Published January 8, 2025

Share your thoughts: Buckeye Trail to be considered for National Scenic Trail designation

The Buckeye Trail Association has announced progress in its efforts to secure National Scenic Trail designation for the 1,454-mile Buckeye Trail, which spans Ohio’s diverse landscapes and connects 47 counties and more than 100 communities. Locally, the Buckeye Trail runs through Taylorsville, Island, Deeds Points, Eastwood and Huffman MetroParks.

The National Park Service is now conducting a feasibility study – approved with bipartisan support through Congress in 2022 – with public meetings beginning mid-January. Completion of this study is expected to end before 2026.

National Scenic Trail designation would see the Buckeye Trail join an elite group of only 11 existing trails, making the Buckeye Trail the fifth largest in the nation. Additionally, it would be the only circumferential trail and the first trail to receive designation since 2009.

Benefits of this designation include increased federal support, enhanced visibility, expanded opportunities for community and economic development across Ohio.

The public is invited to six public meetings hosted by the National Parks Service to gather input for this initiative. For those who cannot attend an in-person meeting, a virtual meeting will also be hosted on Jan. 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

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Regional public meetings are:

View a list of additional public meetings here.

For those who are unable to attend a virtual or in-person meeting, comments can be left by visiting the National Parks Service planning website and must be submitted by Feb. 19.

About the Buckeye Trail

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, the 1,454-mile Buckeye trail passes through 21 designated Buckeye Trail Towns and landmarks, such as Wayne National Forest, Serpent Mound and Fort Ancienta UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Every Ohioan is within 90 minutes of a portion of the Buckeye Trail, which provides an accessible connection to Ohio’s great outdoors and showcases the state’s scenic and historical diversity. Learn more at buckeyetrail.org.

 

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