The Southern Ohio Day Trip That Leads To A Scenic Hike And Burger Joint Will Surely Satisfy Your Wanderlust
By Beth Price-Williams|Published June 25, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Exploring Ohio just got a whole lot more fun, especially if you’re on the lookout for a day trip that won’t break the bank or burn too much fuel. Start your Southern Ohio day trip with a leisurely hike along the Wayne National Forest Scenic River Loop Trail before jumping in the car for the drive to The Galley, a burger joint, for a filling meal.
Not much can top a day of hiking and burgers, except maybe a relaxing and a rather short commute between the two. The journey, according to Google Maps, between Wayne National Forest in Coal Township and The Galley in Marietta spans just 56 miles on its shortest route, which should take around 90 minutes. If the traffic is a bit heavy on that route, you have two other routes from which to choose, tallying 56 miles and 73 miles respectively.
Pack everything you’ll need for a leisurely and somewhat long trek along the Wayne National Forest Scenic River Loop Trail, which spans nearly 10 miles and sits near the West Virginia border.
That 10 miles, however, is considered easy and packs a whole lot of punch when it comes to gorgeous scenery, including colorful wildflowers, flowing streams, and local wildlife.
Consider wearing a pair of sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting muddy or wet as the trail can often be muddy, and you’ll have to cross a creek. Bugs can sometimes be a nuisance, too, so don’t forget the bug spray and the sunscreen.
While the trail is considered easy and is predominately flat, you will face a few inclines as you journey along the wooded path that’s dotted with unique rock formations.
During that beautiful hike, you’ve likely built up a hearty appetite. Pile in the car for the leisurely ride that will take you to The Galley, a popular burger joint that features a generous menu and live entertainment.
The Galley, tucked in the historic town of Marietta, serves lunch and dinner, which you might want to kick off with a refreshing alcoholic drink, such as a cocktail or a craft beer.
If you’re already hungry, your stomach is likely to start churning in anticipation as you browse the menu that’s brimming with such appetizers as zesty calamari, jumbo lump crab cakes, and wings.
However, the gourmet burgers may just be the star of the eclectic menu. The Galley takes the classic cheeseburger to the next level with its ultimate bacon cheeseburger, which comes topped with smoked Gouda, grilled onions, and smoked Applewood bacon.
For an epic explosion of flavor, try the salmon burger, the mushroom & Muenster burger, or the Brie, bacon, and candied apple burger. Don’t worry if you’re not a meat-eater. The Galley grills its popular black bean burger, too.
You’ve got quite a few scrumptious sides – hand-cut fries, kettle chips, and baked potato – to pair that burger with, too. The Galley also serves a selection of hand-cut steaks, dinner salads, and seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes.
A leisurely hike at Wayne National Forest capped off by a delicious meal at The Galley just might be the most perfect way to spend a day. Make your Southern Ohio day trip even smoother by customizing Google Maps. Then, to make sure you don’t miss out on any more fun in Ohio, follow Only In Ohio on Facebook and sign up for Ohio’s daily newsletter.
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