Ohio House Passes Reps. Hoops, Robinsons' Resolution Supporting National Scenic Trail Designation for the Buckeye Trail

COLUMBUS— State Representative Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon) is pleased to announce the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 13, joint-sponsored by Representative Phil Robinson (D-Solon), by the Ohio House of Representatives. The measure urges the federal designation of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. 

Along its route, the trail winds through Paulding, Defiance, and Henry Counties, tracing the path of the Maumee River and passing through the cities of Defiance and Napoleon. It stretches approximately 1,450 miles across 49 counties, 18 state parks, eight historical society properties, and Ohio’s only national forest.

“The Buckeye Trail showcases Ohio’s breathtaking landscapes and serves as a symbol of connection across the state,” said Hoops. “From hikers and runners to cyclists and casual walkers, the trail has been a unifying part of Ohio’s identity since 1959.”

Designation as a National Scenic Trail would place the Buckeye Trail among an elite group of just 11 such trails in the United States, including the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. This status would bring increased federal support, conservation efforts, and visibility to the trail, while also fostering public 

“The passage of this Resolution is a strong example of bipartisan work to highlight the natural beauty of our great state. Designation of the Buckeye Trails as a National Scenic Trail will put Ohio in an exclusive club of only a few states for having one of only twelve nationally recognized trails,” said Robinson. “Designation of the Buckeye Trail will also bring a number of economic, commercial, and tourist opportunities to our state that will have wide reaching perks from national recognition,”

If approved, the National Park Service would begin a comprehensive study to evaluate the trail’s eligibility, including an assessment of current conditions and public input from communities along the trail. A final recommendation would then be made to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and, ultimately, to Congress.

HCR 13 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.