“Pond’s book details the local wonders of Ohio’s 1,200-mile Buckeye Trail and its history…. The text is imbued with an appreciation for the need to just get out and commence a walk through the world. The aim in writing such a book is to catalogue the various species of wonder close at hand and enable the reader/hiker to compile his or her own life-list of ah-has and eurekas. Pond succeeds at this and much, much more.”

Ohioana Quarterly

“Three dozen side trips from the Buckeye Trail (BT) are described in a wealth of ecological, geological, and historical detail…. Meticulous maps and tantalizing photographs accompany the lucid and engaging text…. Pond has selected stopping places on the BT from which interesting short excursions can be made, in the 2- to 6-hour range. Most are easy, leisurely walks leading to scenic landmarks and other places of interest.”

On the Fringe

Many changes have taken place in the decade since Follow the Blue Blazes was first published, changes in the trails themselves and in the way we hike them. The Buckeye Trail still wends its way around the state of Ohio, following the course marked out by the characteristic blue blazes on trees and signposts along the way. In the intervening years, however, sections of the trail have changed their route, added amenities, or just grown more interesting. From the startling rock formations and graceful waterfalls of Old Man’s Cave, to Native American mounds, battlefields, and scenic rivers, Connie and Robert J. Pond provide a captivating guide to often-overlooked treasures around the state.

Each chapter features an overview of a 100-mile section of the trail and three self-guided featured hikes. The overviews and the accompanying maps may be read consecutively to acquaint the reader with the entire course of the trail. But most readers will best enjoy the trail by taking the guide along on one of the featured hikes. Each route is outlined on an easy-to-read map with GPS coordinates and waypoints to guide the hiker, as well as explicit directions from parking lot to trailhead.

The Buckeye Trail is readily accessible from Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Cleveland, and Akron. Even a short trip can lead to an adventure near your own backyard.

Connie Pond is an Ohio native and Ohio State University graduate with a career in federal government. She has thirty years of experience with the Buckeye Trail as a board member and officer.   More info →

Robert J. Pond is an Ohio native and Ohio State University graduate with a career as an instructor and administrator at Central Ohio Technical College. He has thirty years of involvement with the Buckeye Trail.   More info →