Buckeye Trail (West Union) landscape

Photo: Photo by K F on Unsplash

Buckeye Trail (West Union)

~5 days · 59 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance59 mi
Days out5
Elevation gain3,222 ft
Gain / mile55 ft
High point1,145 ft

What the Buckeye Trail (West Union) is known for

The West Union section of the Buckeye Trail runs about 59 miles through Adams and Brown Counties in southern Ohio, where the route shifts from Appalachian foothills to farmland and passes several nature preserves and small villages. Rolling point-to-point terrain on a mix of trail and road.

Route map & campsites

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

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 1,670 ft to 3,586 ft over 59 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 10.9 mi · 19%
  • Downhill 16.6 mi · 28%
  • Flat 31.3 mi · 53%

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 (West Union) take?

Most backpackers hike the Buckeye Trail (West Union) in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 59 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

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

The Buckeye Trail (West Union) climbs roughly 3,222 ft total — about 55 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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