10 Scenic Drives Across Ohio Towns

Ohio’s winding roads offer travelers a chance to experience the state’s natural beauty and small-town charm. From rolling hills and river valleys to vibrant fall foliage and historic covered bridges, these scenic drives showcase the diverse landscapes that make the Buckeye State special. Pack some snacks, queue up your favorite playlist, and hit the road to discover these unforgettable Ohio drives.

1. Amish Country Byway

Meander through the heart of Holmes County on this 76-mile route where horse-drawn buggies share the road with modern vehicles. The rolling hills reveal picturesque farms with red barns and patchwork fields that seem frozen in time.

Local cheese shops and bakeries dot the landscape, offering homemade treats worth stopping for. Don’t miss the towns of Berlin and Millersburg for authentic Amish crafts and furniture.

This drive is especially magical in early morning when fog hangs in the valleys and farmers begin their daily work, offering a glimpse into a simpler way of life that has endured for generations.

2. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Sandstone cliffs and dense forests create a magical backdrop along State Route 374. Ancient hemlock trees tower overhead as you navigate curves revealing hidden waterfalls and dramatic rock formations carved by centuries of erosion.

The route connects natural wonders like Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls. Pull over at numerous hiking trailheads to explore these geological marvels up close.

During autumn, the forest transforms into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows, making this drive particularly spectacular from mid-October to early November when nature puts on its most vibrant show.

3. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail

Fresh lake breezes accompany you along this 293-mile route hugging Ohio’s northern shoreline. Lighthouses stand sentinel against the backdrop of Lake Erie’s ever-changing waters, from tranquil blue to stormy gray.

Charming lakeside towns like Vermilion and Port Clinton offer seafood restaurants with fresh perch and walleye. Between Geneva and Ashtabula, vineyards stretch toward the water, taking advantage of the lake-effect climate perfect for growing grapes.

Summer brings sailboats dotting the horizon while winter transforms the landscape into an otherworldly scene with ice formations clinging to piers and lighthouses frosted in crystalline patterns.

4. Ohio River Scenic Byway

Following the mighty Ohio River, this historic route traces paths once traveled by pioneers and riverboat captains. Limestone bluffs rise dramatically from the water’s edge as barges slowly make their way along this vital waterway.

River towns like Marietta showcase perfectly preserved 19th-century architecture and riverfront parks. The drive reveals surprising vistas around each bend, with the river sometimes narrowing between wooded hills, then widening into broad valleys.

Stop at one of many riverside overlooks to watch eagles soaring above the water or catch a fiery sunset reflecting off the river’s surface, painting the landscape in golden hues as day transitions to evening.

5. Covered Bridge Scenic Byway

Step back in time along State Route 26 in southeastern Ohio where wooden covered bridges span the gentle waters of captivating creeks. These architectural treasures, some dating back to the 1800s, create perfect photo opportunities against the lush Appalachian foothills.

The small town of Marietta marks the southern endpoint, while rural Monroe County reveals hidden valleys and quiet farmsteads along the way. Each bridge tells its own story, from the bright red Root Covered Bridge to the impressive 192-foot Rinard Bridge.

Spring brings wildflowers carpeting the roadside while fall transforms the drive into a colorful corridor of crimson and gold, making either season ideal for this nostalgic journey.

6. Maumee Valley Scenic Byway

History and nature intertwine along the Maumee River on this northwestern Ohio route. Revolutionary War battlefields and War of 1812 sites dot the landscape, with interpretive markers telling tales of America’s formative conflicts.

The wide, slow-moving Maumee River creates a peaceful backdrop as you travel through small towns like Grand Rapids with its restored canal-era buildings. Bald eagles nest along the river corridor, making wildlife spotting a common occurrence.

Side roads lead to Providence Metropark where you can watch a working canal lock demonstration or visit the Ludwig Mill, offering glimpses into the transportation systems that helped build Ohio’s early economy.

7. Morgan County Scenic Byway

Undulating hills create a roller-coaster drive through one of Ohio’s least discovered regions. Family farms nestle in valleys where sheep graze on steep hillsides too vertical for traditional crops, creating a scene reminiscent of the Scottish highlands.

The byway passes through McConnelsville, home to the historic Opera House still hosting performances after 130 years. Roadside produce stands operated on the honor system appear seasonally, offering farm-fresh vegetables and homemade jams.

Keep an eye out for Ohio’s state wildflower, the white trillium, carpeting the forest floor in April and May, creating stunning natural displays that locals celebrate with spring festivals throughout the region.

8. Wayne National Forest Drive

Ancient trees form a verdant tunnel over the road as you traverse Ohio’s only national forest. Spanning over a quarter million acres across southeastern Ohio, this forest reclaimed land once scarred by coal mining, now transformed into a wilderness paradise.

The Covered Bridge Scenic Highway section offers particularly stunning views as it follows the Little Muskingum River. Listen for the distinctive calls of pileated woodpeckers echoing through the forest as you drive.

Vesuvius Lake appears like a sapphire jewel amid the greenery, offering a perfect picnic spot with fishing docks and short hiking trails. Fall brings spectacular color to this drive, with sugar maples creating a canopy of orange and yellow.

9. Miami Valley Scenic Drive

Rich farmland stretches to the horizon along this southwestern Ohio route following the Great Miami River. Historic brick farmhouses with wrap-around porches stand as testament to the agricultural prosperity that has defined this region for generations.

The route connects charming river towns like Piqua and Troy, where restored downtowns feature local shops and eateries. Engineering marvels appear along the way, including locks from the old Miami-Erie Canal system that once transported goods from the Ohio River to Lake Erie.

Roadside farm markets burst with seasonal bounty – asparagus and strawberries in spring, sweet corn and tomatoes in summer, and pumpkins and apples in fall, making this drive a feast for both eyes and appetite.

10. Mohican-Loudonville Scenic Byway

Nicknamed “Ohio’s Little Switzerland,” this drive winds through the Clear Fork Valley where hemlock-covered hills create dramatic elevation changes unusual for the Midwest. The Clear Fork River carves its way through the valley, creating rapids and quiet pools teeming with trout.

Covered bridges appear around unexpected bends, while Pleasant Hill Lake offers sparkling waters perfect for recreational stops. Amish farms dot the countryside, their meticulously maintained fields creating a patchwork landscape.

Mohican State Park serves as the crown jewel of the route, with the 80-foot fire tower offering panoramic views for those willing to climb its spiral staircase. Early morning drives often reveal deer grazing in misty meadows alongside the road.