There’s nothing like taking one of the many scenic drives in Ohio to see fall colors on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Here in our little corner, we’re fortunate to have so many scenic byways, most of which are downright stunning to take in the fall. If you’re looking to get out of the house this season and embrace the fall color, consider taking one of these amazing scenic drives in Ohio! Which ones are your favorites? Let us know – and if we missed any, tell us all about them.

1. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Ohio 374 Scenic, OH-374 Scenic, Benton Township, OH, USA
April Dray/Only In Your State
The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is 26.4-mile byway along State Route 374 winds its way through the scenic Hocking Hills and Hocking Hills State Forest. With a total drive time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes, this gorgeous drive can easily last 2 hours (or more), depending on how often you choose to stop and explore or take in a view.

This short video details all the awesome stops and attractions along this gorgeous, unforgettable route:
2. Ashtabula County Covered Bridges Byway
National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway, 707 Greene St, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
Mark K/Flickr
The Covered Bridges Byway in Ashtabula County, (also known as the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour), is an especially beautiful way to take in some of Ohio’s back road fall foliage and discover some charming covered bridges along the way. 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.
3. The Appalachian Byway
Ohio 78, OH-78, McConnelsville, OH, USA
Mike/Flickr
The Appalachian Byway is a 105-mile drive that takes you through some of the best scenery our state has to offer. As you travel along State Route 78, you'll fall in love with the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. You'll make your way through the colorful Monroe County (pictured) and into Noble County.

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4. The Amish Country Scenic Byway
Amish Country Byway, Millersburg, OH, USA
Shelia S./Trip Advisor
The Ohio Amish Country Byway includes more than 160 miles of beautiful countryside, weaving through several Amish towns and counties. It's an unbelievably heartwarming sight to behold, especially in the autumn months.
5. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
Lake Erie, Lake Erie
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Stretching a total of 293 miles long, the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail takes you from the big city of Toledo to the small town of Conneaut. One stop we highly recommend making is Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor.
6. The Loneliest Road In America
U.S. 50, US-50, Cincinnati, OH, USA
Tabitha Kaylee Hawk/Flickr
Stretching across 11 states and showcasing some of America’s best scenery, U.S. 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, riverfront cities and small towns. Pictured is Chillicothe, Ohio's first capital.
7. Ohio & Erie Canalway America’s Byway
Ohio & Erie Canalway/Facebook
Ohio history buffs will especially appreciate this drive. This scenic stretch in northeast Ohio is an America’s Byway route, which is dedicated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a route that serves to connect places of culture and history via roadways.

Want something warm to wear so you can roll the windows down? Check out the offerings from our friends at L.L. Bean.

Have you ever taken any of these scenic byways in Ohio during the fall season before? What other scenic routes in Ohio would you recommend taking in autumn? Share your thoughts, photos, and experiences with us in the comments!

 

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More to Explore

Scenic Drives in Ohio

Tori Jane | September 07, 2022

What is the best fall scenic drive in Ohio?  

We’re pretty sure Ohio is one of the most beautiful places there is, so it’s only natural that there would be all sorts of ways to explore it – including some amazing scenic drives sure to thrill and amaze you.

  • Some of our all-time favorite scenic autumn drives in Ohio include gems like the amazing Hocking Hills Tour, which is a 37-mile stretch of Route 56 that passes through at least two state parks in Ohio and two Native American sites, too.
  • The Shawnee Tour is a 66-mile trek from Route 335 to Route 52, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. There are plenty more options, of course, but those are excellent points for starting!  

 

Where can I see the most amazing fall colors in Ohio?  

Autumn in Ohio is a magical, amazing time, filled with wonder and joy no matter where you turn.

  • The incredible state parks of Ohio are wonderful destinations for leaf-peeping, particularly parks like Mill Creek Park, the Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve, and many others.
  • Our amazing state and National Parks are a front-row seat to all the natural wonders of Ohio and the surrounding Midwest, and you’re sure to be dazzled by the autumn displays at each and every one of them.  

 

Where can I see fall foliage in Ohio? 

Other than the state parks, there are tons upon tons of perfect places for fall foliage in Ohio.

  • City and local parks are an amazing place to begin, also, and so are some of the best arboretums in the state like the Chadwick Arboretum, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
  • Embark upon a scenic drive in Ohio to do some top-notch leaf-peeping or rent a cabin in the woods and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of fall in Ohio. The potential has no limits other than your imagination, so start brainstorming ways to appreciate the great outdoors before the snow falls!  

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