updated
- Sep 26, 2026
What to expect
The West Union Section highlights the transition from Ohio’s rugged Appalachian Plateau to its flatter Till Plains. Beginning in the unglaciated hills, the trail winds through the Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve, ending the footpath portion at the George Rieveschl Jr. Creek Bend Center on Ohio Brush Creek. From here, the trail moves onto roads, entering the Bluegrass Region with its rolling farmland and open views. Hikers pass through Bentonville, cross into Brown County, and climb toward the Till Plains. Along the way, the trail passes through Russellville and near Georgetown and Mt. Orab, skirting two historic covered bridges. The section ends after crossing the dam at Grant Lake, centerpiece of the Grant Lake Wildlife Area.
Section news
Towns and villages on the trail
Bentonville, Russellville, Mount Orab
Points of interest
- Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve →
- George Rieveschl Jr. Creek Bend Center on Ohio Brush Creek
- Two historic covered bridges near Mt. Orab and Georgetown (out of service)
- Grant Lake and the Grant Lake Wildlife Area →
Open Trail Adopter segments
- Points 16 to 17 (mostly on road)
- Points 17 to 29 (on road)
Natural features and geography
- Appalachian Plateau foothills (unglaciated)
- Ohio Brush Creek valley
- Bluegrass Region rolling farmland
- Till Plains, flatter agricultural region
Nearby emergency services
In life-threatening situations, call 911 throughout the Section. For other problems, call:
| County | State Highway Patrol | Sheriff |
|---|---|---|
| Adams | 937.378.6191 | 937.544.2314 |
| Brown | 937.378.6191 | 937.378.4435 |
Trail Alerts
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Water Cache Available
Kent Daniels, a BTA Trail Adopter, has provided access to and stocked a roadside water cache for BT … Read more
Map Updates
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West Union Section Map Update - Pt 22-23
September 25, 2026 West Union Section Map Update Pt 22-23 Pt 22: End of Baker-Hanselman Rd (T178) E … Read more
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West Union Update Points 25 -26
West Union - Map Update January 27, 2026 Point 25 This map update corrects the description for … Read more
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Description Update
The BTA has been asked by the owner of property within Point 6 to change the text on the map at … Read more
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Major Reroute
This map update applies to both the Shawnee Section Map Edition of December 2011 and the West Union … Read more
Parking locations
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Point 2: Blacks Run Road Trailhead parking is restricted to 4 vehicles. In addition, any vehicle left overnight must display a valid parking permit in the windshield. Contact the preserve at either ohio@tnc.org or call 937.544.2188, extension 13 for your permit.
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Point 3: Dr. George Rieveschl Jr. Creek’s Bend Overlook and Preserve has a day use parking area with 26 spaces and a portable toilet.
Section resources
Camping locations
- Point 22 - Point 23: Vogel Shelter at 38.93155, -83.85168 in the woods on the W side of W Fork Rd and 0.6 mi after passing Seip Rd (T322) in the CW direction or the first woods on the W side of W Fork Rd and 0.22 mi after Pt 23 at Delhi-Arnheim Rd in the CCW direction. A No Trespassing sign exists at the road. BT hikers are still welcome and are required to call the number posted in the shelter so the owner is aware someone is back there. Follow leave no trace practice.
Resupply locations
- Peebles has both a Dollar General and a Family Dollar close to trail.
