Cincinnati Man Closes the Loop on the Buckeye Trail in Loveland

Jon Martin, of Cincinnati, is scheduled to complete his remaining miles on the Buckeye Trail (BT) on April 15, 2023, as he reaches the Trail Town of Loveland.

The Buckeye Trail is located entirely within Ohio. The first 20 miles of the trail were dedicated in 1959 in Hocking County and completed in 1980. The trail touches 42 of Ohio’s 88 counties, looping around the entire state, and is Ohio’s longest hiking trail.

Jon began his journey of circuit hiking the BT December 31, 2016, in the West Union section. He spent his weekend's circuit hiking with other liked mind individuals. Led by various Buckeye Trail Association members, the circuit hikers wind their way, section by section around the state.

“I have met so many great people around the state while hiking this trail,” Jon remarked. “A favorite story occurred on an out and back in the Delphos section north of Ottoville. It was a hot summer day on a road section when an older retired gentlemen who lived along the trail recognized that I was hiking the BT and invited me to take a break on his patio. I had a great conversation with him. He volunteered to meet me at the end of my hiking day and gave me a ride back so I didn't have to double back on the road.”

If you wish to join Jon and celebrate his last miles on the trail, this will begin at the Milford Bike Trail Park, 5 OH Rt 126, just before Loveland. This will be on a paved bike trail (the Miami Scenic Trail) and will be a moderately paced hike of 7.3 miles

Meet no later than 10 am at the Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking Lot, 245 Broadway Street, Loveland. There will be a car shuttle to Milford Bike Trail Park to begin the hike.

If you are not a hiker, you are welcome to join the festivities that will continue at the Little Miami Brewery, 208 Mill Street Milford after 1 pm.

“I also want to acknowledge the BT community. From everyone at the BTA to all the trail maintenance crews and everyone I've hiked with, especially those who organize the hikes. I'm honored to be part of this community, it really does feel like a family,” Jon said.

Jon has documented his outdoor adventures on his YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@buckeyeexplorer6306/featured

and Instragram account: https://www.instagram.com/bkeye_explorer/

Ohio's Buckeye Trail The Buckeye Trail was established in 1959, today it is a 1,400+ mile hiking trail linking the four corners of Ohio marked by 2" x 6" blue blazes. The BT follows wooded footpaths, abandoned railroad corridors, historic canal towpaths, rivers, lake shores, and country roads, within both rural and urban settings. The Trail provides public access to Ohio's scenic and historic diversity. The BT is open to all, made possible through the permission and cooperation of federal, state and local agencies, private landowners and the tireless work of volunteers.

Our Mission The Buckeye Trail Association is the leader in building, maintaining, protecting and promoting use of Ohio's longest scenic hiking trail for our citizens, communities and partners. We provide outdoor recreation, opportunities to volunteer, education, access to the varied resources of Ohio and local economic benefits.