Hiking Collection by Will
Buckeye Trail's northeast corner — Little Loop
5 days
15-30 h/day
448km
3,340m
3,330m
Along the way you will follow the Buckeye Trail’s blue blazes over glaciated ridges, greenways, trail towns, and cities, including parts of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath. The Buckeye Trail is known for its passionate community, and this loop is a great example of that. Every year in September, there is a “Little Loop Challenge” where participants sign up for a section to divide and conquer the entire circuit in a single push. Also, if you complete the Little Loop as a section hike or a thru-hike, you can even earn a special patch from the Buckeye Trail Association.
This Collection breaks the Little Loop into 5 sections along the Akron, Bedford, Burton, and Mogadore portions of the Buckeye Trail. It also briefly passes through the Hartville–Crystal Springs stretch of the Massillon Section. It starts in the City of Akron, which is the biggest transportation hub and supply point along the loop. The Little Loop is pretty populated and well-traveled, so you can really start from any point along the trail if you prefer. It can be hiked in sections over a number of months or covered as a thru-hike in about 3-6 weeks.
Logistics along this trail are the same as the rest of the Buckeye Trail. You can find some good suggestions in the Collection for the main loop here: komoot.com/collection/3699196. buckeyetrail.org is also a great resource, listing details about each section of this loop and contact information for each section supervisor. I’ve routed the first section to begin near the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad station in Akron, so it is possible to start a thru-hike using public transportation. If you are section hiking over time, bringing your car and arranging for a ride back to your start point for the section is best.
There is lodging in towns and campsites along the way that will be mentioned, but it is always best to reach out to Buckeye Trail section supervisors before planning your hike for the most comprehensive info on lodging and resupply. The trail is best hiked in fall and spring to avoid extreme conditions and it is good to wear shoes that are versatile for trails and road walking. Pack water filtration, and a lightweight camping setup that will allow you to camp when needed but will stow away easily when lodging in towns. The Little Loop might be just a corner of the Buckeye Trail, but it captures the beauty and spirit of hiking in Ohio.
Visibility:
Anyone
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Little Loop — Buckeye Trail
447km
3,340m
3,330m
Last updated: October 9, 2025
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Activities
59.2km
15:48
630m
690m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
98.9km
26:09
940m
950m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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96.8km
25:30
900m
740m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
120km
30:53
650m
630m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
73.0km
18:40
230m
330m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
5
Distance
448 km
Duration
117:00 h
Elevation
3,340 m
3,330 m
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