5000 MILES OF OHIO TRAILS - HIKING, BACKPACKING, CAMPING

As gas prices continue to rise you may be questioning how you will be able to take a vacation this summer. Adventure may be nearer than you thought. Did you know Ohio has over 5,000 miles of trails specifically for hiking, walking, running, biking, equestrian and water trails? Most people are not aware of the resources we have right here at home and are under the impression that adventure requires a road trip. A good example is Ohio’s Buckeye Trail which is the longest loop trail in the country at 1444 miles. In addition, there are 1644 miles of trails specifically for horseback riding. Many of these trails offer the opportunity for back-country camping.

A great resource for discovering these opportunities is the ODNR website https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/outdoor/hiking-backpacking and app https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/outdoor/ohio-trails-app/detour-app These sites haves maps of the trails in addition to posts regarding specific events taking place at the various locations. The sites are both desktop and mobile friendly with features to optimize your experience. Below are some of the trails that are covered.

• City of Columbus
• Cleveland Metroparks
• Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Great Parks of Hamilton County
• Lake Metro Parks
• Medina County Park District
• Metroparks of Butler County
• Wayne National Forest
• Metroparks Toledo
• Central Ohio Greenways
• Summit Metro Parks
• Tri-State Trails
• Miami Valley Trails
• Buckeye Trail & Ohio to Erie Trail
• Five Rivers Metroparks
• NE Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency

Below are a few facts you may find interesting regarding The Buckeye Trail

- The idea was formed in 1958 by Merrill Gilfillan who proposed a trail from Cincinnati to Lake Erie. The first 20 miles were donated on September 19, 1959 in Hocking County. It has since grown to over 1,444 miles and was completed in 1980.

- The group is a non-profit organization with many volunteers who maintain current trails and look for ways to change and improve existing trails. Primarily a footpath the trail is supplemented with side trails, campsites, and other facilities.

- Emma Gatewood at age 67 and grandmother of 23 became the first woman to complete the trail alone in a continuous hike. She appeared on the numerous programs including the Today show. She is considered a pioneer in women’s hiking and used a laundry bag instead of a backpack to carry her carefully chosen items that were usually less than 20 lbs.

- The trail is identified by blue blaze markings 2” wide by 6” high. Trail alerts and updates can be found at http://buckeyetrail.org/alerts.php

Do you manage a group or organization within a community, municipality, or the metro park system? If so, there is an option to contact the site administrator and add new trails as well as create and post events that your group will be hosting. You can also subscribe to the Ohio Trails Newsletter that will keep you updated on trail news, trail events and more.

Take advantage of these trails and experience the great outdoors. Visit your nearest Fin Feather Fur Outfitters or shop online  https://www.finfeatherfur.com/ for all your hiking, backpacking, and camping needs. Like we say, “adventure is out there. Let us help you try and find it. “