Take the Scenic Route: Exploring the Buckeye Trail in Defiance County

Buckeye Trail signage at Defiance Reservoir Park.

History, heritage and hiking all await.

Among the wonderful reasons to get out and move this summer is the Buckeye Trail, which meanders through Defiance County as it winds its way around the state.

“The Buckeye Trail is an incredible asset to the City of Defiance,” said Ryan Mack, Defiance City Administrator and hiker. “It connects our community to one of Ohio’s most treasured outdoor resources while showcasing the natural beauty, history and hospitality that make Defiance such a special place.”

The Buckeye Trail was first proposed in 1958 by Ohio Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Merrill Gilfillan as a hiking and horse-riding path that would go throughout the state from the Ohio River to Lake Erie.  The first 20 miles of the trail were dedicated on Sept. 19, 1959, in Hocking County. According to the Buckeye Trail Association, the eastern corridor of the trail – which included the Defiance Section – was part of an effort to secure access along the state’s controlled canal lands. 

“Trails like this encourage recreation, tourism and healthy lifestyles, but they also create opportunities for visitors to experience our local businesses, parks and neighborhoods,” Mack explained. “We are proud to be part of the Buckeye Trail network and excited to welcome hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from across Ohio and beyond to discover everything Defiance has to offer.”

Blue Blazes marking the Buckeye Trail along Independence Dam State Park.

In 1980, the Defiance Section had improvements done on it prior to becoming part of the Buckeye Trail. Wenddell Freeland of Lima was the local trail coordinator at the time. Blazing kits were given to volunteers. The kits included a paint scraper, blue paint and a brush so the trail could be marked with 2x6-inch vertical blazes on trees and utility poles.

Blue Blazes marking the Buckeye Trail along Independence Dam State Park.

The Defiance Section of the Buckeye Trail includes Defiance, Paulding, Henry and Lucas counties. The section is 54.8 miles with 38.5 miles being off-road. 

“The Defiance Section blends small-town charm, canal history and riverside scenery,” according to information from the Buckeye Trail Association. “The southern portion follows quiet country roads before entering Defiance, where the trail crosses the Maumee River and passes through Pontiac Park. From there, it continues on the Miami and Erie Canal Towpath through Independence Dam State Park and into historic canal towns including Napoleon, Providence and Waterville.”

Buckeye Trail signage at Pontiac Park, Defiance. Kayak self-serve kiosk located to the right.

Today, the Defiance Section continues to be maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. 

John Nemick, section supervisor, pointed out that there are a “whole different bunch of people” who are dedicated volunteers for the trail. 

“I have a lot of help,” he added, explaining it's not just individuals and various organizations that lend a hand. 

“In Napoleon, the city parks people and Henry County parks people take care of their part,” he explained. “Independence Dam State Park takes care of its own (part). Towns of Defiance and Independence take care of things in their city.”

Independence Dam State Park entrance.

The upkeep and maintenance helps keep the area beautiful, which is good considering all the “foot traffic.”

“The Defiance Section is used a lot,” he stressed. “People in Napoleon and Defiance hike along the towpath. They get on it for a couple miles here or there or ride their bikes on it.”

Mack has hiked the Defiance Section’s whole canal section several times.

“My favorite area in our section is the Independence Dam area,” he acknowledged. “From there through the Florida spillway is where I get a lot of walking miles.”

Nemick recalled how about 15-20 years ago he heard a talk from someone who had walked the whole trail. 

“He mentioned how more people had walked on the moon than have hiked through the Buckeye Trail,” he said. “Now, we have people through-hiking the whole thing every year. There are five or six every year and some complete it by walking it by sections.”

Doing the trail by sections is understandable given any time constraints of hikers, Nemick said. In addition, the Buckeye Trail is gaining popularity with professional hikers who keep trying to claim the title of fastest time doing the whole trail.

Mack has even assisted some of the through-hikers that have come to the Defiance Section as a “trail angel.”

“A trail angel does things like bring supplies or help shuttle long-distance hikers to hotels during inclement weather,” he explained.

While the weather is nice, hikers need to know they are on the right track. There is a lot of signage denoting the trail for people to know there is the correct path. In addition, some locations have other signs, including Defiance.

Blue Blazes marking the Buckeye Trail along Defiance Reservoir walking path.

There are two signs denoting the Buckeye Trail in Defiance City – one at the Reservoir and one at Pontiac Park. The signs denote points of interest around the city’s portion of the trail including the Six Mile Creek Culvert, Schooley’s Lock, Three Mile Creek Culvert, Riverside Cemetery, Riverside Park, the fort grounds, Pontiac Park, Winchester Camp 2 and Preston Island. 

With 2026 being the United States’ 250th anniversary, the Buckeye Trail is helping mark the occasion.

Blue Blaze marking the Buckeye Trail along Independence Dam State Park.

“If you hike 250 miles, you get a patch,” Nemick stated. “If you volunteer 250 hours, you get a patch, and if you donate (to the trail) you will get a patch.”

He encouraged individuals to visit buckeyetrail.org for more information.

Nemick also pointed out that officials with the Buckeye Trail are working on it being named a national scenic trail.

“That legislation is in Congress now,” he said. “That would be good, getting a national status.”

The Buckeye Trail was officially dedicated on March 20, 1981, as the final segment of the loop was dedicated in northeast Ohio. In total, the trail reaches more than 1,400 miles and runs through 47 counties. It is estimated that the trail is “within 90 minutes of every Ohioan.”

Nemick pointed out that the trail has a lot to offer hikers. 

Blue Blaze marking the Buckeye Trail along Pontiac Park.

“It has a lot of history, a lot of legacy,” he said. “If you hike the whole thing you’ll see a snapshot of the whole state of Ohio including the canals, which was instrumental in opening up the state wildlife to the economic powerhouse it became.”

The Defiance Section highlights those as well. 

Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the Buckeye Trail in the area and beyond.

“Whether it’s hiking along the Buckeye Trail through our beautiful city or kayaking or fishing along the banks, we as a community love having people get outdoors and enjoy themselves,” Mack urged.