The Top 10 Can’t-Miss Scenic Drives in Ohio

Ohio is a lovely state that has much to offer. It is one of the northern states that is located just west of West Virginia and to the south of Michigan. People in Ohio have a lot of pride in their state for many reasons.

They have some “claims to fame” including the fact that a bill was introduced declaring Rascal Flatts the official country music group of Ohio. Steven Spielberg was born outside of Cincinnati. Also, much of the movie “Shawshank Redemption” was filmed there.

Tourists enjoy visiting Ohio each year to see the many attractions and amenities that Ohio has to offer. Ohio stands out for its variety of activities and scenic views.

The Great Seal State Park is just one of many locations you’ll want to check out. It features one of the most pristine and picturesque views of the Ohio area that will help you recharge.

The Cleveland Botanical Gardens and Hocking Hills Rock House are just a few of the reasons why people enjoy visiting the Buckeye State.

If you plan to tour Ohio soon and want to ensure you are fully covered beforehand, start comparison shopping today by entering your ZIP code above!

The Top 10 Scenic Drives in Ohio

If you are planning a trip to Ohio shortly, you should consider the following scenic drives in Ohio to enjoy when you are in the state. You will find something to enjoy and photograph along the way.

#1 – Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Length of Route: 26 miles
Highlight: Gateway to Ohio’s scenic wonderland

The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway follows State Highway 374 and offers several resting spots previous to entering the Lancaster Historic District. It’s an up-close view of nature with several opportunities for hiking and camping.

It’s a historical park and highlights the beauty of nature as well as the Native American history.

#2 – Ohio River Scenic Byway

Length of Route: 943 miles
Highlight: Historic route of the landscape of the Ohio River

The Ohio River Scenic Byway takes you on a journey of the Ohio River that shaped the landscape and serves as the heart of the Ohio River transport system.

You’ll learn about the culture of the first residents of Ohio and take in the beautiful scenery that runs alongside the Ohio River.

#3 – Ohio and Lake Erie Canalway

Length of Route: 101 miles
Highlight: See Ohio via the 308-mile waterway

The Ohio and Lake Erie Canalway is a designated National Heritage Area that shows you the link to the Ohio waterway that connects to Lake Erie.

You’ll be able to explore the Erie Canal Towpath and state parks including the Cuyahoga National Park and many other areas of interest.

#4 – Covered Bridge Scenic Byway

Length of Route: 50 miles
Highlight: Gorgeous views in the Wayne National Forest

The Covered Bridge Scenic Byway is a beautiful road trip that starts from Marietta, Ohio and winds its way through the Wayne National Forest until it ends in Monroe County. The trip takes around one hour to complete.

State Route 26 was designated as a Scenic Highway by Car and Driver magazine and is considered one of the best driving roads in America.

Some of the bridges on the route were damaged in a previous flood, but many have now been restored.

#5 – Ohio Amish Country Byway

Length of Route: 76 miles
Highlight: Breathtaking views of pristine Amish farmlands

The Ohio Amish Country Byway is a great scenic drive through the Amish country of Ohio. Located in the countryside of Millersburg, Ohio, you’ll see beauty and culture on every side as you see nature and beauty on this lovely route.

#6 – Historic National Road

Length of Route: 824 miles
Highlight: Scenic drive through the Columbus area

The Historic National Road is one of the first federally-funded interstate highways during Dwight Eisenhower’s administration.

This road served as a thoroughfare for the west that became a transportation venue for both people and goods.

You will enjoy the various classic inns, diners, and other icons of American history as you go through this scenic area.

#7 – Dalzell Road

Length of Route: 12 miles
Highlight: View of farmland and Wayne’s National Forest

Dalzell Road is a twisty, winding country road that takes you through the Waynes National Forest.

Many motorcyclists enjoy this route due to its unpredictable twists and turns. Car drivers enjoy the scenic view at a slower pace and enjoy the peaceful, farm scenery along the way.

#8 – Route 9 to Armstrong Mills

Length of Route: 32 miles
Highlight: Exploration of an old mining town

Route 9 to Armstrong Mills features a trip through an old mining area as well as the 1880 Clarendon Hotel and other historical features.

You’ll enjoy the views and the shopping as well as the many gazebos that let you stop and rest along the way.

#9 – Seneca Lake Loop

Length of Route: 22 miles
Highlight: Enjoy a trip around the beautiful Ohio Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake Loop is a journey around the Seneca Lake area. It’s a breathtaking drive with views of the lake.

The loop features other amenities as well along the way.

#10 – Sand Run Road

Length of Route: Unknown
Highlight: Ideal trip during the fall for its beautiful colors

The Sand Run Road is a great route in the Akron area during autumn.

You can see some of the most beautiful fall scenery and foliage around while enjoying the country drive.

Preparing for Your Scenic Drive

Before you head out for the Ohio scenic roads and take in the scenery, you’ll want to make sure and prepare for your trip. It’s always good to put safety first, which means checking your car and having an emergency kit for safety.

– What You Need to Do Beforehand

There are some specific things that you need to do before you hit the road including the following:

• Roadtrip checklist –– First, you should develop a road trip checklist that will allow you to ensure you’ve covered everything that you’ll need on your trip. This list will give you an idea of what should be included.
• Vehicle inspection — Making sure your car is safe before you go is one of the most important things you need to do to be safe on the roads. Check your tires and oil and have a certified mechanic inspect the entire vehicle. Knowing any possible mechanical problems ahead of time can save you a lot of trouble later on.
• Essentials to have in your car — Always have extra clothing, blankets, and other items in your trunk at all times so that you will be prepared if you are stranded in bad weather or a car breakdown.
• Emergency kit — Having an emergency kit in your car will keep you from being caught without essential tools to take care of emergencies including medical emergencies, car breakdowns, and other unforeseen problems.

– What kind of car insurance do you need in Ohio?

Ohio is a fault state which means that you will pay for any damages or injuries if the accident is ruled as your fault. They require the following mandatory insurance:

• $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
• $50,000 total for all injury or death caused by a single accident
• $25,000 for any property damage arising out of a single accident

If you need to see if your insurance plan meets up with these standards, check the other Ohio state insurance statutes for details on what you are required to carry.

– Additional Coverage Options in Ohio

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Check other optional coverages and decide which are best for you, such as:

• Collision — Collision insurance allows you to fix any damages done to your vehicle in an accident. It has a deductible, and you will pay up to the amount of your chosen deductible before the insurance pays.
• Comprehensive — Comprehensive insurance is an often forgotten coverage but an important one. It allows you to get compensation for loss due to vandalism, acts of nature such as flooding, hail, or fire, theft, and vandalism. When you are traveling to Ohio or any other place that is unfamiliar to you, it is wise to invest is this optional coverage.
• Medical coverage — Medical coverage is insurance that covers any medical issues you have as a result of your accident. If you feel you need extra coverage to augment your health insurance, this is a good choice.
• Rental car insurance — If you are involved in an accident and have to have your car repaired for any extended time, you will need to rent a car. A car rental often costs $35 or more per day. With rental car insurance, you may be entitled to renting a car for free or at a reduced rate for up to two weeks, depending on the terms of the policy.
• Roadside assistance — You never know what is going to happen when you are traveling. Roadside assistance allows you to have someone come to your aid when you are stranded on the road (usually within a 50-mile radius).

One unique coverage law in Ohio is that uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required.

It’s important to know what is and what is not mandatory, and then you can compare auto insurance from different companies to see how each will help you with your insurance coverage.

Comparison Shopping in Ohio

When traveling in Ohio, you should check to see if you have the required coverage as well as optional coverages that you may need if on vacation or traveling.

For example, comprehensive coverage may be necessary when you are driving to a different area since you never know what to expect when traveling. The damage that you may incur from non-accident type incidents like theft or vandalism requires comprehensive coverage.

It’s a good idea to review your policy every six months and to compare at least three or four policies to see which one offers the most for your needs.

Start comparison shopping today for the best auto insurance rates by entering your ZIP code below!