Ohio's Longest State Highway, Route 7 Is A Scenic Drive Worth Taking
By Sarah McCosham|Updated on August 16, 2023(Originally published November 16, 2022)
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Scenic drives abound in the Buckeye State, from the rolling countryside of Amish Country to the resplendent views along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. In terms of superlatives, Ohio Route 7 is the longest state highway and if you’ve never driven it in its entirety, you’re missing out! Winding its way north from the Ohio River town of Chesapeake all the way up to Conneaut in Ashtabula County, Route 7 is an immensely scenic drive worth taking. Come along as we show you the beauty and wonder that awaits you!
Covering roughly 336 miles, Ohio Route 7 is the state’s longest state highway.
Established in 1790 by French settlers, Gallipolis is home to a beautiful park located along the Ohio River, as well as Our House Tavern Museum and the French Art Colony.
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Continuing on the route, The Healing Chapel is a diminutive roadside attraction that's cute as a button.
The Healing Chapel, James A. Rhodes Appalachian Hwy, Coolville, OH 45723, USA
At a tiny 10-by-14 feet, The Healing Chapel is billed as “Ohio’s smallest church,” and the charming roadside attraction welcomes travelers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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This scenic drive is not lacking in historic points of interest.
As the oldest town in Ohio and the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, the city of Marietta is a real-life lesson in U.S. history. The Campus Martius Museum and Ohio River Museum are two must-see stops in this charming river town.
Settlers first moved into this region in 1786, after a fort was built along the banks of the Ohio River. Steubenville was named after Major-General Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben, a Prussian soldier who supported the American Revolution.
As beautiful as it is historic, Steubenville is home to a Carnegie Library.
Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S 3rd St, Steubenville, OH 43952, USA
Among the early settlers in this area was Major Earl Sproat, one of the 48 members of the Ohio Company, which founded Marietta. The village of Sardis was laid out by James Patton in 1843; today, it's home to a small-but-mighty population. Are you starting to see why we think this is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Ohio?
One of the northernmost places along Route 7 is Beaver Creek State Park in Liverpool, Ohio.
Beaver Creek State Park, 12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920, USA
Spread out over 2,700 acres of forested land, Beaver Creek State Park is a glorious recreation area offering a myriad of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from camping to paddling to hiking.
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While the entirety of Ohio Route 7 can be driven in a day...
Should you be the type of person who would want to try traveling in an RV, you can learn more about it by visiting RVShare. And whether you are new to RVing or are a seasoned pro, here are some great RV tips for your next adventure!
If you’re still in the mood for more Ohio adventures, take a look at this video:
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More to Explore
Out and About in Ohio
Lysa Allman-Baldwin|August 16, 2023
Where can we find state parks in Ohio?
Salt Fork State Park in Lore City features swimming, hiking trails, miniature golf, fishing, and more.
Indian Lake State Park in Lakeview features boating, campsites, swimming, and hiking trails.
Lake Hope State Park in McArthur is a gorgeous 2,983-acre state park surrounded by the Zaleski State Forest.
The Steele Mansion & Gathering Hub in Painesville is a beautifully restored inn originally built in 1867.
The Old Vermilion Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast in Vermilion has maintained many of its original jailhouse features which have been charmingly repurposed.
The Stockport Mill Inn in Stockport is the last remaining mill on the Muskingum River.