The Buckeye Trail Association Trailblazer

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The Buckeye Trail Association Trailblazer

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06/25/2026

🥾⏳🥾 Throwback Thursday: 🥾⏳🥾

Following the Blue Blazes in the Pemberville Section
Written by: Connie and Bob Pond
Spring 2008 Volume 41 No. 1

This week we're stepping back to Spring 2008 and revisiting Following the Blue Blazes in the Pemberville Section by Connie and Bob Pond.
After hiking more than 1,200 miles of the Buckeye Trail, the Ponds celebrated one thing above all else: those familiar blue blazes that reassure hikers they're exactly where they belong. Their story is a love letter to the Pemberville Section—its welcoming route, scenic stretches along the Sandusky River, and the volunteers whose careful blazing helps countless hikers find their way.

As they put it, getting lost can leave you "only moderately confused," but in Pemberville, the abundant blazes made for a "refreshing and relaxing" hike.

📖 Read this classic article and explore decades of Buckeye Trail history in the Trailblazer Archives.
What memories do you have of hiking the Pemberville Section? Share them below! 💙🥾

— — —

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!

06/23/2026

🥾🧭🥾 Trailblazer Tuesday 🥾🧭🥾

While we're putting the finishing touches on the Summer 2026 issue of The Trailblazer, we wanted to take a moment to shine a light on something that makes the Buckeye Trail so special—our volunteers.

Do you know someone whose dedication deserves recognition? Now is the time to nominate them for a BTA Volunteer Award:

The Emma “Grandma” Gatewood Award for Distinguished Service
The Bob Paton Award for Meritorious Service
The Dr. Roy Fairfield President’s Award (This one is selected by the BTA President, but you can still make a recommendation)
The Bill Miller Award for Conservation
Buckeye Trail Blazer Award for Leadership by Example
The James Sprague Buckeye Trail Adopter and Builder Award
The Merrill Gilfillan Award for Visionary Agency Partners
The Buckeye Trail Business Partnership Award
Ralph Regula Award for Leadership
Certificate of Appreciation

From trail builders and adopters to visionary leaders, conservation champions, business partners, and those who quietly lead by example, these awards celebrate the people who make the Buckeye Trail community stronger every day.

🏆 Volunteer Award nominations are open through July 1, 2026.

Whether they've moved mountains—or simply shown up again and again with a smile—we want to hear their story.

Learn more about each award category and submit your nomination here:
https://www.buckeyetrail.org/volunteer/volunteer-awards

Because every mile of the Buckeye Trail is built on the dedication of volunteers—and their stories deserve to be celebrated. 🌲🥾

— — —

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 👇

06/18/2026

🥾⏳🥾 Throwback Thursday: 🥾⏳🥾

BTA WINTER HIKE: Saturday, 16 February, 1980
Written by: Donald L. Vogt
Spring 1980 Volume 13 No. 1

Before Facebook events. Before group texts. Before meetup apps and GPS.

How did Buckeye Trail hikers connect in 1980? Through the pages of The Trailblazer!

In the Spring 1980 issue, Donald Vogt shared plans for the BTA Winter Hike in Yellow Springs, complete with meeting instructions, shuttle logistics, hike leaders, and even the promise of a warm fire and hot drinks waiting at the finish. All the information hikers needed arrived right in their mailbox! ❄️🔥

It's a fascinating glimpse into how the Buckeye Trail community stayed connected and built adventures together long before social media. Some things may have changed, but the spirit of gathering on the trail remains the same.

Explore this piece of Buckeye Trail history in the Spring 1980 Trailblazer (Vol. 13, No. 1) in 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!

06/16/2026

🥾🧭🥾 Trailblazer Tuesday 🥾🧭🥾

Pets on the Trail
Written By: Alyce Shane
Spring 2026 Volume 59 No. 1

🐾🥾 Trailblazer Tuesday: Pets on the Trail
In this issue, Alyce Shane shares practical tips from an experienced equestrian on how hikers, dogs, and horseback riders can safely navigate the trail together. You might be surprised how a simple greeting can make all the difference!

🐴🐕 Curious to learn more? Check out the full article "Pets on the Trail" on page 31 of the Spring 2026 Trailblazer.

Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of Ohio's natural treasures and discover why even the quietest seasons have something to teach us.

📖 Read the full article and the latest issue of The Trailblazer at: https://buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer�
🥾 Happy Trails!

— — —

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 👇

06/11/2026

🥾⏳🥾 Throwback Thursday: 🥾⏳🥾

Trail Improvement in Noble County
Written by: Editorial Team
Spring 1975 Volume 8 No. 1

This week we're stepping back to the Spring 1975 issue of The Trailblazer (Vol. 8, No. 1) to revisit an important milestone in Noble County!
When development near Seneca Lake required a section of the Buckeye Trail to be rerouted, dedicated volunteers—including Trail Supervisor John Wargo, Deputy Supervisor Jerry Bever, and Bever's Scout Troop—worked together to clear, blaze, and open a brand-new route. The new trail officially debuted with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 12, 1974, and hikers agreed it was an improvement over the original path.
Stories like these remind us that the Buckeye Trail has always been shaped by the hard work, cooperation, and vision of volunteers and local communities.

📖 Read this issue and explore more than 60 years of Trailblazer history in our archives:
https://buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer/the-trailblazer-archives
What’s your favorite Throwback memory from the Buckeye Trail or early rail-trail days? Share below! 👇

— — —

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!

06/09/2026

🥾🧭🥾 Trailblazer Tuesday 🥾🧭🥾

Ohios Gem’s: American Bittersweet
Written By: Anthony Small
Spring 2026 Volume 59 No. 1

As winter loosens its grip on Ohio, the subtle signs of spring begin to emerge. In Longing for Spring's Whisper, Anthony Small reflects on swollen maple buds, colorful American Bittersweet arils, and the excitement of nature awakening after a long winter.
"Searching for Spring brings excitement for what’s to come, but bittersweet offers itself as a reminder that maybe today is worth being excited about too."

Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of Ohio's natural treasures and discover why even the quietest seasons have something to teach us.
📖 Read the full article and the latest issue of The Trailblazer at: https://buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer�🥾 Happy Trails!

— — —

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 👇

06/04/2026

🥾⏳🥾 Throwback Thursday: 🥾⏳🥾

New Trail in Perry County
Written by: Jim Sprague
Spring 1990 Volume 23 No. 1

This week, we’re stepping back to Spring 1990 (Volume 23, No. 1) of the Trailblazer to revisit an exciting moment in Buckeye Trail history—the opening of a new off-road trail section in Perry County! 📖🥾

On page 7, Jim Sprague’s article, “New Trail in Perry County,” introduced hikers to nearly 17 miles of mostly off-road trail in the New Straitsville area, a route that was both part of the Buckeye Trail and a certified North Country National Scenic Trail. After years of trail construction and volunteer effort, the section officially opened in October 1989, offering hikers, cyclists, and equestrians a unique journey through the recovering landscapes of the Wayne National Forest.

Sprague described a trail rich with history and natural beauty—where former mining lands were transforming into wildlife habitat, home to deer, wild turkeys, raptors, and diverse plant life. It was another major step toward expanding Ohio’s premier long-distance trail experience.
Do you remember hiking the New Straitsville section in its early days? Share your memories, photos, or stories in the comments!

📖 Read the full article (and the rest of the issue) here: https://buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer/the-trailblazer-archives
What’s your favorite Throwback memory from the Buckeye Trail or early rail-trail days? Share below! 👇

— — —

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!

06/02/2026

🥾🧭🥾 Trailblazer Tuesday 🥾🧭🥾

Meg’s Book Loop: “By Leatherwood Creek: A Personal and Natural History Along a Small Creek in the Ohio Hill Country”
Written By: Margret “Meg” Sondey
Spring 2026 Volume 59 No. 1

📚 How much history, wildlife, and wonder can be found along one small Ohio creek?

In this issue, Meg Sondey reviews By Leatherwood Creek, a fascinating look at the natural and human stories hidden along a single stream in Ohio's hill country. It's a reminder that every trail crossing has a story—and sometimes an entire book behind it.

🌿 Curious? Read Meg's full review in the Spring 2026 Trailblazer and discover why this creek-side journey is worth exploring.

— — —

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 👇

05/28/2026

🥾📚 Throwback Thursday takes us all the way back to the Spring 1972 edition of the BTA Trailblazer — Volume 5, No. 1!

This incredible early issue featured winter hike plans for the Burr Oak region complete with an awesome vintage map of Burr Oak Lake State Park, updates on the developing North Country Trail, and even one of the earliest “Recipes for Happy Hiking” features! 🍲🔥

One trail cooking tip from 1972 introduced hikers to “The Cooking Bag” — promising “no stirring, no sticking, no burning!” while making camp meals easier on the trail. Some hiking advice truly never goes out of style. 😄

From historic trail planning to old-school backpacking wisdom, this issue is a fascinating snapshot of the Buckeye Trail’s early years and the volunteers who helped build the adventure we enjoy today. 💙🌲

📖 Read the full article (and the rest of the issue) here: https://buckeyetrail.org/about/the-trailblazer/the-trailblazer-archives
What’s your favorite Throwback memory from the Buckeye Trail or early rail-trail days? Share below! 👇

— — —

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!

05/26/2026

🎉🥾 Trailblazer Tuesday Winner Announcement! 🥾🎉

Congratulations to Valerie Gardner of the Lake Plains Chapter — winner of the Spring 2026 Trailblazer Prize Package: Trail-Ready Essentials! 🎁🌲

A huge THANK YOU once again to Dave Canterbury, Self Reliance Outfitters, and The Pathfinder School for sponsoring this incredible trail-ready giveaway and supporting the Buckeye Trail community!

And remember… the best stories from the trail are the ones shared with the community. Keep exploring, keep adventuring, and keep making memories on the Buckeye Trail! 💙

— — —

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 👇

Address

127 W Main Street
Shawnee, OH
43782

Telephone

+17403942008

Website

https://www.buckeyetrail.org/Trailblazer/

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