Welcome. . .
The Buckeye Trail Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to building, maintaining, protecting and promoting use of Ohio's longest scenic hiking trail for our citizens, communities and partners. We provide outdoor recreation, opportunities to volunteer, education, access to the varied resources of Ohio and local economic benefits.
The Buckeye Trail itself is 1400+ miles long and winds around Ohio, reaching into every corner of the state. From a beachhead on Lake Erie near Cleveland, to a hilltop overlooking the Ohio River in Cincinnati, a hiker can experience a little of all that Ohio has to offer. The trail is marked by blue blazes, hence our "Follow the Blue Blazes" expression.
Please visit our pages to find out what we are all about!
Special Announcements . . .
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the 5th Annual E.G.G.S. Hike and Campout at Burr Oak State Park. What is an E.G.G.S. Hike? 3 hiking challenges consisting of 20, 40, and 60 miles that need to be completed in 12, 24, and 36 hours respectively to honor a founding member of the BTA and the first female to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, an Ohio native and long time advocate of ultra-light backpacking. All are welcome! For more information visit, www.BuckeyeTrailFest.org/eggs.php
Invest in the important story of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail by supporting our Spring Appeal. Why? The greater awareness of the BT we create, the more hikers we’ll inspire to appreciate it, celebrate it, advocate for it, volunteer for it and perhaps, join the membership of the BTA. Click here for more information on our Spring Appeal.
Come to the third annual TrailFest this April 24-27, 2014, at Camp Akita in the Hocking Hills. Pre-registration is now closed, but we are excepting Walk-ins. There will be a wide variety of workshops, presentations, and outings, including trips to some of the most spectacular scenery in Ohio. This event is open to all; you need not be a member now to attend. We will also have a special presentation Friday evening from Julie Zickefoose, artist and naturalist, and a contra dance Saturday night. All are welcome! For more information visit, www.BuckeyeTrailFest.org
The Buckeye Trail is now on Cafepress! We have been working hard to expand the official Buckeye Trail merchandise that we offer. We are happy to announce that a full line of new products ranging from childrens clothes to license plate covers can now be purchased at cafepress.com/buckeyetrailassociation. Our trail shop found at buckeyetrail.org/store.php will still offer maps, books, and many of the other products found there in the past, as well as some new additions in the future. The holiday season is right around the corner, we invite you to stop in and check out some of the great new products that are now available at cafepress.com/buckeyetrailassociation.
BTA 2014 Work Parties - The BTA Trail Management Team has announced the work party schedule for 2014. Visit the work parties page for the dates.
Special Offers for BTA Members. Enertia TrailFoods (Based in Marietta) is offering a 10% discount to BTA members who place an order of $30.00 or more on their Enertia TrailFoods website—trailfoods.com. You must use the code Buckeye to get the 10% discount. Road, Rivers and Trails is offering a 10% discount for all BTA Members, just show them your membership card, www.roadsriversandtrails.com.
Hiker on the GO! Maps Available. Hiker on the GO is a new series of maps covering interesting loop and side trails along the Buckeye Trail! Find out more.
Sponsor a Library. Find out how you can help the BT by clicking here.
Emma “Grandma” Gatewood Inducted into AT Hall of Fame. According to the press release from the museum, these include: "Pioneers who conceived of and developed the trail; those who organized or directed major trail organizations like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs; longtime trail maintainers; leaders who promoted and protected the Appalachian Trail; hikers who have made significant accomplishments, and other persons who have enriched the culture or community of the Appalachian Trail by their association with it." To read more about Grandma Gatewood, click here.