The Buckeye Trail goes Hollywood at TrailFest 2025
At Buckeye TrailFest 2025, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz shared updates on new parks, trail loops, and even the Buckeye Trail’s cameo in the latest Superman movie, reminding us that protecting and enjoying Ohio’s longest trail is a shared effort.
We were honored to welcome Mary Mertz, the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at TrailFest. She reminded us just how much of Ohio the Buckeye Trail touches: 30 wildlife areas, 24 state parks, 11 natural areas, and 6 state forests.
Updates included the new Great Council State Park, the Lake Loramie Welcome Center (with “great bathrooms!”), and the upcoming 32-mile Striker Trail backpacking loop that incorporates more than 20 miles of the BT. And did you know? Headlands Dunes, part of the Buckeye Trail, was used as a set in the new Superman movie.
She also highlighted Buckeye Trail Anywhere, a program for schools and senior centers, and the upcoming Ohio Wild at Heart IMAX film, which features Emma “Grandma” Gatewood and the Buckeye Trail.
Her message was clear: protecting and enjoying Ohio’s outdoors is something we do together.
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Jill Moorhead
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