“Explore the Buckeye State: Best Scenic Drives and Hidden Gems in Ohio”
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📰 “Explore the Buckeye State: Best Scenic Drives and Hidden Gems in Ohio”
COLUMBUS, OH (July 5, 2025) – Summer is in full swing in Ohio, and the Buckeye State is rolling out its carpet of winding roads, historic byways, and off‑the‑beaten‑path wonders. From the lush hills of Hocking Hills to tranquil Amish farmlands, here’s a roundup of the best scenic drives and hidden gems making waves with travelers this season.
📍 1. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
Spanning approximately 26 miles through southeast Ohio, this route offers iconic stops like Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. Towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls create a lush backdrop ideal for summer road trips .
📍 2. Amish Country Byway
Stretching about 160–190 miles throughout Holmes County, this byway showcases rolling farmland, red‑barn architecture, and peaceful Amish communities. Notable stops include Berlin’s markets, walnut‑creamery in Walnut Creek, and Sugarcreek’s “Little Switzerland” charm .
📍 3. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
This nearly 300‑mile lakeshore drive from Toledo through Cleveland to Ashtabula highlights beaches, historic lighthouses (like Marblehead Lighthouse), and vibrant waterfront cities. The route delivers sweeping views of Lake Erie’s shoreline, including Cedar Point and Geneva‑on‑the‑Lake .
📍 4. Covered‑Bridge Byways
Ohio is home to several picturesque covered‑bridge drives. The Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour features 19 historic structures, including America’s longest (Smolen‑Gulf) and shortest (West Liberty) . Meanwhile, the Covered Bridge Byway along the Muskingum River offers a scenic and historic journey .
📍 5. Ohio River Scenic Byway & Valley Pike
Winding along the Ohio River, this picturesque route passes through historic towns like Cincinnati and Gallipolis. The adjacent Lower Valley Pike (along Mad River) treats drivers to woodlands and Revolutionary‑War‑era sites, including George Rogers Clark Park .
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🧭 Hidden Gems Worth a Detour
Combing Brush Road & White Oak Hill Road in Pike and Washington counties offer dramatic fall foliage and lesser‑known, tranquil countryside drives .
The Cranberry Bog at Buckeye Lake preserves the only floating island bog in the world; a conservation marvel and hidden nature preserve .
Trails like the Wabash Cannonball and Little Miami Scenic Trail offer rail‑to‑trail highway alternatives for bikers and hikers .
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📅 What’s New for 2025
Local travel advisors highlight recently paved stretches along Lake Erie and Lower Valley Pike, enhancing access to previously rugged scenic routes .
Infrastructure updates along Amish Country Byway and Hocking Hills include refreshed signage, visitor‑center improvements, and expansions of trailheads .
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🛣️ Planning Your Journey
Experts recommend:
Prep your vehicle: Check tires, coolant, wipers—especially before winding drives through Hocking Hills or Amish backroads.
Time your trip: Early summer blooms in Hocking Hills and late‑summer colors along Combing Brush bring vibrant scenery.
Pack smart: Include snacks, bug spray, and a map—cell signal can be patchy in remote byways.
From natural wonders and lakefront escapes to cultural corridors and tranquil trails, the Buckeye State is primed for drivers seeking a road‑trip adventure. So fill up, roll down the windows, and explore
