DISTANCE (round-trip)
1444 mi (2323km)
DIFFICULTY
TIME
70-140 days
ALTERNATIVE TO
North Country Trail
SOLITUDE
The Heartland Trail No One Told You About
Ohio may not be the first area you think about when considering a great backpacking adventure. That's why it makes the perfect place to find a 1,000+ mile trail that sees very little attention.
The Buckeye Trail runs nearly 1,500 miles in a huge loop around the perimeter of the state of Ohio.
During your 100+ day hiking trip, you'll pass through countless small cities, and a few large ones. Places like Cincinnati (Pop: 300K), Akron (Pop: 200K), Cleveland (Pop: 400K), and Dayton (Pop: 150K).
NOTE: This trail can be hiked in a nearly limitless number of variations. Easily choose a hike duration that appeals to you!
During your trip you'll also pass within miles of some of the sleepiest and most beautiful parts of West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan.
When to go
In this area the winters are mild and the summers never got too hot. You'd be hard pressed to pick a time of year that's wrong for a visit.
Spring, summer, and fall are moderate. Starting on the southern part of the trail in the spring will allow you to make a northern loop as temperatures warm up.
Know before you go
- The trail borrows many miles from various companion trails. Navigation can be sporadic.
- Parts of the trail are remote and rural but the trail delves straight into the concrete jungle from time to time.
- Despite the metropolitan feel of some areas, proper precautions must be taken. There are still plenty of wild animals that would love to munch on your trail mix.
For more information:
- The BTA maintains a great digital map here.
Buckeye Trail Map Source: Swallow Bicycle Works
Hocking State Forest Area Source: That Linux Box
