The Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) is proud to announce the Village of Hiram as Ohio’s newest official Buckeye Trail Town. The designation recognizes Hiram’s commitment to welcoming hikers, improving trail access, and connecting its residents and visitors with the outdoor recreation opportunities the Buckeye Trail brings through northern Portage County.
Buckeye Trail Towns are communities located along the 1,400+ mile Buckeye Trail that partner with the BTA to promote the trail, support trail users, and grow local vitality through outdoor tourism. Each Trail Town offers hikers a place to eat, stay, resupply, and explore, while inviting residents to take pride in the trail that passes through their own backyard.
Hiram earns the designation on the strength of genuine community momentum. Over the past two years, the village has formed the Hiram Loop Trail — a roughly four-mile route that circles the village the way the Buckeye Trail circles the state — rejuvenated its historic public gardens, launched a self-paced walking tour honoring the village’s connection to President James A. Garfield, and began building mountain bike trails. Local task forces recently grew into a new community nonprofit, Downtown Hiram Revitalization, which hosts the village’s Spring Festival and this fall’s Harvest Moon Festival, featuring a birding walk on the Buckeye Trail.
“I would definitely recommend Hiram as one of our new additions to the trail community. Mayor Haynam’s commitment, enthusiasm, and her vision, along with the help of her constituents, volunteers and community leaders, have created a mini sanctuary for hikers and has provided amenities to help with their comfort while visiting Hiram. The trail through Hiram is beautiful and the area is full of American and Ohio History while making Hiram a place of interest.” said Tim Murphy, BTA Burton Section Supervisor.
