Buckeye Trail (Shawnee) landscape

Photo: Photo by Anastasia Clark on Unsplash

Buckeye Trail (Shawnee)

~5 days · 55.2 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance55.2 mi
Days out5
Elevation gain6,572 ft
Gain / mile119 ft
High point1,273 ft
Difficulty index25/100

What the Buckeye Trail (Shawnee) is known for

The Shawnee Section of Ohio's 1,440-mile Buckeye Trail travels about 56 rugged miles of steep ridges, deep hollows, and dense forest through Shawnee State Forest and the Edge of Appalachia preserve in Adams and Scioto counties. Point-to-point, typically about 5 days.

Route map & campsites

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

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 2,014 ft to 4,124 ft over 55.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 21.7 mi · 40%
  • Downhill 16.7 mi · 31%
  • Flat 15.7 mi · 29%

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

How hard is the Buckeye Trail (Shawnee)?

25 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Buckeye Trail (Shawnee) scores 25/100, 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 (Shawnee) take?

Most backpackers hike the Buckeye Trail (Shawnee) in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 55.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

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

The Buckeye Trail (Shawnee) climbs roughly 6,572 ft total — about 119 ft per mile, topping out near 1,273 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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