12 Epic Road Trips Through The Midwest You’ll Want To Take In Ohio
Ohio might surprise you with how much adventure waits along its winding roads and scenic byways.
From shimmering lakeshores to rolling hills covered in autumn color, this state offers road trips that rival any destination in the country.
Whether you’re craving coastal views, historic landmarks, or peaceful countryside escapes, Ohio delivers unforgettable journeys.
Buckle up and get ready to explore twelve incredible routes that showcase the very best of the Midwest right here in the Buckeye State.
1. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
Imagine cruising alongside one of the Great Lakes with endless water views stretching to the horizon.
This trail hugs the southern shore of Lake Erie for nearly 300 miles, taking you past charming beach towns, historic lighthouses, and waterfront parks perfect for picnics.
Stop in places like Sandusky for amusement park thrills or Vermilion for quaint shops and fresh perch sandwiches.
The sunsets here paint the sky in shades of orange and pink you won’t forget.
Pack your camera and prepare for coastal magic around every bend.
2. Ohio River Scenic Byway
Rolling along the Ohio River feels like stepping back in time to when riverboats ruled transportation.
This byway stretches over 450 miles through southeastern Ohio, revealing bluffs, charming river towns, and endless natural beauty.
You’ll pass through places like Marietta, the state’s oldest settlement, where history whispers from every brick building.
Wildlife sightings are common, and the river itself becomes your constant travel companion.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching and plan extra time to wander historic downtowns brimming with character.
3. Historic National Road
America’s first federal highway runs straight through Ohio, connecting past and present in the most fascinating way.
Built in the early 1800s, this route showcases roadside Americana at its finest with vintage diners, antique shops, and quirky roadside attractions.
Travel through Springfield and Zanesville while imagining pioneers making the same journey centuries ago.
The bridges alone tell stories worth hearing, especially the famous S-Bridge near Old Washington.
History buffs will absolutely love every nostalgic mile of this legendary road.
4. Amish Country Byway
Slow down and experience a simpler way of life along this peaceful route through Holmes County.
Horse-drawn buggies share the road with cars, and the landscape unfolds in patchwork farms, hand-stitched quilts, and family-run cheese shops.
Sample homemade jams, fresh-baked bread, and the creamiest butter you’ve ever tasted at roadside stands.
The rolling hills and absence of modern clutter create a calming atmosphere that soothes the soul.
Leave your hurry behind and embrace the unhurried rhythm of Amish country living.
5. Ohio & Erie Canalway Scenic Byway
Follow the path that once moved goods and people across Ohio before railroads took over.
This byway traces the historic canal route from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, connecting you with 19th-century engineering marvels and natural beauty.
Restored canal locks stand as reminders of innovation, while the Towpath Trail invites biking and hiking adventures.
Small towns along the way offer museums and stories about canal life.
Bring your curiosity and discover how waterways shaped Ohio’s growth and prosperity through the decades.
6. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
Waterfalls tumble over ancient cliffs and hiking trails wind through gorges that look like fairy tale settings.
Hocking Hills delivers some of Ohio’s most dramatic scenery, with rock formations carved over thousands of years creating natural masterpieces.
Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave are must-see stops where you can walk behind waterfalls and explore cathedral-like recesses.
The forest canopy creates a green tunnel effect that changes beautifully with each season.
Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll want to explore every trail and hidden corner.
7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park Scenic Loop
Ohio’s only national park wraps you in forests, waterfalls, and wildlife just minutes from major cities.
The scenic loop takes you past Brandywine Falls, the historic Everett Covered Bridge, and miles of trails perfect for all skill levels.
Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a unique perspective or bike the Towpath Trail alongside the canal.
Wildlife like bald eagles and great blue herons make frequent appearances.
Nature lovers will find endless opportunities for photography, hiking, and peaceful moments surrounded by wilderness.
8. Appalachian Byway
Wind through the foothills where Appalachia meets the Midwest on this stunning route.
The byway showcases southeastern Ohio’s rugged beauty with steep hills, dense forests, and overlooks that reward you with sweeping valley views.
Small communities preserve mountain traditions through craft shops and local festivals celebrating heritage.
The landscape shifts constantly, keeping your eyes glued to changing scenery around every curve.
Pack snacks and plan for frequent stops because the photo opportunities demand attention at nearly every turn.
9. Covered Bridge Scenic Byway
Ashtabula County holds more covered bridges than any other county in the United States, and this byway connects the most beautiful ones.
Each bridge tells its own story through weathered wood and timeless craftsmanship that has survived generations.
Drive through neighborhoods where farms stretch for miles and small-town charm never went out of style.
The bridges themselves become portals to simpler times when communities built things to last.
Grab a county map and make a game of visiting all nineteen bridges scattered throughout this picturesque region.
10. Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway
Wide-open prairies stretch before you on this route that celebrates Ohio’s original landscape before settlement.
The Big Darby Creek, one of the state’s most pristine waterways, winds through farmland and nature preserves teeming with biodiversity.
Rare species thrive here, making it a hotspot for naturalists and anyone seeking quiet communion with unspoiled environments.
The flat terrain and big skies create a different kind of Midwest beauty.
Birdwatchers should bring field guides because the variety of species will keep binoculars busy all day long.
11. Yellow Springs Nature Triple-Play
This quirky college town punches way above its weight in natural attractions.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve offers 1,000 acres of trails, waterfalls, and limestone gorges that rival any state park.
John Bryan State Park sits nearby with even more hiking opportunities, while Clifton Gorge showcases dramatic rock formations carved by the Little Miami River.
The town itself buzzes with artsy shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and a welcoming bohemian vibe.
Spend a full day exploring nature, then reward yourself with local ice cream and live music downtown.
12. Serpent Mound + Southern Ohio Backroads
Ancient mysteries await at this prehistoric earthwork shaped like a massive serpent uncoiling across the landscape.
Built over 1,000 years ago by indigenous peoples, the mound stretches nearly a quarter mile and remains one of North America’s most impressive archaeological sites.
Surrounding backroads lead through Adams County’s hidden gems including natural springs, forgotten ghost towns, and farm stands selling seasonal produce.
The entire area feels wonderfully remote and untouched.
History and adventure combine perfectly on this route through Ohio’s most enigmatic countryside.