source: Third Act Ohio
The Great Ohio Climate March (GOCM) will start on Saturday, May 16, at the farmers market in Athens, Ohio. From Athens we’ll work our way northeast, largely following the Buckeye Trail, over 7 days to Salt Fork State Park where we’ll have a day of educational events, fun, and rest for marchers. From Salt Fork we’ll march west, over 5 days, to the Statehouse in Columbus, for an ending rally, celebration, and legislative day on May 28. Most of this portion of the route is on small rural roads, bike trails, and sidewalks.
Marchers will be able to sign up to hike the full route (approx 120 miles of walking), or any portion they choose (a week, a couple days, or even a couple hours). Most hiking days will be about 10 miles, with a couple days of fewer miles at the start and finish, and a few days that are closer to 12-13 miles. Don’t worry if that sounds like a lot, this is a supported march with shuttles to carry your gear and you – if you need a shorter hiking day.
And about the Climate – The Other Big Picture:
Along the march route there will be many opportunities to see and learn about how the oil and gas industry has been welcomed with open arms by Ohio’s politicians into Ohio’s beautiful landscapes. We will see the frack pads, compressor stations, and injection wells associated with the fracking industry which is wreaking havoc on and poisoning our air and waters. We’ll also see other fossil fuel infrastructure such as gas pipeline buildouts that scar the lands and disrupt everything from community peace and quiet, to native plant and animal species. We’ll also witness the newer phenomenon of energy guzzling data centers rapidly popping up throughout Ohio, competing with residents for electricity while supercharging climate chaos causing greenhouse gas emission.
But don’t despair, there is also good news and lots of potential in Ohio for clean, renewable energy. We’ll have the opportunity to see and understand more about Ohio’s buildout of renewable energy as we visit some large solar arrays.
More March Details:
There is a registration fee that is prorated based on the number of days hiking. The registration fee includes: meals, water, either camping or budget hotel accommodations, sag wagon, and transport of hiker’s gear.
https://greatohioclimatemarch.org/
When: May 16-28 of 2026 – participate in all or part of it!
Where: Southeast and mid-Ohio, Athens to Salt Fork to Columbus
How: A detailed route map is coming soon.
Who: The Great Ohio Climate March is being organized by Third Act Ohio, with the help of many other organizational and individual friends
Why: To draw broad attention and public awareness to:
- Fracking on Ohio public lands & parks
- Ohio politicians making greedy deals with the oil & gas industry that have turned our beautiful state into a sacrifice zone
- Environmental justice for Ohio communities
- Impacts of the climate crisis globally, as well as in the US, Appalachia, and Ohio
- The benefits to all Ohioans of clean, renewable energy
