Cleveland.com’s “Talk of the Towns” features Buckeye Trail’s push for National Scenic Trail status

Sharing the Buckeye Trail story statewide

The Cleveland.com community column “Talk of the Towns” by Shirley MacFarland shines a spotlight on the Buckeye Trail Association’s campaign to designate the 1,454-mile Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail.

The feature details how the National Park Service is conducting a feasibility study, approved by Congress in 2022, to determine whether the Buckeye Trail meets the requirements for national designation. Completion of the study is expected by late 2026.

A vision for greater recognition and resources

The article includes remarks from BTA Executive Director Andrew Bashaw, who said:

“Thanks to generations of BTA volunteers, staff and a vast network of partners, Ohio’s Buckeye Trail is already a force of nature. 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.”

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz echoed the support, noting that the trail “offers unique opportunities to explore the entire state,” connecting Ohio’s collection of state parks, wildlife areas, nature preserves, and forests.

Public meetings and how to get involved

The Talk of the Towns column encourages Ohioans to show support by participating in upcoming National Park Service public meetings, part of the feasibility study process.

Upcoming meetings:

January 13, 4–7 p.m. — Hines Hill Conference Center, Cuyahoga Valley National Park
1403 W. Hines Hill Road, Peninsula, Ohio

January 23, 5:30–6:30 p.m. — Virtual public meeting

Community members are invited to share their perspectives on what the Buckeye Trail means to them and why it deserves national recognition.