The Buckeye Trail Association Trailblazer, 127 W Main Street, Shawnee, OH (2026)

07/30/2026

🥾⏳🥾 Throwback Thursday: 🥾⏳🥾

A Most Successful Work Party
Written by: Pat Hayes
Summer 2009 Volume 42 No. 02

The Buckeye Trail has always been built by dedicated hands and generous hearts. 💙

In "A Most Successful Work Party," Pat Hayes takes us back to April 2009, when 30 volunteers from four states came together at Scioto Trail State Park. In just five days, they logged 532 volunteer hours, built and blazed over 4,700 feet of new trail, welcomed a new trail maintainer, and proved that fellowship is just as important as hard work.

It's a wonderful reminder that every blue blaze has a story—and every mile exists because volunteers made it happen.
📚 Read "A Most Successful Work Party" on page 9 of the Summer 2009 (Vol. 42, No. 2) Trailblazer and explore more than 50 years of Buckeye Trail history in the Trailblazer Archives.

🔗 https://buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer/the-trailblazer-archives

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🚨❗️🚨 Trailblazer Prize Package 🚨❗️🚨

This is gonna hurt... in the absolute best way.

Prize Package:
- 1 (one), Autographed Copy of “This is Gonna Hurt: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail in a Calendar Year,” -- Brandon Weis
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "Retro Water Cooler Jug, Can Koozie — BTA Edition" With Buckeye Soda Can Tab Opener, with both Straw & Sip Lid, will fit 16OZ & 12OZ cans.
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "BTA Logo Coaster Set" Includes Holder and four coasters.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity, August 15th is the LAST DAY to enter for that epic prize package from the Summer 2026 issue!
— — —

In the meantime, you can catch up on the latest issue of the Buckeye Trail Association’s Trailblazer, which is out now!

You can also find it in our Trailblazer archive or at: https://www.buckeyetrail.org/Trailblazer.
All links are in the Bio!

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📖All links are in the Bio!

07/30/2026

Long before it became a monument, the Sea Scout Ship Hanna was a beloved roadside landmark along U.S. Route 22. Built in 1946 as a non-floating wooden ship, it welcomed visitors for 14 years before being demolished in 1960.

Thanks to the dedication of Ray Ferrell and Seth Keller, the site’s history was preserved through the creation of a monument and picnic area, ensuring the Ship Hanna’s story continues to be remembered.

Interested in learning more? Read the full story in the Buckeye Trail Association archives:
https://www.buckeyetrail.org/Trailblazer/2014-04-Winter.pdf

Article by Donna Pendleton
Original photos by Ray Ferrell

07/28/2026

🥾🧭🥾 Trailblazer Tuesday 🥾🧭🥾

Discovering the Buckeye Trail Without Leaving Campus
Written By: Nicole Shrestha
Summer 2026 Volume 59 No. 2

🌎🥾 Who says you have to be on the Buckeye Trail to experience the Buckeye Trail?
This week's featured article, "Discovering the Buckeye Trail Without Leaving Campus" by Nicole Shrestha, shares the inspiring story of students at the Columbus School for Girls, who virtually hiked all 1,440 miles of the Buckeye Trail—one lap, one lesson, and one milestone at a time.

Through the Discover the Buckeye Trail Anywhere program, these young adventurers proved that the Trail is more than a path through Ohio—it's a journey of perseverance, learning, and connection that can begin anywhere.

Could your school, workplace, senior center, or community group take on the challenge next?
📖 Read the full story on pages 30–31 of the Summer 2026 Trailblazer and discover how you can bring the Buckeye Trail to your community.

🔗 Read the latest issue at: https://www.buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer

— — —

🚨❗️🚨 Trailblazer Prize Package 🚨❗️🚨

This is gonna hurt... in the absolute best way.

Prize Package:
- 1 (one), Autographed Copy of “This is Gonna Hurt: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail in a Calendar Year,” -- Brandon Weis
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "Retro Water Cooler Jug, Can Koozie — BTA Edition" With Buckeye Soda Can Tab Opener, with both Straw & Sip Lid, will fit 16OZ & 12OZ cans.
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "BTA Logo Coaster Set" Includes Holder and four coasters.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity, August 15th is the LAST DAY to enter for that epic prize package from the Summer 2026 issue!
— — —
Haven't checked out the latest issue of The Trailblazer yet? Dive in here: https://www.buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer
Explore the full archives (back to 1968!): https://www.buckeyetrail.org/.../the-trailblazer-archives
All links are in the Bio!

07/23/2026

🥾⏳🥾 Throwback Thursday: 🥾⏳🥾

Scouts Follow the Blue Blazes On Their Trail to Eagle
Written by: Bruce “Poppie” Purdy
Summer 2012 Volume 45 No. 02

This week we're stepping back to Summer 2012 (Volume 45, No. 2) to revisit "Scouts Follow the Blue Blazes On Their Trail to Eagle" by Bruce "Poppie" Purdy (pages 16–17).

From Webelos taking their first steps on the trail to Eagle Scouts leaving a lasting legacy through service projects like trail benches and bridges, this inspiring article reminds us that the Buckeye Trail isn't just a path through Ohio—it's a place where leaders are made, skills are learned, and memories last a lifetime.

Whether you're a Scout, a mentor, or simply someone who believes in the power of the outdoors, this is a story worth rediscovering.
📖 Read the article in the Summer 2012 Trailblazer and explore decades of Buckeye Trail history in the Trailblazer Archives!
💙 Every generation leaves its mark on the Trail—who inspired your journey?

— — —

🚨❗️🚨 Trailblazer Prize Package 🚨❗️🚨

This is gonna hurt... in the absolute best way.

Prize Package:
- 1 (one), Autographed Copy of “This is Gonna Hurt: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail in a Calendar Year,” -- Brandon Weis
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "Retro Water Cooler Jug, Can Koozie — BTA Edition" With Buckeye Soda Can Tab Opener, with both Straw & Sip Lid, will fit 16OZ & 12OZ cans.
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "BTA Logo Coaster Set" Includes Holder and four coasters.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity, August 15th is the LAST DAY to enter for that epic prize package from the Summer 2026 issue!
— — —

In the meantime, you can catch up on the latest issue of the Buckeye Trail Association’s Trailblazer, which is out now!

You can also find it in our Trailblazer archive or at: https://www.buckeyetrail.org/Trailblazer.
All links are in the Bio!

— — —

📖All links are in the Bio!

07/21/2026

🥾🧭🥾 Trailblazer Tuesday 🥾🧭🥾

Coffee, Donuts, and the Future of the Buckeye Trail
Written By: Jill Moorhead
Summer 2026 Volume 59 No. 2

🌲What do coffee, donuts, and the Buckeye Trail have in common? More than you might think!☕🍩

This summer's Trailblazer takes you inside the Buckeye Trail Association's first-ever Trail Breakfast at the Ohio Statehouse, where volunteers, legislators, tourism leaders, and conservation partners gathered to build support for the future of Ohio's trail.

From celebrating the passage of HCR 13 in support of National Scenic Trail designation to sharing stories of the volunteers who make every blue blaze possible, this article is a reminder that the future of the Buckeye Trail is built one conversation, one partnership, and one mile at a time.

📖 Read "Coffee, Donuts, and the Future of the Buckeye Trail" by Jill Moorhead in the Summer 2026 Trailblazer (Vol. 59, No. 2), available here: https://www.buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer

What’s your favorite part so far? Drop a comment below 👇
— — —

🚨❗️🚨 Trailblazer Prize Package 🚨❗️🚨

This is gonna hurt... in the absolute best way.

Prize Package:
- 1 (one), Autographed Copy of “This is Gonna Hurt: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail in a Calendar Year,” -- Brandon Weis
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "Retro Water Cooler Jug, Can Koozie — BTA Edition" With Buckeye Soda Can Tab Opener, with both Straw & Sip Lid, will fit 16OZ & 12OZ cans.
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "BTA Logo Coaster Set" Includes Holder and four coasters.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity, August 15th is the LAST DAY to enter for that epic prize package from the Summer 2026 issue!
— — —
Haven't checked out the latest issue of The Trailblazer yet? Dive in here: https://www.buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer
Explore the full archives (back to 1968!): https://www.buckeyetrail.org/.../the-trailblazer-archives
All links are in the Bio!
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07/16/2026

🥾⏳🥾 Throwback Thursday: 🥾⏳🥾

THE COUNTERFEIT HOUSE
Written by: Stephen Kelley
Summer 1978 Volume 11 No. 02

This week we're stepping back to Summer 1978 (Volume 11, No. 2) to uncover one of the Buckeye Trail's most fascinating stories—"The Counterfeit House" by Stephen Kelley!

Nestled along the Buckeye Trail on Gift Ridge Road in Adams County, this remarkable 1840 home is steeped in mystery. Built as a hub for counterfeiting, it featured secret rooms, hidden compartments, trick locks, and a history filled with intrigue, daring escapes, and even a midnight candlelight funeral.

Want to discover one of Ohio's most legendary landmarks? Read the full story on Page 2 and explore the rich history preserved in the Trailblazer archives. Happy reading, and happy trails! 💙🥾

sday

— — —

🚨❗️🚨 Trailblazer Prize Package 🚨❗️🚨

This is gonna hurt... in the absolute best way.

Prize Package:
- 1 (one), Autographed Copy of “This is Gonna Hurt: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail in a Calendar Year,” -- Brandon Weis
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "Retro Water Cooler Jug, Can Koozie — BTA Edition" With Buckeye Soda Can Tab Opener, with both Straw & Sip Lid, will fit 16OZ & 12OZ cans.
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "BTA Logo Coaster Set" Includes Holder and four coasters.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity, August 15th is the LAST DAY to enter for that epic prize package from the Summer 2026 issue!
— — —

In the meantime, you can catch up on the latest issue of the Buckeye Trail Association’s Trailblazer, which is out now!

You can also find it in our Trailblazer archive or at: https://www.buckeyetrail.org/Trailblazer.
All links are in the Bio!

— — —

📖All links are in the Bio!

07/14/2026

🥾🧭🥾 Trailblazer Tuesday 🥾🧭🥾

The Summer 2026 Trailblazer Is Here!
This issue is packed with Buckeye Trail adventures! Relive MorelFest 2026, Blue Blaze Academy 2026, the Biggest Day Hike 2026, and the 10th Annual Little Loop Challenge through exciting event recaps and photos.

Be sure to check out our TrailFest 2026 Preview, featuring everything you need to know before heading to Salt Fork State Park in Lore City, Ohio, September 10–13.

You'll also meet the newest members of the BTA Tramily as we welcome Kevin Custer, Troy Section Supervisor; Dave Janosko, Board Treasurer; and Nicole Shrestha, Communications and Development Director.

Start reading and discover all the stories, memories, and adventures waiting inside!

To retrieve your Trailblazer, please click on the link below:
BTA TRAILBLAZER 2026 SUMMER ISSUE

What’s your favorite part so far? Drop a comment below 👇
— — —

🚨❗️🚨 Trailblazer Prize Package 🚨❗️🚨

This is gonna hurt... in the absolute best way.

Prize Package:
- 1 (one), Autographed Copy of “This is Gonna Hurt: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail in a Calendar Year,” -- Brandon Weis
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "Retro Water Cooler Jug, Can Koozie — BTA Edition" With Buckeye Soda Can Tab Opener, with both Straw & Sip Lid, will fit 16OZ & 12OZ cans.
- 1 (one), 3D Printed "BTA Logo Coaster Set" Includes Holder and four coasters.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity, August 15th is the LAST DAY to enter for that epic prize package from the Summer 2026 issue!
— — —
Haven't checked out the latest issue of The Trailblazer yet? Dive in here: https://www.buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer
Explore the full archives (back to 1968!): https://www.buckeyetrail.org/.../the-trailblazer-archives
All links are in the Bio!

07/09/2026

🥾⏳🥾 Throwback Thursday: 🥾⏳🥾

📰 Throwback Thursday | Summer 2011 • Volume 44, No. 2
This week we're looking back at "Introducing the BTA at WPAFB" by Pat Hayes & the Editorial Team (page 11).

In 2011, Pat Hayes represented the Buckeye Trail Association at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Outdoor Recreation Open House, introducing nearly 100 military and civilian personnel to Ohio's blue-blazed trail. Through conversations, brochures, and a shared love of the outdoors, new connections were made and more people discovered the adventure waiting just beyond their doorstep.

It's a great reminder that every conversation, event, and volunteer helps grow the Buckeye Trail community.

📖 Read this story and explore the complete Summer 2011 issue in the Trailblazer Archives: https://buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer/the-trailblazer-archives

— — —

In the meantime, you can catch up on the latest issue of the Buckeye Trail Association’s Trailblazer, which is out now!

You can also find it in our Trailblazer archive or at: https://www.buckeyetrail.org/Trailblazer.
All links are in the Bio!

— — —

📖All links are in the Bio!

07/07/2026

🥾🧭🥾 Trailblazer Tuesday 🥾🧭🥾

Board Nominations are Open

The BTA Board Resource Committee requests nominees for the BTA Board of Trustees. Trustee elections will be held during the BTA Annual meeting on Sunday, September 13th, following Trail Fest.

What personal or professional qualities, skills, and abilities make a strong candidate? The Board Resource Committee is especially interested in BTA members who are:
• looking to improve the Buckeye Trail or serve the trail community
• fair, open minded, and able to work collaboratively with staff and other Trustees
• able to attend monthly Board meetings
• willing to commit at least 10 hours per month to BTA work including meetings, trainings, and projects as needed
• committed to the mission of the Association
• committed to ensuring the administrative integrity and financial stability of the Association

Individuals with skills in fundraising, finance, HR, development, grant research/writing may be prioritized.

If you are a member in good standing, and would like to commit your time, resources, and energy to make an impact as a Buckeye Trail Association Trustee, please submit your name to Lori Luken, [email protected] by July 15.

— — —

Haven't checked out the latest issue of The Trailblazer yet? Dive in here: buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer
Explore the full archives (back to 1968!): buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer/the-trailblazer-archives

All links are in the Bio!

— — —

What’s your favorite Buckeye Trail memory? Share below 👇

07/02/2026

🥾⏳🥾 Throwback Thursday: 🥾⏳🥾

This week we're stepping back to Volume 8, No. 2 (Spring/Summer 1975) of The Trailblazer!

As we lead up to the 2026 13th Annual Buckeye TrailFest in gorgeous Salt Fork State Park, one of the hidden gems in that can be found in the Trailblazer Archives is an amazing gem that really reminds you of how the times have changed like this wonderful hand-drawn map of the Outdoor Education Center at Glen Helen in Yellow Springs (page 6). Created to guide hikers attending the 1975 Buckeye Trail Association Spring Hike and Annual Meeting, which later developed into what we now celebrate as TrailFest, the map captures a time when a simple sketch, a blue blaze, and a spirit of adventure were all you needed to find your way.

It's a fun reminder of how much—and how little—has changed over the last 50+ years. The Buckeye Trail has grown tremendously, but the friendships, fellowship, and love of Ohio's trails remain at the heart of every adventure.

🗺️ Take a stroll through Buckeye Trail history and check out this classic issue in the Trailblazer Archives. Have you visited Glen Helen or attended a BTA Annual Meeting? We'd love to hear your memories in the comments!

— — —

In the meantime, you can catch up on the latest issue of the Buckeye Trail Association’s Trailblazer, which is out now!

You can also find it in our Trailblazer archive or at: https://www.buckeyetrail.org/Trailblazer.
All links are in the Bio!

— — —

📖All links are in the Bio!

The Buckeye Trail Association Trailblazer

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