Morelfest returns to Deersville

The Buckeye Trail Association’s Morelfest will return April 30 at Beall Farmstead, continuing a tradition that began in 2017 following a frustrating mushroom hunting trip in Michigan.

Organizer Brandon Bates said the idea for the festival came after being told to turn over morel finds to a group of commercial pickers during that trip.

“Well, after a trip to Michigan to hunt morels, I was told that I had to turn my finds over to a group of commercial pickers. I did no such thing,” Bates said. “I worked hard and spent a good bit of money for the day trip from Columbus.”

The experience led to the creation of Morelfest the following year with a small group of friends.

“The next year a couple friends and myself decided to start a Morelfest for the Buckeye Trail Association,” Bates said. “A family-friendly event teaching people the ropes about morel hunting, and bringing awareness to the Buckeye Trail at the same time.”

The first event featured camping, music, guided hikes, a potluck meal and fellowship.

“A great time was had by all,” Bates said. “Morels were in abundance for our group and everyone in attendance in 2017 scored a nice haul. And the best part was ... everyone kept their morels to enjoy for themselves.”

This year’s event will include a special educational hike led by John Oliver, a retired natural resources teacher from Buckeye Career Center.

“This year we will have John Oliver leading an educational hike during Morelfest,” Bates said. “John is a retired natural resources teacher from BCC. He taught for over 30 years and has a lot to share with others about anything outdoors.”

Oliver first appeared at Morelfest in 2024.

“John can literally talk about a 6-inch by 6-inch piece of earth for hours,” Bates said. “He has been a great addition to our Morelfest celebrations.”

Oliver will host his hike May 3 at 9 a.m.

The event is open to anyone, with families encouraged to attend. Children 17 and younger may attend with their parents at no cost.

“People from many different areas of the country have attended Morelfest,” Bates said. “We have had people from 12 different states attend our event.”

Organizers said all skill levels are welcome, including beginners.

“Yes, all skill levels are welcome,” Bates said. “We have been fortunate to have a few guests get involved in our event as hike leaders, keeping the spirit of the event going for many years.”

Morelfest is hosted by the Buckeye Trail Association and managed by the Muskingum Lakes Chapter.

Several local businesses support the event, including Deersville General Store, which created the Buckeye Krunch ice cream flavor in 2019 and donates proceeds to the association. Other supporters include Penso Firewood near Tappan Lake, Bosler’s Honey Bees and Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration.

Organizers said they are seeking additional sponsors for this year’s event.

Attendance has grown steadily since the festival began.

“Our first year we had around 40 people attend,” Bates said. “We have seen a steady increase in attendance every year.”

About 120 people attended last year, while the largest turnout was in 2023 with about 160 participants.

Preregistration for Morelfest is required. A registration link can be found at www.buckeyetrail.org.

Participants also can register through Eventbrite, with options that include T-shirts and a breakfast buffet at Deersville General Store May 2 before scheduled hikes. Registration options are available for Buckeye Trail Association members and nonmembers, including an option to join the organization. Proceeds benefit the Buckeye Trail Association and the Muskingum Lakes Chapter.

The Tuscarawas River Band will perform May 2 following the potluck meal. Organizers said the band has performed at the festival for eight years.

Directions to the Beall Farmstead near Deersville are as follows: Take Interstate 77 to U.S. 250 East, just south of New Philadelphia. Follow U.S. 250 past Tappan Dam, almost to the end of the lake. There is a causeway with a sign reading “Tappan Lake Park.” Turn right. This road also leads to Deersville. Approximately 3.1 miles from the U.S. 250 turnoff is Beall Road on the right. Follow the dead-end road. Be sure to take the left leg, not the right curve, and go a total of 1.3 miles to where it ends at the BTA Barn down a long gravel driveway.

More information and registration are available at www.buckeyetrail.org and through the event’s Eventbrite page.