Bring Ohio's Outdoors to Your Students with Buckeye Trail Anywhere
Finding meaningful ways to encourage student wellness while supporting learning goals can be a challenge. Fortunately, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has created a program that makes it easy to combine movement, exploration, and education in a flexible format that works for schools of all sizes.
Buckeye Trail Anywhere is a free virtual hiking experience that allows participants to "hike" Ohio's entire 1,440-mile Buckeye Trail from wherever they are. Whether students are walking in a school hallway, participating in activities during physical education, moving around a classroom, or spending time outdoors, their real-world movement can be converted into virtual progress along one of Ohio's most iconic trails.
As students advance along the trail, they unlock educational content highlighting Ohio's geography, history, natural resources, and cultural landmarks. Along the way, they can virtually visit destinations such as Headlands Beach State Park, Portage Lakes State Park, Hocking Hills State Park, and Shawnee State Forest, gaining a deeper appreciation for the places that make Ohio unique.
The program is designed with flexibility in mind. Schools can customize participation to fit their schedules and student needs, making it an excellent option for classroom teachers, physical education programs, after-school activities, wellness initiatives, or school-wide challenges. Because it can be completed indoors or outdoors, schools can participate regardless of weather conditions or transportation limitations.
To support implementation, ODNR provides a free downloadable guide that includes trail maps, educational content, activity suggestions, descriptions of each stop along the route, and a simple tracking system. Schools can also request a free 22" x 32" progress poster to help students visualize their journey and celebrate milestones together.
Recognizing the importance of connecting activities to learning outcomes, ODNR has also developed an educational standards guide that aligns Buckeye Trail Anywhere with Ohio's academic standards, making it even easier for educators to incorporate the program into existing instruction.
Buckeye Trail Anywhere offers a unique opportunity to promote physical activity, support student wellness, and connect learning to the rich natural and cultural heritage of our state. Best of all, participation is completely free.
To learn more, download program materials, or get started with your students, visit the Buckeye Trail Anywhere website and explore how your school can begin its virtual journey across Ohio.