I recently moved to southwest Ohio. One of the deciding factors of where we chose to live was the proximity to the Little Miami Scenic Trail. The LMST runs through the town where we live, so it’s easy for us to access the trail without a car. My boyfriend and I both enjoy riding and this is a great rail trail connecting many small and large towns and historic areas. Additionally, the LMST is a component of:
While having backcountry sections, the cool thing about the BT is that it’s not entirely backcountry. Unlike the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail, there are significant sections of the BT that are front country or even urban. This makes the BT easily accessible for section hiking, slackpacking, day hiking, and easily resupplied backpacking. Bikepacking is another option for non-hikers. Cooler still, in my opinion, is that trail users (the BT is multi use in several areas) learn the history of Ohio by visiting railroad and canal towns as they follow converted railroad beds and towpaths.
I’m looking forward to exploring my adopted home state as time allows. I’m aware that my schedule will not allow a thru-hike of the BT, at least not currently, so section hiking will be my method of viewing Ohio on foot.
As is the norm for me, I’ll be covering ground with at least one of my dogs. I’m hoping both will complete the majority of the trail. My goal is to complete by the end of 2019. While that seems a far, far distant future (seriously, we live in the future), it won’t be long at all.
