Buckeye Trail Association
Hike. Join. Volunteer!
Discover Ohio's 1,400+ mile adventure
Marked by iconic blue blazes and cared for by dedicated volunteers, this hiking trail invites you to explore Ohio’s wild spaces, vibrant communities, and the stories that shape its past and future.
Start exploring Find a hike near you
Everyday Trail Heroes
The Buckeye Trail Association’s 2026 Spring Giving Campaign, Everyday Trail Heroes, features stories and portraits from the people who mark, mend, teach, and welcome along 1,400+ miles, making every mile easier to follow and a joy to hike.
Meet our Trail HeroesBe part of the BTA community
The Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) is a statewide community of hikers, volunteers, partners, and supporters who care for Ohio’s 1,400+ mile hiking trail. When you join the BTA, you help protect the trail, support fellow hikers, and strengthen the communities it connects.
Become a member Explore our ChaptersHike. Join. Volunteer. Give.
There are many ways to be part of the Buckeye Trail—on the path and behind the scenes.
Emma “Grandma” Gatewood—legendary hiker and founding BTA member—joined the trail’s first hike in 1959. She knew Ohio’s forests were worth fighting for. Today, we continue that legacy.
“The forest is a quiet place and nature is beautiful. I don’t want to sit and rock. I want to do something.”
Grandma Gatewood
