Buckeye Trail (Belle Valley) landscape

Photo: Photo by Ashlee Marie on Unsplash

Buckeye Trail (Belle Valley)

~5 days · 48.3 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance48.3 mi
Days out5
Elevation gain3,845 ft
Gain / mile80 ft
High point1,145 ft

What the Buckeye Trail (Belle Valley) is known for

The Belle Valley section of Ohio's Buckeye Trail, a hilly rural stretch through Guernsey and Noble counties linking Muskingum Watershed Conservancy lands with the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area and Jesse Owens State Park. Much of the route follows quiet dirt roads, with off-road segments through state parks, wildlife areas and along lakeshores (about 15 of its 58 miles are off-road). Point-to-point, 58 miles per the Buckeye Trail Association.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Buckeye Trail (Belle Valley) on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 2,638 ft to 3,734 ft over 48.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 13.5 mi · 28%
  • Downhill 16.2 mi · 34%
  • Flat 18.5 mi · 38%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Buckeye Trail (Belle Valley) take?

Most backpackers hike the Buckeye Trail (Belle Valley) in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 48.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Buckeye Trail (Belle Valley)?

The Buckeye Trail (Belle Valley) climbs roughly 3,845 ft total — about 80 ft per mile, topping out near 1,145 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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