The 136th General Assembly of Ohio has introduced a concurrent resolution urging Congress to designate the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. National Scenic Trails are federally recognized routes that showcase the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the United States, similar to well-known trails like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. The Buckeye Trail, established in 1959 and managed by the Buckeye Trail Association, spans approximately 1,454 miles across diverse landscapes in Ohio, including farmland, hills, and scenic regions.
The resolution highlights the ongoing feasibility study conducted by the National Park Service, which will evaluate the Buckeye Trail's alignment with the criteria for National Scenic Trail designation. Upon completion of this study, the National Park Service will provide its findings to the Secretary of the Interior, who will then make a recommendation to Congress. The Ohio General Assembly expresses its support for the Buckeye Trail's designation and plans to communicate this resolution to relevant congressional leaders and the media.