Sometimes, all you need is a good, long drive to pass the time, clear your head, or just enjoy the day. Fortunately, Ohio is home to several back roads and scenic byways that are perfect for a leisurely drive. In fact, many of those back roads rank among the best scenic drives in Ohio, a fact that is a source of local pride for many. The following are some of our favorite roads to take in The Buckeye State whenever you want to enjoy a long, scenic ride across Ohio. Pack some road trip snacks, allot a fund for gas money and gift shops along the way, and let’s get ready to hit the road. Buckle up, buckaroo, because the beauty you find along the way will blow you away. Here are some of the best scenic drives in Ohio.

1. U.S. Route 50
U.S. 50, US-50, Chillicothe, OH, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Most people don’t realize "The Loneliest Road In America" passes right through Ohio. Stretching across 11 states and showcasing some of America’s best scenery, US Route 50 is a 3,200-mile road everyone in America has likely traveled at least once. It winds its way through the southern portion of Ohio, showing off some of the state’s best rural scenery and small towns.
2. The Ohio River Scenic Byway
Ohio River Scenic Byway, Gallipolis, OH, USA
Mike/Flickr
Travel along the Ohio River and visit several of Ohio's charming small towns. It's one of the best driving roads in Ohio, after all! Pictured is the view of the river from Gallipolis' Mound Hill Cemetery. Gallipolis is one of the many small towns along the river you will encounter on this drive.
3. The Amish Country Scenic Byway
Amish Country Byway, Millersburg, OH, USA
Nicole Yeary/Flickr
If you've been searching for "scenic drives near me," The Ohio Amish Country Byway includes more than 160 miles of beautiful countryside, weaving through several Amish towns and counties. It's such a heartwarming drive to take, no matter the season.

Take a look at this video by @OhioTransportation:
4. Ohio Route 348
Ohio 348, OH-348, Otway, OH, USA
Don O'Brien/Flickr
This country road in Adams County is a favorite scenic drive for locals. With gorgeous scenery and bright red barns along the way, it's easy to see why.
5. Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Byway
Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival, 25 W Jefferson St, Jefferson, OH 44047, USA
Bill Eichelberger/Flickr
Drive through America’s shortest and longest covered bridge along this scenic route, which features a total of 18 covered bridges in Ashtabula County, with 16 of them drivable. Begin your drive at the Windsor Mills Covered Bridge near Orwell and end your journey at the Creek Road Covered Bridge near Kingsville.

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6. Brookpark Road Bridge
5000 Brookpark Rd, Parma, OH 44134, USA
Jen Geolinitz/Flickr
Escape from the city for a scenic drive in and around Cleveland Metroparks. We recommend taking this drive in October, which is the best month to take in the fall foliage here.
7. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
Erieside Avenue, Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Eddie~S/Flickr
Looking for the best "driving roads near me?" For a weekend trip, visit Lake Erie and the historic lighthouses that dot the shore. Begin east of Cleveland at the Conneaut West Breakwater Lighthouse.

Take a look at this video by @OhioTransportation:
8. Brush Road
Brush Road, Brush Rd, Warren Township, OH 45750, USA
Mike/Flickr
Within Warren Township, this gem of a route features beautiful views of some of the most unexpectedly stunning countryside in Washington County. You'll fall in love with rural Ohio all over again.
9. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
Ohio 374, OH-374, Rockbridge, OH, USA
Jim Crotty/Flickr
This 26.4-mile byway along State Route 374 winds its way through the scenic Hocking Hills and Hocking Hills State Forest. The photographer captured a stunning October sunrise on this magical road within the Hocking Hills.

Take a look at this video by @OhioTransportation:
10. Wally Road Scenic Byway
16325 Co Hwy 23, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
What was once the "Wally," (the Toledo, Walhonding Valley, and Ohio Railroad) has now ceased operations, but parts of the 45-mile route are featured along what is now the Wally Road Scenic Byway.

Have you taken any of the best scenic drives in Ohio before? What’s your favorite back road to take in Ohio? Share your thoughts and experiences with us! And don’t forget to check out our road trip packing list before you hit the road.

The Buckeye State is overflowing with magnificent scenery from north to south. Rather than the best scenic drives in Ohio, if you’d rather sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine while you take in our landscape, we have all sorts of options! Treat yourself to a unique dining experience at the most scenic restaurants in Ohio.

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More to Explore

Best Scenic Drives In Ohio

Nikki Rhoades | March 22, 2020

What are the best roadside attractions in Ohio?

The following are some of the best roadside attractions in Ohio:

  • The ginormous Cornhenge is a vast field of 109 six-foot-tall corn statues in Dublin.
  • A huge stamp hiding near Cleveland’s Public Hall.
  • The World's Largest Rocking Chair in Austinburg.
  • The Wall of Gum in Greenville.

 

These are just a few of the record-setting attractions in Ohio – don’t be afraid to ask locals for other places of interest!

Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Ohio?

Ohio is absolutely overflowing with scenic drives. Here ar some examples:

  • Take a quaint country road
  • Take a scenic drive through forested parkland.
  • Each city, including Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, has its own magnificent drives hiding alongside urban landscapes and out in the suburbs.

 

Are there other similar things to do in Ohio when you have a free afternoon?

There are all sorts of things to do in Ohio, ranging from adventurous to laid-back and even relaxing. If you’re looking for budget-friendly adventures, you might consider a road trip to check out the state’s finest natural attractions. Our state’s waterfall road trip is particularly beautiful – there are waterfalls stretching from Cleveland down to the area around the Ohio River!

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