Follow the Blue Blazes

Hike the Buckeye Trail through Summit Metro Parks

Out of 1,444 miles, 55.5 of those make up the Akron section of the Buckeye Trail. The circuit trail’s 26 sections wind through 49 counties, creating a backbone for Ohio’s trail systems. Summit County hosts the Buckeye Trail as it passes through Deep Lock Quarry, O’Neil Woods, Sand Run, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

In Summit Metro Parks, the Buckeye Trail is marked with a specific icon. (O’Neil Woods Metro Park)

Creating the State’s Trail

In the summer of 1959, the Buckeye Trail Association formed to build the Buckeye Trail. Later that fall, the first 20 miles of trail were dedicated in Hocking County. The trail was envisioned as a connection between the Ohio River and Lake Erie. However, it “evolved into a large loop, branching both north and east from Cincinnati,” according to the Buckeye Trail’s website.

The last of the 1,444 miles were completed in 1980 near Deer Lick Cave in what is now Cleveland Metroparks. For nearly 57 years, the Buckeye Trail Association has stuck to its vision of providing safe and unique experiences that reflect the diverse resources, people and stories of Ohio.

Hiking through Summit County

Trail marker in Sand Run Metro Park

Nearly 25 miles of the Buckeye Trail are managed by Summit Metro Parks: 1.1 miles in Deep Lock Quarry, 0.29 miles in O’Neil Woods, 2.59 miles in Sand Run, and 19.61 miles along sections of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Hikers can connect to Metro Parks trails or continue on to more of the Buckeye Trail. Either way, you’ll enjoy wildlife and vegetation unique to Summit County.

As you hike the Buckeye Trail, follow the blue blazes. Trees and posts along the way are marked with 2” wide by 6” tall blue blazes. One blaze marks a straight or obvious route, while two blazes mark a turn or a route that might not be as clear.

Blue blazes mark the path of the Buckeye Trail. If two blazes are offset, such as in the photo on the right, the hiker should make a turn in the direction of the higher blaze. (These trail markers are in O’Neil Woods Metro Park.)

Anyone interested can become a member of the Buckeye Trail Association or volunteer with the non-profit. People can also attend Buckeye Trail events that are hosted throughout the year.

Visit the Buckeye Trail website for more info, and explore Summit Metro Parks to experience Ohio’s trail for yourself.