The village of Peebles has been officially designated as the 22nd Buckeye Trail Town, joining a statewide network of communities that welcome hikers and promote local attractions along the 1,400-mile Buckeye Trail.
The designation will be celebrated with a proclamation ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Floyd & Mae McCoy Memorial Park. The event will take place in conjunction with the Adams County Health and Wellness Coalition’s “30 in 30” walking and hiking challenge.
Peebles lies along the Sinking Spring Section of the Buckeye Trail in Ohio’s Appalachian Foothills. The area is home to the Great Serpent Mound, a 1,348-foot-long prehistoric effigy recognized as the largest serpent earthwork in the world and designated a National Historic Landmark. The mound sits atop the Serpent Mound Crater, an ancient meteorite impact site confirmed by geologists in 2003.
“Peebles embodies the spirit of a Buckeye Trail Town,” said Andrew Bashaw, executive director of the Buckeye Trail Association. “With its rich cultural history, natural beauty, and commitment to welcoming hikers, it is the perfect destination while you follow the blue blazes of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail.”
The village, founded in 1881 at the junction of Zane’s Trace and the Cincinnati & Eastern Railway, has a long history tied to transportation and conservation. During the 20th century it was home to Camp Pine Gap, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp for African American veterans who worked on soil and forest projects across Adams County.
“Peebles is thrilled to be recognized as a Buckeye Trail Town,” said Tom Cross, executive director of the Adams County Travel & Visitor Bureau. “We are excited to share our history, our trails, and our hospitality with hikers from across Ohio and beyond.”
By becoming part of the Buckeye Trail Town program, Peebles joins 21 other Ohio communities that highlight trail connections, local heritage, and outdoor recreation. Supporters say the program not only encourages people to explore nature but also strengthens local economies by bringing visitors to hike, dine, and stay.
