Buckeye Trace
Buckeye Trace Nature Preserve
Hugging the wooded hillside of Sayler Park, Buckeye Trace is one of our largest preserves.
Buckeye Trace Preserve is a 30-acre nature preserve bordering the neighborhoods of Sayler Park and Delhi Townhsip, accessible from Hillside Avenue near Rockaway Avenue. The preserve protects forest habitat, native plants, and wildlife as part of the larger effort to create a connected conservation corridor along the Ohio River Valley.
The preserve includes four trails — Meadow Trail, Box Turtle Trail, Oak Trail, and Incline Trail — totaling roughly 1.5 miles. The trails offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy walks through restored meadow and woodland areas to more strenuous sections along the hillside.
Buckeye Trace also has a unique land-use history. In past generations, the site was part of a sand mining operation, and evidence of that history can still be found throughout the preserve. Today, Western Wildlife Corridor volunteers continue to improve trails, restore woodland habitat, and remove invasive plants. Check the calendar for upcoming guided hikes and volunteer workdays at Buckeye Trace Preserve.
How to Get Here:
A gravel parking lot is available at the foot of the hill, accessible from Hillside Ave. We can be hard to spot; the driveway to this preserve is located between two privately owned residences, and our driveway traverses seemingly into their backyard before it hooks to the left, down a brief, narrow gravel drive, and into our parking area. Directions
Hiking degree of difficulty:
The Buckeye Trace trail system ranges from easy strolls to challenging workouts, depending upon the trail. Some sections of moderate and strenuous trails climb steep slopes and include rocky, uneven steps.
Things to remember while you Recreate Responsibly:
- Dogs are welcome on the trails, but please be considerate of other hikers and clean up after your pets and keep dogs on a leash.
- Mountain bikes, horses, and motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trails. Foot traffic only.
- Hunting is prohibited for the safety of other hikers.
- Camping is prohibited.
- Camp fires are prohibited.
- Be prepared for varying trail conditions. Many trails (especially the steep South Paw Paw Gap Trail) are slippery in wet weather.
- Trails go up and down steep, rugged terrain and should only be used by persons who are in good physical condition.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone.
- Dress for the weather, and wear suitable shoes.
- Travel at your own risk.
- Do not remove plants or items from the preserve.
- Do make sure to take your trash with you to dispose of properly. No dumping.
