Buckeye Trail (Scioto Trail) landscape

Photo: Photo by Walter Martin on Unsplash

Buckeye Trail (Scioto Trail)

~5 days · 59.2 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance59.2 mi
Days out5
Elevation gain7,146 ft
Gain / mile121 ft
High point1,230 ft
Difficulty index26/100

What the Buckeye Trail (Scioto Trail) is known for

The Scioto Trail section of the Buckeye Trail crosses the unglaciated hill country of southern Ohio through Vinton, Hocking, Ross and Pike counties. About 63% of its 61 miles are off-road, passing through three large state forests with ridgetop views over the Scioto River valley. Point-to-point.

Route map & campsites

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

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 1,969 ft to 3,973 ft over 59.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 24.5 mi · 41%
  • Downhill 15.0 mi · 25%
  • Flat 19.7 mi · 33%

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

How hard is the Buckeye Trail (Scioto Trail)?

26 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Buckeye Trail (Scioto Trail) scores 26/100, 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 (Scioto Trail) take?

Most backpackers hike the Buckeye Trail (Scioto Trail) in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 59.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

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

The Buckeye Trail (Scioto Trail) climbs roughly 7,146 ft total — about 121 ft per mile, topping out near 1,230 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.

Plan the Buckeye Trail Plan Free →