Get to know us

Born from a Hike, Built for Veterans

Boots on the Trail began in 2022 with a simple conversation between veterans Bill Hayes and Ryan Leach. Both, passionate about the outdoors, they envisioned leveraging Southeast Ohio's natural beauty to reconnect veterans with their community. Their idea: Bring Veterans together in the outdoors, enjoy camaraderie on the trails and talk to others who understand their unique challenges. In June 2024, along with veteran Tom Watson they formed Boots on the Trail to perform Ecotherapy for Veterans.

From Idea to Impact

Fast forward to March 2025, and Boots on the Trail is gearing up to make a real difference, We have already had 17 events with 14 unique Veterans giving back 173 hours of trail maintenance to the community.

Our mission

Our mission is to provide Ecotherapy, a unique approach to Veteran’s physical and mental wellness by combining hiking, and trail maintenance. We believe that the natural world has the power to heal. Our organization is dedicated to connecting veterans with the great outdoors.

Our vision

A world where veterans can find peace, healing, and purpose in the great outdoors. A world where veterans are empowered to thrive, and their unique experiences and perspectives are valued and respected.

How we accomplish this.

Boots on the Trail takes Veterans and only Veterans out on the trails, and accomplishes a task, for us that task is trail maintenance. We have been removing multiflora rose, greenbrier, invasive plant species and downed trees off of the trails every two weeks. Our Veterans also get to enjoy the camaraderie of hanging with their fellow Vets in the woods. By making it just Veterans, it allows us to relax more because we know that the people with us have been through similar life situations and experiences.