Backpacking the Caesar’s Creek Section

Setting out on a Labor Day adventure

“Hell yeah, that sounds awesome!” is the all-too-familiar phrase when one of us comes up with a grandiose idea. Originally friends from work, we have found ourselves separated by miles and other employment, but our desire to push our personal limits, and to connect with each other and with nature have remained strong over the years.

On Labor Day weekend, we embarked on a 55-mile backpacking journey to complete the Caesar’s Creek Section of the Buckeye Trail. Filled with excitement and doubts as we hoisted our 40+ lbs. packs on our backs at the covered bridge on Corwin Road, we posed for a couple quick pictures, thanked our gracious shuttle driver Nan, and began our personal and collective journey that tested our bodies, our will, and our mental fortitude.

Navigating the trail

This section of the trail boasted rolling hills on paved public roads and rail-trails. Once in the forest, the trail was adequately marked and it was easy to discern which direction to take at most intersections. The combination of the map and trail descriptions allowed for fairly easy navigation using landmarks, road signs, and of course, the blue blazes between check points.

Traveling from south to north on the trail, we arrived at the beach at Caesar’s Creek Lake about six hours after we started where we refueled and rehydrated. From there we progressed northward along the ridge just above the northwest side of the lake.

Through small towns and rail-trails

The trail transitioned from wooded single track to rail-trail after a short jaunt through Spring Valley. From there the rail trail traversed flat ground to Xenia with a walk through the middle of town past the beautiful Greene County Courthouse, built in 1902 in the Richardsonian-Romanesque architecture style.

We had gotten a tip by a local to definitely stop at Nick’s Restaurant at the northern part of the Xenia section. Unfortunately for us, Nick’s was closed for remodeling and we had to settle for Subway across the parking lot.

The trail continued along the rail-trail to the progressive town of Yellow Springs. Once there, we connected with a group of Dayton area hikers to complete the final 10 miles of our journey to Fairborn, where our vehicle awaited us.

The final stretch and celebration

Francisco, from the Dayton Hikers meet-up group, graciously allowed us to stow our packs in his car for the final leg of the hike. Our blistered feet and tired legs thanked him.

The last ten miles started at the rail station in Yellow Springs and followed the blue blazes along the city sidewalks through town. Once we arrived at the YMCA in Fairborn, we caravanned back to Yellow Springs to Peach’s Bar and Grill to meet up with some of the Dayton Hikers and share a celebratory beer (or few).

Reflections on the trail

Overall, the Caesar’s Creek section of the Buckeye Trail was very well marked, included several differing terrains, and offered beautiful scenery throughout the 55-mile section. Once out of Caesar’s Creek State Park, locals offered us water and encouragement that helped us greatly along the way.

Guaranteed, this trip will be unforgettable to us all.