Backpack Right Here in Ohio, by Jim Rahtz

Many backpackers dream of epic, once in a lifetime thru-hikes that take months to walk and cover thousands of miles. Beyond dreaming though, consider taking one of many great backpacking trails right here in Ohio. Options range from easy strolls to challenging 50+ mile hikes that travel through surprisingly impressive scenery. In addition, most of these 2-3 day hikes are loops, greatly simplifying logistics.

We’ll tour 16 backpack possibilities where you can immerse yourself in nature without ever leaving the Buckeye State.

Jim Rahtz spent a career in park and recreation management in Ohio. Once retired, he followed the advice to “go take a hike” and rediscovered backpacking. In addition to backpacking every trail he could find in Ohio, he’s also thru-hiked several longer trails such as the Colorado Trail, Long Trail and Sheltowee Trace.