Conservation and camping along the Buckeye Trail
The Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) actively stewards land across Ohio to protect the trail’s future and provide meaningful places for connection, conservation, and community. These properties offer scenic access points, host BTA events, and support long-term preservation efforts.
Members of the Buckeye Trail Association can camp for free on BTA-owned properties.
The Buckeye Trail Association Century Barn on the Beall Farmstead
Location: Deersville, Ohio (Harrison County) | Bowerston Section of the Buckeye Trail
The Beall Farmstead property, which includes the Buckeye Trail Association Century Barn, is a quiet gem nestled on the shore of Tappan Lake in eastern Ohio. Acquired by the Buckeye Trail Association in 2003 to support both recreation and preservation, this property includes forest, meadow, and trail access, and it’s a working part of the BTA’s long-term vision to conserve land along the trail.
The Farmstead has served for several years as home base for events such as MorelFest, the BTA’s annual spring celebration of foraging, live music, and trail life; and the Blue Blaze Academy, where volunteers learn and practice trail maintenance techniques with local partners and experts.
About the property
- Size: 40 acres
- Access to the trail: The Buckeye Trail runs near the property but does not cross it directly
- Surroundings: Near public lands, including Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District property
- Maintenance: Managed by BTA volunteers and chapter leadership
How to use the property
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Primitive camping available to BTA members
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No water, electricity, or facilities
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Please pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles
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Contact the BTA before visiting or camping: massillon@buckeyetrail.org →
Getting there
The Buckeye Trail Century Barn on the Beall Farmstead is accessible by road and searchable via Google Maps. Directions and additional details are provided upon inquiry.
Want to support ongoing maintenance and future improvements?
By giving to our Barn Fund, you can support restoration of the Buckeye Trail Association Century Barn on the historic Beall Farmstead on Tappan Lake for programs, volunteers, and overnight stays.
Pretty Run Preserve
Location: Northern Vinton County | Scioto Trail Section of the Buckeye Trail
Pretty Run Preserve is one of the most remote and rugged BTA properties. Spanning close to 230 acres along a ridge in southeastern Ohio, this land includes headwater streams that feed into Pretty Run. Located just south of the Hocking Hills region, it’s a quiet haven for hikers, wildlife, and future conservation.
Volunteers and visitors have spotted black bears, bobcats, and other native wildlife in the area. The property includes rock outcroppings, hardwood forests, and Sections that have been both logged and left undisturbed, a snapshot of a regenerating Appalachian landscape.
A conservation success story in progress
Like many parts of Wayne National Forest, this property shows what is possible when damaged lands are restored over time. Once at risk of fragmentation or development, Pretty Run is now part of the BTA’s long-term strategy to preserve key trail corridors and protect Ohio’s natural heritage.
About the property
- Size: 230.04 acres
- Access to the trail: The Buckeye Trail runs across this property
- Surroundings: Situated near Wayne National Forest
- Maintenance: Stewarded by BTA volunteers, with restoration work ongoing
How to use the property
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Primitive camping available to BTA members
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No water, electricity, or facilities
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Please practice Leave No Trace principles
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Contact the BTA before visiting or camping: volunteer@buckeyetrail.org →
Getting there
Pretty Run Preserve is located off the beaten path in northern Vinton County. GPS coordinates and directions are available upon request.
Support this property and others like it
By giving to the Buckeye Trail’s Preservation Fund, you can support directing resources to critical preservation projects around the state.
