Join local backpacker and author Jim Rahtz on a tour of over a dozen trails that immerse backpackers in the beauty and seclusion of nature while not crossing a state line.

Jim’s Bio:

Jim Rahtz spent a career in park and recreation management in Ohio. Once retired, he followed the advice of “go take a hike” and rediscovered backpacking. In addition to backpacking every trail he could find in Ohio, he’s also thru-hiked several longer trails such as the Colorado Trail, Long Trail and Sheltowee Trace.

As a freelance writer and photographer, his work has won multiple awards, appearing in national publications and websites such as TheTrek.co, TrailGroove.com, and Camping Life. He is President of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio. “Ohio Backpacking Loops” is Rahtz’s fifth book on backpacking.

The Book:

“Ohio Backpacking Loops” is a detailed guide to backpacker friendly trails in the Buckeye State. The 150 page work includes local information, turn by turn directions and maps for 14 different options. In addition, each trail was rated on a highly subjective score system that allows the reader to compare attributes of each. The author, Jim Rahtz, is an experienced backpacker that walked every mile of every trail described in the book.