Ohio’s Buckeye Trail could soon join the ranks of iconic trails like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, and it’s all thanks to a feasibility study underway by the National Park Service.
The trail, stretching a whopping 1,454 miles, takes hikers through some of Ohio’s most picturesque landscapes, from the beaches of Lake Erie to the famous Black Hand sandstone cliffs near Hocking Hills.
Built by the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) between 1959 and 1980, this massive loop of hiking trails is about to get the spotlight it deserves. The National Park Service is evaluating whether the Buckeye Trail has what it takes to become a National Scenic Trail (NST). If it passes the test, Ohio could soon have its very own trail on par with national treasures like the Appalachian Trail!
“Thanks to generations of BTA volunteers, staff, and a vast network of partners, Ohio’s Buckeye Trail is already a force of nature,” said Andrew Bashaw, Executive Director of the BTA. “National Scenic Trail status would ensure greater resources and recognition for our trail, enriching lives and fostering even greater volunteerism, sustainable tourism, and incomparable outdoor recreation opportunities around Ohio.”
But what exactly does being a National Scenic Trail mean?
For starters, it’s an official recognition from Congress. There are only 11 National Scenic Trails across the country, and each one showcases stunning natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse ecosystems.
These trails are managed by both federal and state agencies and bring in outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. The Buckeye Trail, with its mix of farmland, forest, and cliffs, would be a perfect addition to this prestigious list.
The Buckeye Trail already shares part of its route with the North Country Trail, one of the longest National Scenic Trails in the U.S., which gives it an edge. The feasibility study will assess whether the trail aligns with nine key criteria, such as preservation, public access, and its recreational value.
In other words, is it a trail that’ll leave visitors saying, “Wow, that was worth the hike!”?
“This designation would recognize what we already know about the Buckeye Trail, that it’s a premier hiking destination in the Midwest that offers unique opportunities to explore the entire state,” said Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz. “The loop around Ohio allows adventurers to visit our beautiful collection of state parks, wildlife areas, nature preserves, and forests”.
Ohioans are encouraged to weigh in on the decision.
There are several public meetings held across the state, starting January 13 in Peninsula and continuing through the month. If you want your voice heard, you can attend in person or even join an online meeting on January 23. Here’s the full list of public meetings:
- January 13, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Peninsula.
- January 14, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Napoleon.
- January 15, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Dayton.
- January 16, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Cincinnati.
- January 17, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Athens.
- January 23, 2025 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. online in a virtual public meeting.
To learn more about the Buckeye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study, head over to parkplanning.nps.gov.
