Squire's Castle in the fall (photo by Erik Drost)
Travel

Fall Road Trips in Ohio

Explore more than 580 miles of autumn adventure with these five routes that offer plenty of history, hiking, food, family fun and more.

Sept./Oct. 2021
BY By C. Aileen Blaine and Gracie Wilson | Squire's Castle photo by Erik Drost


The arrival of autumn in Ohio means it’s time to hit the road and explore some of our slower roads and scenic routes as the greens of summer give way to the vibrant yellows, oranges and reds of fall. These portions of Ohio and U.S. routes that run through our state connect small towns and historic sites, city attractions and country scenes. Here are five fall drives that offer the chance to explore the Lake Erie shoreline and the curves of the Ohio River as well as historic communities and country roads that highlight the beauty of autumn in Ohio. Tackle as little or as much of each route as you like, and we’re sure you’ll find something you’ll love. 

Chef's Garden Farm Market in the Fall (photo courtesy of Chef's Garden)
Fall Road Trip on U.S. Route 6: The 106-mile stretch between Fremont and Willoughby Hills offers a taste of history, agriculture and amusement-park thrills.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens pumpkin hut (photo courtesy of Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens)
Fall Road Trips on U.S. Route 62: The 81-mile portion between downtown Columbus and Millersburg offers a stroll through beautiful gardens and a drive through Amish Country.

W.P. Synder steamboat in fall (photo by Bruce Wunderlich)
Fall Road Trip on Ohio Route 7: The 203-mile portion that runs along the edge of our state offers the chance to explore historic towns and spot wildlife that calls the region home.

Longaberger basket in fall (photo by Patrick Harvey)
Fall Road Trip on Ohio Route 16: The 53-mile stretch between Pataskala and Coshocton County passes by the World’s Largest Picnic Basket and ends at a village that celebrates the Ohio & Erie Canal era.

Athens aerial view in fall (photo by Jordan Takuri)
Fall Road Trip on U.S. Route 33: This 145-mile portion between Logan County and Athens offers a visit to a historic mill and drive through a stretch of Wayne National Forest.

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