Press Release

The Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) is proud to announce that Peebles, Ohio has been designated as the 22nd official Buckeye Trail Town, marking a new milestone for the Appalachian Foothills Chapter of the Buckeye Trail Association. A proclamation ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 1 at 11 a.m. at the Floyd & Mae McCoy Memorial Park to celebrate the designation, in conjunction with the Adams County Health and Wellness Coalition’s 30 in 30 walking and hiking challenge.

Located in the Sinking Spring Section of the Buckeye Trail, Peebles is nestled in Ohio’s scenic Appalachian Foothills and is home to one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the world—The Great Serpent Mound. This 1,348-foot-long effigy mound, a National Historic Landmark, is the largest serpent effigy known globally and sits atop the Serpent Mound Crater, a five-mile-wide ancient meteorite impact site confirmed by Ohio State University and the University of Glasgow geologists in 2003.

“Peebles embodies the spirit of a Buckeye Trail Town,” said Andrew Bashaw, Executive Director of the Buckeye Trail Association. “With its rich cultural history, natural beauty, and commitment to welcoming hikers, it is the perfect destination while you Follow the Blue Blazes of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail”

Founded in 1881 at the junction of Zane’s Trace and the Cincinnati & Eastern Railway, the village has a deep historical legacy, from its early railroad days to its role in 20th-century conservation efforts. Peebles was home to Camp Pine Gap, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp for African American veterans who contributed to soil and forest conservation across thousands of acres in Adams County.

“Peebles is thrilled to be recognized as a Buckeye Trail Town,” said Tom Cross, Executive Director of the Adams County Travel & Visitor Bureau. “We are excited to share our history, our trails, and our hospitality with hikers from across Ohio and beyond.”

The Buckeye Trail Town program recognizes communities that embrace and promote the Buckeye Trail, offering hikers resources, services, and a welcoming atmosphere. Communities work closely with the BTA to highlight local attractions, improve trail connections, and celebrate the benefits of outdoor recreation.

Established in 1959, the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) builds, maintains, preserves, and promotes Ohio’s Buckeye Trail as a sustainable resource connecting people to the state’s scenic and historical diversity. The BTA inspires conservation and outdoor recreation across the state. buckeyetrail.org.

The Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau (ACTVB) is the official destination marketing organization for Adams County, Ohio, and promotes the county’s attractions through advertising, public relations, social media, travel shows, and visitor services. The Bureau showcases outdoor recreation, historic sites, lodging and dining, and the county’s Amish community and highlights marquee experiences in the county.