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 . . .
TrailFest 2014 registration now open! Come to the third annual TrailFest this April 24-27, 2014, at Camp Akita in the Hocking Hills. 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
2013 Award Nominations due April 1!! The BTA provides several awards and recognition opportunities to highlight the efforts of many of our volunteers. If you know someone who has done an exceptional job or gone out of the way to accomplish a task for the BTA in 2013, use this form to nominate him/her for one of our awards.
From the shore of Lake Erie to the view of the Ohio River Valley, and back again, there are so many reasons to love the BT that members, volunteers, and hikers like you have helped to knit together. Share your love by joining the For the Love of the Buckeye Trail photo contest ending at Buckeye TrailFest 2014 in the Hocking Hills! Photo Contest submissions are due April 1st. For photo contest rules, categories, and prizes find the contest at For the Love of the Buckeye Trail or at the Facebook page www.facebook.com/buckeyetrail
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.
Eden Valley Enterprises has been working on a large project spotlighting the life of Emma Gatewood. In November, 2013 Eden Valley premiered a first-person character programp about this amazing woman and now they continue working on a PBS documentary and a video. Visit the Emma Gatewood page on their web site for additional information.
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.