SINKING SPRING - STOCKPORT, OH

Buckeye Trail: Highland, Pike, Ross, Vinton, Hocking, Perry and Morgan Counties

193.5 total 84.0 certified 0.0 connecting 193.5 marked 0.0 bare

This sectionis one of the most interesting and scenic sections on the trail, with many fine views and lots of history; from this point to about Stockport, nearly 200 miles to the east, is the core of the best-known section of the BT/NCNST in Ohio. The route east from Sinking Spring is complex and at times confusing, with many junctions, turns, and many short on-road and off-road sections. Trail use ranges from lots, in places like Fort Hill, to little, and the quality of maintenance varies. There's some of the finest walking on the NCNST in this section, but there are also many sections that badly need help; many sections of trail have been rendered difficult walking due to horse or ATV use, and some have been closed.

CAMPING: Camping opportunities are spotty in this section. There are several private campgrounds, and a few public ones. MAPS: Buckeye Trail Section maps or the maps given here are probably adequate for most users, although could be more detailed in places. However, when added to the detailed sketch maps of the Hutchins Guide, which covers most of this area, this section becomes a lot less confusing.

SINKING SPRING, OH 45172 Small grocery, gas station, restaurant.

0.0 [0.0] CONTINUE NORTH ON SR41

The route continues north on SR41. After a mile, the route forks; SR41 bends to the northeast while the route goes northwest on SR124. After another half a mile, SR124 makes a hard turn to the southwest, while the route continues straight on Tanyard Lane. The route passes through the former village of Lincolnville, and enters Ft. Hill State Memorial.

FORT HILL STATE MEMORIAL is a very different primitive earthwork from Serpent Mound to the south. Where Serpent Mound was created about 800BC to 100 AD and probably had a religious purpose, Fort Hill is probably somewhat newer _ 300 AD to 600 AD _ and may have had at least a partly defensive nature. Fort Hill is one of the best preserved prehistoric Indian hilltop enclosures in Ohio, like Ft. Ancient, which the trail passes near Cincinnati. The entire 1200 acre sanctuary at Ft. Hill is administered by the Ohio Historical Society; there is a museum interpreting both the archaeological and natural features. Fort Hill apparently was selected by the Indians because of its isolated position and steep slopes. The stone and earthen wall enclosing the entire summit represents a major accomplishment for a people with only the most primitive digging implements. The wall was built slightly below the level top of the hill, with the upper surface of the wall nearly level with the summit in many places; the height of the wall ranges from six to fifteen feet.

There is no camping in Ft. Hill, but there is water and toilets. For more information contact Ohio Historical Society, 1985 Velma Ave. Columbus OH 43211, (614) 466-1500.

2.2 [2.2] ENTER FT. HILL STATE MEMORIAL

The North Country/Buckeye Trails enter Ft. Hill from the south. About 0.3 mile inside the park boundary, it reaches the yellow-blazed Gorge and Deer Trails at a fork. The NCT/BT takes the fork to the west and continues to the northwest, and settles down to follow Baker Fork. After about 0.4 miles, the blue-blazed Deer Trail splits off and crosses the creek in a knee-deep wade. NOTE: If the water is high, or you don't want to get your feet wet, follow the yellow-blazed Gorge Trail northward along Baker Fork until the Deer Trail rejoins in about a mile. Once across the creek on the Deer Trail, the trail climbsto the top of the valley to the top of Jarnigan Knob, descends northward into a valley, ascends Reeds Hill, then descends east to wade the creek and rejoin the Gorge Trail. After the trails rejoin, the route continues east about 3/4 mile to the museum (open Apr-Oct). Take some time to go up the Ft. Hill side trail and check out the hilltop. The main route continues southeast past the parking lot on the combined Gorge/Deer trails, then the BT/NCT splits off to the east.

6.0 [3.8] TURN EAST ON BLUE-BLAZED BT/NCT

Trail in this segment is rather steep. The trail descends a valley through a segment of the Pike State Forest, until crossing a ditch and reaching SR41 just south of a roadside park where there are toilets and water. The route follows SR41 north for 0.4 mi, then turns east onto state forest land, follows an abandoned road over Butler Hill, entering Pike County, entering Mead land and descending back onto forest land, finally reaching Bell Hollow Rd.

PIKE STATE FOREST is a collection of small, scattered units, mixed with private land owned by Mead Paper Co. The trail uses both public and private lands. Orange blazes mark the boundary of Mead lands, and yellow blazes the state-owned land. Camping is only permitted in authorized areas. For more information about the forest, contact Pike State Forest, 334 Lapparell Rd., Latham OH 45646, (614) 493-2241.

8.6 [2.6] TURN SOUTHEAST ON BELL HOLLOW RD (TR13)

The route proceeds southeast past New Fain Rd. which enters from the northeast. 1.3 miles from the turn onto the road, there is a locked gate on the east side of the road; the trail goes around the gate into private Cave Lake Park.

Trail marking is reportedly poor in this area. It is steep in sections, and ATV use has torn up other sections. The trail heads easterly up Smith Hill. Primitive camping is allowed on Smith Hill, but no fires, and no water. A side trail from the summit of Smith Hill leads to a campground, where there is food, fuel, camping, swimming, showers, a small camp store and a fee. The trail leaves the summit northerly, but it soon bends back to the east again and descends, reaching Hopek Hollow Rd, (TR212) which the trail descends sharply for a short distance until reaching Dry Bone Rd. (CR8). The trail crosses the road at the site of an old farmhouse and continues on a road northeast, climbing sharply to Turner Hill Rd. (TR219).

12.5 [3.6] TURN SOUTHEAST ON TURNER HILL RD.

The route goes southeast along Turner Hill Rd. atop the ridge until it ends at the site of an old farm. The trail enters the woods and descends eastward, and reaches Lapparell Rd. (CR6) and the headquarters of Pike State Forest. There are water, toilets, telephone and parking. The route turns south on Lapparell Rd. and follows it southward for about a quarter mile until reaching SR124.

14.7 [2.2] TURN EAST ON SR124

The route follows SR124 eastward past Kincaid Springs Fish Hatchery for about 0.3 mile, then turns north onto Shoemaker Rd. for about 0.7 mi, ending the relocated section, then leaves the road and climbs to the site of an old fire tower. There the route turns northeast and continues to Green Ridge Rd. The road jogs northeast on Green Ridge Rd. for 0.3 mi, then descends along a bridle trail, coming out on Fire Tower Rd. (TR229).

17.9 [3.2] TURN NORTHEAST ON FIRE TOWER RD.

The trail continues down Fire Tower Rd. and reaches Auerville Rd. (CR20). The route goes northwest on Auerville Rd, and after 0.4 miles reaches FR3, and turns to the north. The forest road climbs until Greenbriar Ridge Rd. and turns to the west. The route follows paved Greenbriar Ridge Road northwest, reaching an old logging road.

19.1 (1.2) TURN NORTHEAST ON OLD LOGGING RD.

The trail descends to the north on the old logging road, which is part of Pike State Park's "Wildcat Hollow Trail". After 0.8 mi, the route reaches a park service road, and turns north to the Pike Lake State Park office.

PIKE LAKE STATE PARK has 112 campsites, 100 of them with eletricity, 13 deluse cabins and 12 standard cabins, a beach, a 13-acre lake with a beach, a small camp store, toilets and water. For more information about Pike Lake State Park, contact the park at 1847 Pike Lake Rd., Bainbridge OH 45612, (614) 493-2212 or 493-2123.

20.6 (1.5) TURN EAST OVER PIKE LAKE DAM

The route leaves the park office by crossing over the Pike Lake dam. It crosses a large open area, and enters the woods, and climbs to the east up Mitchell Ridge. Near the top of the ridge, the trail joins a closed service road, and follow it southeast for 0.6 miles, then turns east on a marked trail. A white-blazed trail leads to a scenic overlook.

21.9 (1.3) CONTINUE SOUTHEAST ON MARKED TRAIL

The route continues southeast, descending and wading a creek before coming to to Tobacco Barn Hollow service road (closed). The trail follows this road northwest for half a mile, then leaves it, climbing steeply out of the valley, reaching an old road along the top of Robinette Ridge and leaving state lands onto Mead Lanes, following the old road north onto private land, around the edge of an old field. The main trail continues southeast past a pond, then turns north on a lane. The lane has a gate upon reaching Davis Rd, which the route follows briefly northward, until turning east into the forest again, wading across a creek and going over a hill before reaching Morgan Fork Rd.

25.7 (3.8) TURN NORTHEAST ON MORGAN FORK RD

The trail turns northeast on Morgan Fork Road, and follows it to the junction of SR772.

27.0 [1.3] MORGAN FORK RD AT SR772

BTA section maps change to the Scioto Trail map at this point. From the junction of Morgan Fork Rd. and SR772, follow SR772 northeast to the village of Nipgen. NOTE: the last bit into Nipgen, and the first bit out of it, are in Ross County. The route will cross the county line several times before reaching SR372.

NIPGEN, OH 45612. Small grocery store.

27.6 [0.0] TURN SOUTHEAST ON POTTS HILL RD. (CR28)

Potts Hill Rd. (CR28) becomes Nipgen Rd. (CR34) when the route crosses back into Pike County. After one mile, Harris Station Rd. (CR44) joins. Nipgen Rd. bends south at the fork, and then bends back to the east a short distance later. Carl Penn Rd. (CR45) intersects from the south; a mile or more later, Turkey Run Rd. (TR403) also intersects from the south near Cousins Cemetery. Half a mile farther on Clines Chapel Rd (CR33) is reached.

31.3 [3.7] TURN SOUTH ON CLINES CHAPEL RD.

Follow Clines Chapel Rd. south for 0.3 miles to Mt. Tabor Rd.

35.9 [0.3] TURN NORTHEAST ON MT. TABOR RD.

Follow Mt. Tabor Rd. northeast. About 1.4 miles farther is the village of Denver.

DENVER, OH 45690. Small grocery store.

38.5 [2.6] TURN SOUTHEAST ON DENVER RD (CR165)

Several roads come together at Denver; CR165 is the paved road leading southeast. After 0.4 miles, reach junction with Keiser Rd. (TR179).

38.9 [0.4] TURN NORTHEAST ON KEISER RD.

Follow Keiser Rd. northeast; after 0.3 mi, reach Pennington Rd. (TR180). Turn southeast on Pennington Rd., along the top of Prussia Ridge. The road follows the ridge until turning to the east to reach Prussia Rd.

41.5 [2.6] TURN SOUTHEAST ON PRUSSIA RD. (CR46)

Prussia Rd. is TR436 north of the intersection. The route heads southeast down Prussia Run; after 0.1 miles, look for a blazed path leading north from the road.

WAVERLY, OH 45690. (Pop. 4603) is about two miles on down CR46, and is the largest town within striking distance of the trail since West Union, a long ways back. It has a good-sized grocery store. LODGING: Sierra Motel, 12557 SR 104, (614) 947-5800; Scioto Motel, 10954 US23, (614) 947-9947. OTHER: Restaurants, hardware, pharmacy, doctor, dentist.

The trail heads north along a fencerow, then turns east through rolling countryside, before descending to a rest area on US23. There are toilets, water and picnic tables at the rest area.

42.9 [1.3] TURN NORTH ON US23

The route follows the busy highway half a mile north to Alpha Omega Rd., passing a small convenience store along the way. Turn east on Alpha Omega Rd.; after 0.2 mi, the route turns north into the woods on marked trail.

43.6 [0.7] TURN NORTH ON MARKED TRAIL

The trail heads up a ravine on private land, and climbs to Woods Hollow Rd (TR360). For the next nine miles or so, much of the route is on horse trails that have been heavily used and can be hard going in spots. Reaching the road, the route turns northeast and continues along it for about 0.4 mi before turning east, entering the Scioto Trail State Forest, and climbing for 0.7 mi, crossing Martin Rd. The trail descends to the east, then bends north; and after 0.6 mi cross Wilson Run Rd. (TR198). The route continues north, climbing for 0.6 mi to South Ridge Rd. (FR6). The route jogs northweston South Ridge Rd. to the South Ridge Bridle Trail, and turns right to follow it northwest 1.2 mi to Hatfield Rd (FR5). The route then follows Hatfield Rd. west 0.3 mi to the junction of Cutoff Rd, FR7.

47.6 [4.0] TURN WEST ON CUTOFF RD (FR7)

The route heads west on Cutoff Rd (FR7) for about 0.2 mi, then turns north to join the YCC Bridle Trail, which it follows north, then northeast for 1.4 miles until crossing Hatfield Rd. (FR5) again. The route continues northeasterly on the Headquarters South Bridle Trail to Stony Creek Rd, near the forest service building.

49.4 [1.8] TURN NORTHEAST ON HEADQUARTERS BRIDLE TRAIL

Permits for the primitive campground, free but required, are available at the park office north of the service building. From the service building, the route follows the Headquarters Bridle Trail 0.8 mi east to a ridge top and the Cemetery Bridle Trail, which is followed east, crossing North Ridge Rd., until reaching the Long Branch Bridle Trail. The route turns south on the Long Branch Bridle Trail, and descends to Stony Creek Rd.

51.5 [2.1] CROSS STONY CREEK RD.

The route heads south from Stony Creek Rd. in a 0.4 mi. climb on the C-9 Bridle Trail. The route then turns east, and descends to Bethel Hollow Rd., crosses it, and continues southeasterly until reaching South Ridge Rd. The route then turns east and follows South Ridge Rd. for a short distance, before turning southeast and descending steeply (Talone called this the steepest on the whole trail) toThree Locks Rd, leaving Scioto Trail State Forest. The route jogs northwest on Three Locks Rd for 0.1 mi., reaching Higby Rd.

55.3 [3.8] TURN EAST ON HIGBY RD.

Hikers only get a few looks at the Ohio and Erie Canal, but when they turn east on Higby Rd. and cross an 0.2 mi long bridge, they cross the Norfolk Southern railroad, the old canal, and the Scioto River. Higby Rd continues on easterly until reaching US35.

56.6 [1.3] CROSS US35; HEAD EAST ON GRAVEL TRAIL

The trail heads east on a gravel trail from the US35-Higby Rd. intersection, but soon new trail turns north. The trail turns northerly and climbs to the top of a ridge - there's a breathtaking view of the Scioto River flood plain - then follows ridges north, and eventually reaching Musgrove Rd.. Much of this section is hard going due to unauthorized ATV use.

59.5 [2.9] TURN EAST ON MUSGROVE RD.

The route follows this road easterly; after a ways, it bends northerly, reaches an abandoned railroad grade, and follows it easterly for a short distance, then turns north on marked trail in the hamlet of Lickskillet.

60.8 [1.3] TURN NORTH ON MARKED TRAIL

The trail heads north over a ridge on private property, joins a farm lane, then joins Hanna Lane, which it follows northward to US50. The route jogs westward for 0.1 miles on busy US50, reaching the entrance road to the private Buffalo Trails Camping Area. A restaurant is about 0.1 west of the campground entrance.

62.3 [1.5] TURN NORTH ON BUFFALO TRAILS ACCESS ROAD

The route goes north 0.7 mi to the Buffalo Trails Campground. There are hot showers, water, toilets, a swimming beach, and a camp store with soft drinks and snacks. Fees for primitive campsite. For information, contact Buffalo Trails Camping Area, 34611 US 50, Londonderry OH 45647 (614) 877-2031.

63.0 [0.7] TURN EAST AT BUFFALO TRAILS CAMPING AREA

The trail leaves eastward from the campground area, passes through a pasture, and follows a ridge eastward, then descends to Blue Lick Rd.

64.6 [1.6] TURN NORTH ON BLUE LICK RD.

The trail follows Blue Lick Rd. north. After about 0.8 miles, the trail peters down to a logging road, enters Tar Hollow State Forest, and contiunes north through the woods, crossing private Mead Paper lands a couple of times, until reaching FR#3.

TAR HOLLOW STATE FOREST has a number of miles of trail. There are several campgrounds, but camping is not permitted away from them. For more information, contact Tar Hollow State Forest, Route 1, Londonderry OH 45647 (614) 887-3879.

67.7 [3.1] TURN NORTHWEST ON FR3

In spite of the public lands, the trail follows FR3 northwestward, frequently getting off the road to parallel FR3. After 1.8 miles, pass junction with FR8. 0.9 mi farther, pass Dogwood Picnic Area. Half a mile past the picnic area, the red-blazed Boy Scout Logan Trail leads southeast to Camp Dulen Primitive Camp; no water. The route continues northward another 1.5 miles to the Fire Tower Picnic Area. NOTE: A relo is under way in this area, and trail may be significantly different than mapped.

71.9 [4.2] TURN SOUTHEAST ON MARKED TRAIL

The trail does heads southeast from the Fire Tower Picnic Area, then turns east, reaching Clark Hollow Rd. after about one mostly downhill mile.

72.9 [1.0] TURN SOUTHEAST ON CLARK HOLLOW RD.

After 1.1 mile, reach ranger station. SR327 is 1.2 miles further down the road.

75.2 [2.3] SR327 AT CLARK HOLLOW RD.

BTA Section maps change to Old Man's Cave at this point. Off-road segments ahead have been badly torn up by ATV use, were recently decertified, and should only be followed if very dry. If damp, a roadwalk to the south down SR327 for about 2.5 miles, then turn back to the northeast on TR17 for about 2.5 miles is recommended. The route goes north 0.1 miles to TR 11, then east on TR11 up a gravel road, past a closed gate, through an area torn up by ATVs and 4x4s, and continues east to where the gravel portion of TR11 picks up again, and turns southeast to intersect with TR17 and the bypass route at the hamlet of Eagle Mills.

77.7 [2.5] TURN EAST ON TR17

Follow TR17 to the east. After 0.3 miles, intersect with TR45, coming in from the north. Continue east 0.8 mi to intersection with TR13.

78.8 [1.1] TURN NORTH ON TR 13

The route follows TR13 until it peters out into a jeep road, turns east into an ATV/4x4 "Mud Bog" area, and continues east, then southeast, until reaching CR47. Again, it's recommended to bypass the "offical" route given here; it's even worse than the other section. The recommended bypass is to continue east about 1.9 miles on TR17, then turn left on CR47.

82.8 [4.0] TURN NORTH ON CR 47

The route follows CR47 north. The road bends to the northeast along North Branch. After about a mile, CR 47 bends to the north at a fork; at a fork 0.8 later, CR47 and the route take the right fork, crosses into Hocking County, becomes Lowrey Rd. (TR234), reacheing a junction with Goose Creek Rd. (CR249) 1.7 miles from county line.

86.2 [3.4] TURN NORTH ON GOOSE CREEK RD. (CR249)

The route goes north 0.4 mi, then turns east on Burgoon Rd (TR253), and follows this eastward for 1.2 mi, until reaching the intersection of Brown Rd. (TR247). The route goes straight through this intersection, although the road beyond the intersection is now Liberty Hill Rd. (TR254). After 1.5 miles, reach the intersection of Amerine Rd. Turn north for 0.3 mi until reaching SR56. Follow this east for 0.3 mi, until reaching the entrance to Ash Cave.

HOCKING HILLS AREA: The next ten miles are some of the most scenic and picturesque of the NCT in Ohio. Much of the area is in the Hocking State Forest, but there are several state park units and nature preserves carved out of the area. The parks are collectively under the management of Hocking Hills State Park. The trail between Ash Cave and Old Man's Cave has been closed to horses. For more information on the Hocking State Forest, contact Hocking State Forest, 19275 SR 374, Rockbridge OH 43139, (614) 385-4402. For the state park areas, Hocking Hills State Park, 20160 SR 664, Logan. OH 43138, (614) 385-6841.

THE ASH CAVE AREA of Hocking Hills State Park is the most spectacular feature. The horseshoe-shaped cave measurings 700 feet from end to end, 100 feet deep from the rear cave wall to the front edge, with the rim rising 90 feet high. A small tributary of the East Fork of Queer Creek cascades over the rim into a plunge pool below.

89.9 [3.7] ENTER ASH CAVE AREA

The horse bypass proceeds east from this point; the parking lot is to the south of SR56; there are picnic tables, rest rooms, and water nearby. The trail follows the marked trail north past Ash Cave, and continues north to cross Chapel Ridge Rd. The trail continues north through the forest, turning east at a bridle trail, and continuing to the Cedar Falls Parking Lot. The trail turns west along Queer Creek, descends into the gorge past the large Cedar Falls, and continues west to the park office area. There is a dining lodge and cabins. The route continues north through the Old Man's Cave gorge until reaching SR664.

94.0 [4.1] CROSS SR 664

A campground is a short distance to the east of this point. A primitive campground (tents only) is about half a mile east and half a mile south of this point. The trail continues northeast on the side of the road, until reaching Culp Rd. (TR251). The horse route bypass ends at this point. The route continues north on Culp Rd. for 0.1 mi, then turns west into the forest.

94.3 [0.3] TURN WEST ON TRAIL

The route continues west, then northwest through the forest until reaching the north boundary, turns west until crossing Unger Rd. The route turns to the northwest for about 0.7 mile, then turns northeast and descends back to the west in a large switchback, crossing Pine Creek near the rock climbing and rappelling area, reaching Big Pine Rd. (CR11).

97.3 [3.0] TURN NORTHEAST ON BIG PINE RD (CR11)

The route continues northeast on Big Pine Rd. and follows it past Conckle's Hollow State Natural Preserve, and later, Sheick Hollow State Natural Preserve. It continues on to Kreashbaum Rd. (CR9). The trail turns north on Kreashbaum Rd., and continues north past the Little Rocky Branch State Natural Area. These natural areas may only be entered by permit. About 0.3 miles north of Big Pine Rd., the trail enters the forest to the east.

99.1 [1.8] TURN NORTHEAST INTO TRAIL IN FOREST

The trail turns northeast into the forest on a moderate climb to the top of a bluff, and turns to the north. It winds around a bit before coming to Rocky Fork Rd. (TR232).

101.6 [2.5] TURN NORTHWEST ON ROCKY FORK RD.

The route follows Rocky Fork Rd. northwest for 0.4 miles, leaves the road at a utility line and follows it north across private property for 0.5 miles until reaching Starr Rt. Rd (CR4).

102.5 [0.9] TURN WEST ON STARR RT. RD

The route follows Starr Rt. Rd. westhalf a mile, until turning northeast on Wild Cat Hollow Rd. (TR215). This road is followed northeast,for 2.7 miles, until reaching Pleasant Valley Rd. The route jogs south slightly at the intersection, then turns east on Murphy Rd. (TR54). This road goes east for about 0.4 miles, then turns northeast at the intersection of Elick Rd. (TR66) to follow Duck Creek to the northward. After about 0.5 miles, the route turns northwest to cross Duck Creek on a footbridge into Ohio DNR Wildlife Division lands.

106.8 [4.3] TURN NORTH AT FOOTBRIDGE OVER DUCK CREEK

The route crosses Ohio game lands, heading northward. After 0.9 miles, the route enters the Bill Miller Trail. This portion of the BT commemorates the former president and trail supervisor of the BTA. The trail continues northeastward, emerging at Evans Rd. (TR560).

107.8 [1.0] TURN EAST ON EVANS RD.

The route follows Evans Rd. east on a levee across the headwaters of Lake Logan. After 0.3 miles, it reaches Lake Logan Rd. (TR560), and turns northwest for 0.6 miles to the junction of Antioch Rd. (CR58). A private campground, Lake Logan Campground, is 200 feet west. A short stub of Antioch Rd. runs northward to US33. The route follows Antioch Rd. northward, but ends and was cut when US33 was built. The route goes past the end of the cut, climbs a fence, crosses US33, climbs another fence, and rejoins Antioch Rd. past the cut. The route continues to follow Antioch Rd. north to Chieftian Dr. (CR33A). The route continues east on Chieftian Road on a bridge over the Hocking River, reaching Voris Rd. (CR2) on the east side of the river. Logan, OH, is about 2 miles east.

LOGAN, OH 43138 (Pop 39155) is the biggest town the trail has been near in hundreds of miles, and has most conveniences: Motels, restaurants, large grocery stores, sporting goods, hardware, bank, pharmacy, doctor, dentist, hospital.

The route turns north along Ellinger Rd. and follows it for 0.3 miles until the road forks. The route takes the fork to the northeast along Ellinger Rd. (TR39). This road goes northeast, then north, then northeast again for 1.5 miles, until abandoned Helber Rd. (TR40) branches off to the north. This road wanders northwest for 0.6 miles, and crosses a bridge over Crockett's Run. Under this bridge lie artifacts of the earliest known water-powered mill in the county. Just past the bridge, the route reaches another abandoned road, Bauer Rd. (TR102), across from the entrance to Echo Hills Ski Resort. This road is followed northeast for about 0.1 mile, until reaching abandoned Walnut-Dowler Rd. (TR44). This road wanders east in a rutted, muddy path torn up by cycle use for 1.7 miles until reaching SR664.

113.9 [4.3] SR664 AT WALNUT-DOWLER RD.

BTA New Straitsville Section Map begins here. The Buckeye Trail is starting to get into coal country here, and the long-distance user will see much evidence of strip mining and land reclamation in its wake. The trail for the next forty miles is some of the most convoluted of the entire Buckeye Trail, winding around considerably to make use of public lands and some private lands. The route proceeds eastward on Walnut-Dowler Rd. (CR44). After about .7 mile, the road bends to the south, and after another .4 mile, the trail turns east on an abandoned road, which leads southeast for 0.9 miles to Mann Rd. Mann Rd. heads east, jogs around, and reaches Bremen Rd. (CR15), and turns south, and follows this road south for 1.4 miles until reaching SR93; the route then jogs south for 0.2 mi to Hunters Woods Rd.

117.8 [3.9] TURN EAST AT HUNTER'S WOODS RD.

The route enters Perry County. The route follows Hunters Woods Rd. eastward until the road bends to the north; an abandoned section of the road. continues eastward. After about a mile, Nunamaker Rd. becomes more distinct, and continues on out to the corner of Clay Hill Rd.

119.9 [2.1] TURN NORTHEAST AT CLAY HILL RD.

The route follows Clay Hill Rd. northeastward for half a mile, then turns north on Geiger Rd. It follows this road northward; after about a mile, the road bends to the west at the intersection with Webb Rd.,and about 0.4 mile later intersects with Coakley Rd. The route turns northon Coakley Rd., and follows it north for another mile until reaching Webb Chapel Rd. The route goes east on this road, paralleling SR93, until reaching the chapel, and then turns to intersect with SR93, which it follows east for 1.2 miles past the intersection with SR312, and then another 0.6 miles futher eastuntil reaching the intersection with SR668.

124.1 [4.2] TURN NORTH ON SR668

The route follows SR668 northward along Little Monday Creek, continuing on to the intersection with Dutch Ridge Rd. (TR190) near a rest area, which has toilets and water (CR7). The route turns northeast up Dutch Ridge Rd., and after 0.3 miles passes an intersection with an abandoned road. A short distance farther, an intersection with TR135 coming in from the northwest is passed, and Dutch Ridge Rd. turns to follow it southeast for a short distance, before bending back to the northwest, passing an intersection with TR241, and shortly afterward, TR242, both coming in from the south. The route continues northwest, bends to the east, then southeast, and reaching TR190 feeding in from the north. The route turns east along TR190, and then passes TR303 feeding in from the south. About 0.2 mi past the TR303 intersection, a service road from a strip mine intersects.

WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST:

128.2 [4.1] TURN SOUTH ON STRIP MINE SERVICE ROAD.

At this point, the route is in the Wayne National Forest, though it crosses private and other lands on the way. Trailside camping is permitted on forest land. The route through here is mostly horse trail, and that can mean hard going for hikers. The trail in this area meanders through a strip mine, above deep ravines. After 3.3 miles, the route reaches FR743, and follows the valley of Salt Run back to the north back to TR190. The trail turns east, uses the TR190 bridge to cross Salt Run, then turns back to the south along the east side of Salt Run on an abandoned road, and climbs to enter recovered strip mine land in various states of plant succession. The route bends back to the north, reaches TR190 again, and bends to the northeast, then southeast before finally turning east to reach the Stone Church Hollow Horse Camp Trailhead, located off of Old Town Rd. (CR38) near Stone Church Hollow Rd. (CR39). There are no facilities at this trailhead, but camping is allowed.

136.4 [8.2] STONE CHURCH HOLLOW HORSE CAMP

The route turns westward from Stone Church Hollow Horse Camp on Old Town Rd (CR38), but after a short distance Old Town Hollow Rd. turns south to cross Monday Creek A short distance up the hill, the trail turns east to leave the road and goes through a pine plantation to Rock Run Rd. (CR92) The route follows this road south for 0.1 mile, then turns east into strip mined reclamation activity. The route climbs and turns southwest, and reaches SR93 1.7 miles from Rock Run Rd. New Straitsville is about a mile to the south; Shawnee is about a mile to the north.

NEW STRAITSVILLE, OH, 43766 (Pop. 937) Convenience store, other services.

SHAWNEE, OH, 43782 (Pop 924) Convenience store, other services.

139.6 [3.2] CROSS SR93

After the crossing, the trail turns to the east and climbs to cross Salem Hollow Rd., and then descends to cross into strip mined lands around Tecumsey Lake. The trail turns southeast, then south as it ascends from the mined land before reaching and crossing Salem Hollow Rd. (CR17) 1.5 mi from SR93. The trail continues to the south,crossing Salem Hollow Rd. again, near the corner with TR18 and TR260. A short distance south of the road, the trail bends to the east, and crosses TR260. The route heads southeast for a ways, then bends back to the northeast, emerging on Salem Hollow Rd. again, now TR21, and turns right to follow it southeast. About a mile after getting onto Salem Hollow Rd. for a roadwalk, the trail crosses from Perry County back into Hocking County. About 1.9 miles south of the county line, reach a Wayne National Forest trailhead on the east side of the road.

145.9 [7.3] TURN EAST ON MARKED TRAIL

The trail enters the Wayne National Forest below, then through, an abandoned strip mind, then enters private property, emerging on Hunterdon Rd. (CR92). A private campground is to the north of the intersection. The route continues east crossing private property for 1.4 miles, and descending through a wet area before crossing a creek, and reaching Hunterdon Rd. again. The route turns southeast on Hunterton Rd. for a short distance, then makes a hard left turn to go north on TR312. The route heads north through Trimble Wildlife Area for about 0.6 mi, then makes a right turn to the east for another 0.6 mi, reaching the TR313 intersection. The route continues straight, now on TR313, continuing through the wildlife area, and after another 1.2 miles reaches Oakdale Rd.

150.9 [5.0] TURN SOUTH (RIGHT) ON OAKDALE RD.

The route follows Oakdale Rd. south 0.3 miles, reaching Antle Orchard Rd., where it turns left to go east 0.8 miles to abandoned Fox Hunter Rd. (TR318). The route then turns north into the Wayne National Forest after about 0.3 miles; about a mile after entering the forest, the route turns northeast. After another mile, it turns southeast, then east, to emerge on SR13, and jogs north for a short distance to use the highway bridge to cross Sunday Creek. The route turns east and continues southeast for 0.4 miles, entering Burr Oak State Park..

155.5 [4.6] ENTER BURR OAK STATE PARK

Burr Oak Lake was created in 1950 by the Corps of Engineers as a flood control project, with the construction of Tom Jenkins Dam across Sunday Creek. In days of yore, this was a coal mining area, and the town of Santoy, now a ghost town in the park, had two mine shafts over 2000 people, six general stores, three schools, a hotel, two theaters and seven saloons. A fire in 1924 destroyed the coal tipple, and by 1927 the mines were gone. In its heyday, Santoy was a colorful place. A gunfight was once held over a $20 debt, with two men facing it off in the street, old west style, and shooting it out, leaving one dead and the other wounded. Another time, the coal company payroll was robbed and the bandits made a horse-mounted getaway through the town. The "Wild West" wasn't always in the west! Today, Burr Oak is one of eight Ohio state parks with a resort hotel and cabins, along with a 100-site developed campground, two backpack camping areas. The 1989 North Country Trail Association Fall Meeting was held at Burr Oak Lodge. The lodge has 60 guest rooms, 30 housekeeping cabins, seven meeting rooms, a dining room, and an indoor-outdoor swimming pool. For more information, contact Burr Oak State Park, Route 2, Box 286, Glouster, OH 45732, (614) 767-3570. For more information about Burr Oak Lodge, contact Burr Oak Lodge, Rt. 2, Box 128, Glouster OH 45732 (614) 767-2112; for reservations, (800) 282-7275.

The lake is circled by backpacking trails. The Buckeye Trail and NCNST use the Burr Oak Backpack Trail around the southwest, south and east shores of the lake. A detailed map of the backpack trail is available from the park. Camping is permitted in designated areas only; hikers must register at the trail head. The Buckeye/NCT is blazed in blue throughout the park, concurrent with yellow blazes for the Burr Oak Backpack Trail; both may be seen. However, much of the trail is laid out near the normal flood season high water pool level, and the trail has become eroded in several spots, actually falling into the lake. The trail enters Burr Oak SP about 0.1 south of the spillway at Tom Jenkins dam, where there is parking, restrooms, water and picnic tables, and generally follows the shoreline south. About 1.7 miles farther, Boat Dock #1 is reached. There is a small store, toilets, and water, in season; camping is not permitted here. The trail bends to the east around the south shore of the lake, and a mile later, Boat Dock #2 is reached. There is a primitive campsite at this location, along with water, restrooms and parking. The trail continues north to a point onto the lake, then turns east, reaching the lodge area. The trail goes east past the lodge at some distance, then turns north to cross the park access road, about 2.5 miles from Boat Dock #2.

163.0 [7.5] CROSS BURR OAK LODGE ACCESS ROAD

From this point north, the trail is dedicated to Robert and Mary Lou Paton, who did much for trails and trailbuilding in this area. Several small rock shelters are seen along the trail in this area as it continues north, the largest of which is Buckeye Cave, about a mile north of the access road. Three miles north of the access road, reach Boat Dock No. 3. There is also primitive camping, parking, water and restrooms at this site. The trail continues north; after 1.2 miles reaching Sunday Creek Road (CR15) where it comes to a dead end, and follows along Sunday Creek Road for another mile, until the Burr Oak Backpack Trail turns to the west and Sunday Creek Road, and the Buckeye/NCNST turns to the east. After about 0.5 mile, the road bends to the north, enters Wayne National Forest; the trail leads off into the woods to the east. The trail goes southeast for a short distance, then turns back to the north to emerge on East Branch Church Rd, a mile after leaving Sunday Creek Rd. At this point, the route turns back to the east; after another 0.3 miles, it reaches SR78.

170.0 [7.0] SR78 at CR58

BTA Stockport Section Map picks up at this point. The route heads northeast along SR78 for 0.5 miles, until reaching TR109. It then turns southeast on an abandoned section of this road, reaching the corner of TR110 near the intersection with SR555. The route then turns southwest (right) on TR110, and follows it for 0.3 miles, where the road forks. The route goes down the fork to the southeast, TR67, for a mile, then reaches CR101. The route follows CR101 easterly for 1.2 miles, reaching SR555.

174.2 [4.2] CROSS SR555

The route crosses SR555, heading east; the road now becomes TR102. The route enters the Wolf Creek Wildlife Area; no camping. The route continues east; after half a mile, the road forks, and the route follows the fork to the southeast, still TR102. In another half a mile, TR102 ends at the CR4 intersection; bear to the right on CR4 for 0.4 mile, until reaching CR39. The route turns east on CR39, and follows it 0.8 mile to the intersection with TR59. The route now turns to the north; at a fork in about 0.3 mile, CR39 and the route bends to the northeast for another 0.4 miles, reaching CR53. The route proceeds east on CR53, following Goshen Run. After a mile, the route reaches TR56, and turns south. Along the route to the south, TR 56 becomes TR105; it reaches SR555 again after 1.8 miles.

184.1 [5.7] TURN SOUTHEAST ON SR555

Follow SR555 southeast for 0.4 miles, then turn northeast (left) on CR82. After about 0.3 miles, the road forks; take the right fork, heading east, for another 1.1 miles to CR83 and TR53 (Henman Rd.). Kincaid Village Park is located near this intersection. No camping. Turn south on TR53, and continue 1.2 miles back to SR555. Turn east for 0.1 mile, reaching the corner of SR377. This is the village of Chester Hill.

CHESTER HILL, OH 43728: Stores, restaurant.

Follow SR 377 north for half a mile, to where the trail turns off the road on abandoned TR20. Horses are not permitted on this section. This section proceeds east for a mile, reaching the junction with the abandoned CR21, and continues east another half a mile, passing Barkhurst Mill Bridge, a covered bridge at the crossing of TR52. The route continues eastward, joining TR22, and emerging on CR66. The route jogs southeast for a short distance, then turns left to follow TR22 in a general northeasterly direction. After 1.3 miles, the road forks, and the route takes the fork to the right on a section of TR23, which shortly becomes abandoned. The trail descends into a valley to cross Scott Run, then climbs the other side, emerging on SR792.

192.8 [5.7] CROSS SR 792; CONTINUE NORTH ON TR 23

The trail continues north on TR23, descending steadily into the Muskingum River valley. After 0.7 miles, TR 39 is reached. Stockport, OH, is about 0.5 mile to the north.

STOCKPORT, OH 43787. Stores, restaurants.

193.5 [0.7] REACH TR 39.

Discription of this segment ends at this point. This is the end of 578 miles of continuously marked trail, mostly Buckeye Trail, from Florida, OH, at Independance Dam State Park. The NCNST rejoins the Buckeye Trail farther on.

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