Buckeye Trail (Defiance)
~5 days · 55.8 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Buckeye Trail (Defiance) is known for
Point-to-point section of Ohio's Buckeye Trail through Paulding, Defiance, Henry, and Lucas Counties, following canal towpaths and river corridors through a string of historic towns. The Buckeye Trail Association lists the Defiance section at about 55 miles of mostly flat towpath, road, and rail-trail walking.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,014 ft to 2,359 ft over 55.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 3.4 mi · 6%
- Downhill 2.1 mi · 4%
- Flat 49.2 mi · 90%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Buckeye Trail (Defiance)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Buckeye Trail (Defiance) scores 11/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Buckeye Trail (Defiance) take?
Most backpackers hike the Buckeye Trail (Defiance) in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 55.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Buckeye Trail (Defiance)?
The Buckeye Trail (Defiance) climbs roughly 282 ft total — about 5 ft per mile, topping out near 735 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.