10 Best Road Trips to Take in Ohio
Ohio鈥檚 road networks connect a variety of destinations that showcase its history, natural landscapes, and cultural hubs. Travelers can find routes that take them through state parks, small towns, and cities, offering a range of experiences across the state. Whether you are looking to explore historic sites or nature spots, Ohio has several routes that highlight different aspects of its geography. From the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, featuring the popular Hocking Hills State Park, to Zane鈥檚 Trace, a 230-mile historic route, do not overlook these best road trips in The Heart of it All.
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is a 26-mile route that takes about 45 minutes to drive, starting near Logan and ending at the Hocking Hills State Park area鈥攐ne of the best state parks in Ohio. The drive passes through rolling hills and dense forests, offering views of Ohio鈥檚 Appalachian foothills. The road winds through a series of natural features such as cliffs, waterfalls, and caves. The byway provides access to several hiking trails and recreational spots鈥攁 popular route for those looking to spend time outdoors.
Along the way, travelers can stop at the Cantwell Cliffs, known for its deep valleys and narrow passageways. Another recommended stop is the Rock House, a cave-like corridor located on a cliff face that visitors can explore on foot. A third stop is Cedar Falls, a popular waterfall within the state park that can be reached via a short trail from the parking area.
Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
The Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail stretches for about 293 miles along the shores of Lake Erie, from Conneaut in the east to Toledo in the west. Driving the full route with stops can take about six hours, though many travelers break it up over a couple of days. This route primarily follows State Route 2, offering views of Lake Erie, as well as passing through small towns, beaches, and several state parks. The trail highlights the maritime history of the region, with plenty of opportunities to explore historical sites along the lake.
A stop at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park allows visitors to see one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Another stop is the Perry鈥檚 Victory and International Peace Memorial, located on South Bass Island, which commemorates the War of 1812. For those interested in nature, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area offers hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities, especially during migration seasons.
Ohio River Scenic Byway
The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs for 452 miles, following the path of the Ohio River from East Liverpool in the northeast to Cincinnati in the southwest. Driving the entire route takes about nine hours without stopping. The byway travels through historic towns and cities, with views of the Ohio River and nearby hills. The route is lined with historical markers and sites related to Ohio鈥檚 role in early American history, especially along the riverfront.
A recommended stop is the town of Marietta, the first permanent settlement in Ohio, where travelers can visit historical museums and take a walk along the riverfront. Another stop along the route is the Serpent Mound, a prehistoric effigy mound shaped like a snake, located a short detour from the byway. In Cincinnati, the final stop on the route, visitors can explore the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which focuses on the history of slavery and abolition in the United States.
Amish Country Byway
The Amish Country Byway spans 190 state miles and can be completed in about three and a half hours without stops. This route runs through Holmes County and the surrounding area, starting near the town of Wilmot and ending near Walnut Creek. It passes through rolling farmland for a look into Ohio's Amish communities, with horse-drawn buggies sharing the road in many sections. The drive includes several small towns and rural roads, showcasing the agricultural lifestyle of the region.
A stop in Berlin is recommended, where visitors can explore local Amish markets and shops offering handmade goods. Another stop is Millersburg, which features the Victorian House Museum鈥攁 peek into local history. Lastly, a visit to the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center allows travelers to learn more about Amish culture and history through exhibits and guided tours.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Driving Tour
The route through Cuyahoga Valley National Park covers approximately 30 miles, starting in Brecksville and ending near Akron. The drive takes about 45 minutes without stops and follows State Route 303 and Riverview Road. The road passes through forested areas, wetlands, and open fields, with views of the Cuyahoga River and several park attractions along the way. This national park is unique for its proximity to urban centers where travelers can enjoy nature close to the cities of Cleveland and Akron.
Along the route, travelers can stop at Brandywine Falls, one of the park's most popular features, with a boardwalk leading to a view of the waterfall. Another stop is the Beaver Marsh, a wetland area ideal for birdwatching and hiking. Visitors can also stop at the Boston Store Visitor Center, where they can learn more about the history of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which runs through the park.
Miami and Erie Canal Scenic Byway
The Miami and Erie Canal Scenic Byway stretches for 54 miles, starting in Delphos and ending in Piqua. The route takes about an hour and a half to drive without stops and follows the historic canal that once connected Cincinnati to Toledo. The byway passes through small towns, farmlands, and remnants of the canal system, including locks and other historical structures. This scenic drive highlights Ohio's transportation history and its role in the development of the state's economy.
A recommended stop is the Fort Amanda Memorial Park, which features a historical site from the War of 1812. Another stop is the Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trail near St. Marys, where visitors can walk or bike along the canal. In Piqua, the final stop, travelers can visit the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, which provides a glimpse into early pioneer life and the interactions between settlers and Native Americans.
National Road (US Route 40)
The Ohio section of the National Road spans about 225 miles, starting at the Indiana state line near Richmond, Indiana, and ending at the West Virginia border near Wheeling, West Virginia. Driving this section takes approximately five hours, passing through a mix of rural landscapes and small towns. The National Road was one of the first major highways in the United States, and the Ohio portion offers a historical perspective on early American travel and settlement. The route includes old inns, bridges, and historical markers related to the road's history.
Along the way, travelers can stop at the town of Zanesville, where the Y-Bridge, a rare three-way bridge, spans the Muskingum River. Another stop is the National Road/Zane Grey Museum in Norwich, which tells the story of the road's construction and its impact on the region. In the eastern part of the state, a visit to the city of Cambridge offers a look at Victorian-era architecture and glassworks that the area is known for.
Ohio Lincoln Highway Historic Byway
The Ohio portion of the Lincoln Highway Historic Byway stretches for approximately 241 miles, starting near the Indiana state line in Van Wert and ending near East Liverpool at the Pennsylvania border. This route follows the historic Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the United States, and takes about five hours to drive through Ohio. The road passes through farmlands, small towns, and industrial areas, offering a cross-section of Ohio鈥檚 varied landscapes and its role in early American road travel.
Along the way, a stop in Mansfield offers travelers the chance to visit the Ohio State Reformatory, a historic prison famous for its architecture and its use in films. Another stop is in Canton, where visitors can explore the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In Wooster, the Wayne County Historical Society provides a look at local history and early settlement in the region.
Scioto Heritage Trail
The Scioto Heritage Trail runs for 83 miles, starting in Portsmouth and ending near West Union. Driving the route takes about two hours without stops, and it follows the path of the Scioto River鈥攐ne of the longest rivers in Ohio鈥攖hrough southern Ohio. The byway passes through rural areas, small towns, and several points of historical interest, providing insight into the region鈥檚 role in Ohio鈥檚 early statehood and its natural history. Travelers can see parts of the Ohio River Valley and the Appalachian foothills as they make their way along the trail.
Recommended stops include the Shawnee State Park, where visitors can hike and view local wildlife in the Appalachian foothills. Another stop is at the Southern Ohio Museum in Portsmouth, which houses exhibits on the region鈥檚 art and history. In West Union, travelers can visit the Adams County Historical Society to learn more about local history and early settlements in the area.
Zane's Trace Route
Zane鈥檚 Trace is a 230-mile historic route, taking about four and a half hours to drive, starting in Wheeling, West Virginia, and ending near Maysville, Kentucky. The Ohio portion of this route passes through towns like Cambridge and Chillicothe, following the path of an early pioneer trail created by Colonel Ebenezer Zane. The route covers a mix of rural areas, small towns, and historical sites related to Ohio鈥檚 frontier days.
In Cambridge, travelers can visit the National Museum of Cambridge Glass, which highlights the area鈥檚 glassmaking history. Another stop is Chillicothe, the first capital of Ohio, where visitors can explore the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, which features ancient earthworks built by Native American cultures. Lastly, a stop at the John Rankin House near Ripley offers insight into the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.
Ohio's network of scenic byways and historic routes offers a range of road trip options for travelers interested in the state鈥檚 natural beauty, history, and culture. From the winding roads of the Hocking Hills to the historic landmarks along the Ohio River and the National Road, these trips showcase the diversity of experiences Ohio has to offer. Whether you are looking to explore state parks, visit museums, or trace early American highways, Ohio's road trips provide an opportunity to discover the state's rich heritage and landscapes.
