Ohio trail group looks for National Scenic Trail designation

Ohio Buckeye Trail Association
Photo: Buckeye Trail Association

The most famous long-distance trails in the US are probably the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. Now, another trail that circles an entire state is looking to join the exclusive club.

The Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) is looking to secure National Scenic Trail (NST) designation for the 1,454-mile Buckeye Trail, which spans Ohio’s diverse landscapes, connecting 47 counties and more than 100 communities.

The National Park Service is now conducting a feasibility study—approved with bipartisan support Congress 2022—with public meetings slated for mid-January. Completion of the study is expected before the end of 2026.

National Scenic Trail designation would see the Buckeye Trail join an elite group of 11 existing trails, making the Buckeye Trail the fifth largest in the nation, the only circumferential trail, and the first trail to receive this designation since 2009. This recognition would unlock significant benefits, including increased federal support, enhanced visibility, and expanded opportunities for community and economic development across Ohio.

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

“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.”

“This designation would recognize what we already know about the Buckeye Trail, that it’s a premier hiking destination in the Midwest that offers unique opportunities to explore the entire state,” added Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz.

“The loop around Ohio allows adventurers to visit our beautiful collection of state parks, wildlife areas, nature preserves, and forests.”

Since its establishment in 1959, the Buckeye Trail has grown from a 500-mile route into the nation’s largest loop trail, closing the loop in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 1980. Free and open to all, 1,454 miles of the Buckeye Trail pass through 21 designated Buckeye Trail Towns and landmarks such as Wayne National Forest, Serpent Mound, and Fort Ancient, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Buckeye Trail is within 90 minutes of every resident of Ohio, providing an accessible connection to Ohio’s Great Outdoors and showcasing the state’s scenic and historical diversity.

About the Buckeye Trail Association

Established in 1959, the Buckeye Trail Association builds, maintains, preserves, and promotes Ohio’s Buckeye Trail as a sustainable resource connecting people to the state’s scenic and historical diversity.          

National Scenic Trails

National Scenic Trails are designated routes that traverse some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the US, providing unique opportunities for hiking, biking, and experiencing nature. These trails are recognised for their outstanding scenic, natural, and recreational values, often showcasing diverse ecosystems, picturesque vistas, and cultural heritage along their paths.

Managed by various federal and state agencies, National Scenic Trails, like the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, offer well-maintained paths that attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. They often intersect with local communities and provide significant economic benefits through tourism. Currently there are 11 National Scenic Trails: Appalachian, Arizona, Continental Divide, Florida, Ice Age, Natchez Trace, New England, North Country, Pacific Crest, Pacific Northwest, and Potomac Heritage.