Ohio’s Buckeye Trail is the longest looping trail in the country, stretching out to be 1,444 miles. This long hiking trail loops around the entire state and links the “four corners” of Ohio through 47 counties. Parts of the trail can be found along paved roads while other parts are dirt paths through wooded areas. A small portion of this trail goes through southwest Highland County in the Sinking Springs area.

The Sinking Spring section of the Ohio Buckeye Trail offers beautiful scenery and hiking as its northern half passes through Pike State Forest. Almost 24 miles of the trail passes through the forest or adjoining Pike State Park. Plenty of facilities are available in the park. After crossing State Route 41, the trail enters the Fort Hill historical area, site of a Hopewell Indian Ceremonial Mound that was built 2000 years ago. A side trail leads to the mound on top of the hill.

The Buckeye Trail continues through Fort Hill on regular dirt trails before finally switching to paved roads. After passing through Sinking Spring the trail goes by another Indian mound at Serpent Mound, located in Peebles, Ohio. South of State Route 32 are several miles of trail, over Tolle Hill, through Davis Memorial and near Mineral Springs Lake.

Instead of following signs like most trails, hikers will follow what is known as the blue blazes. These are 2 inch by 6 inch blue paint marks that can be found on the sides of  trees and utility poles along the trail. These marks are what guide hikers along the path. These blue blazes can be found all around the state of Ohio. From Hocking Hills, Cuyahoga Valley, the Miami and Erie Canal, Wayne National Forest, and multiple other places around the state. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, you have probably passed by at least one of these blue blazes without even knowing it.

The Ohio Buckeye trail is completely open to the public and does not require a fee before starting your hike. Camping is allowed along the trail. Over 100 campsites are already designated along the Buckeye Trail, and more are still in the process of being developed in order to meet the demand for long distance backpackers. While exploring this trail, it is important to follow the leave-no-trace ethics: only take pictures and only leave footprints.

Stretching throughout the state, Ohio’s Buckeye Trail is the longest looping trail in the country. As hikers follow along this massive trail they will need to follow the blue blazes in order to stay on the Buckeye Trail. Highland County's Sinking Springs proudly boasts a section of this iconic trail, inviting hikers to explore its natural wonders.