Imagine walking 1,444 miles with a backpack carrying the bare necessities of life, 26 maps, and a whole lot of grit. When three-time Appalachian Trail Hiker, Andy "Captain Blue" Niekamp decided to hike Ohio's Buckeye Trail, he took on the challenge of his life. On this 88-day adventure, Captain Blue found things he didn't know he had: a Buckeye Trail family who assisted and encouraged him; a home state rich with scenic beauty and history; the physical, mental, and emotional stamina to travel Ohio alone and on foot. Readers will enjoy the trail tales of Captain Blue, past and present, and his knack for bringing humor and good-natured reflection to a hiker's experiences in the elements: the cold, snow, wind, rain, heat, and humidity of springtime in Ohio; the physical test of walking for miles every day on a variety of treadways; the unpredictability of nature; and the sincere generosity of strangers.

Hiking Ohio is a comprehensive guide to more than forty of the most scenic foot trails in the Buckeye State. Hike along beaches, over boardwalks, through gorges, past waterfalls, into caves, near wildlife, under forest canopies, and through carpets of wildflowers. Trek along secluded footpaths through Ohio's virgin forest and keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, beaver, fox, and, in the eastern part of the state, black bear. Whether you are a day-tripper looking for a short day hike or longer-distance hiker yearning for an extended backpacking trip, this guidebook has plenty to offer and is an excellent way to see all the state has to offer.