The 9 Best Backroads Around Cleveland For A Scenic Drive
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
One thing that is particularly lovely about living in Ohio is the many landscapes we get to admire – our sights range from sprawling meadows and forests to cityscapes and small towns, and each view is as lovely as the last. With such a diverse world around us in Northeastern Ohio, we are constantly gifted with stunningly beautiful drives. If you are ever in the Cleveland area and looking for a moment to steal away and enjoy the natural world, you must check out these delightful scenic drives in Northeast Ohio:
Riverview Road, Riverview Rd, Brecksville, OH, USA
Beginning in the Valley View area and stretching all the way down to Akron is a stunning drive that runs (somewhat) parallel to the Cuyahoga River. Along this drive, you may encounter the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a farm or two, the Jaite Hill Historic District, and even a ski resort. You will love the views offered within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This road is part of the 110-mile Ohio and Erie Canal America's Byway route, a path that leads to key cultural sites within our state.
As you travel on Riverview Road, make a pit stop to check out the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Enjoy a tour in this video from That Train Couple with a nice ride through the Cuyahoga Valley:
As you travel on Riverview Road, make a pit stop to check out the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Enjoy a tour in this video from That Train Couple with a nice ride through the Cuyahoga Valley:
Valley Parkway, Valley Pkwy, Lakewood, OH, USA
The Cleveland Metroparks are collectively nicknamed "The Emerald Necklace," and the title is well deserved. Valley Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in the Metroparks, stretching from the intersection of Detroit and Sloane beside the Rocky River down to the North Royalton area. This drive is a treat in any season, but it is especially mesmerizing in the autumn when the trees paint the skyline a golden hue.
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Martin Luther King Junior Drive, Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Cleveland, OH, USA
While most people immediately think of University Circle when they hear the name of this road, it actually provides an opportunity for a scenic cruise through the Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park just up north. In fact, it also cuts through Gordon Park and Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, so you will be treated to views of stunning natural features (as well as some man-made stone walls and bridges) along this route.
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Boston Mills Road, Boston Mills Rd, Richfield, OH, USA
This road cuts through the charming town of Peninsula and makes its way into Richfield via the National Park. Along this route, you will be immersed in views of charming small-town life and the enchanting Ohio wilderness.
Take a motorcycle tour of Boston Mills Road in this video from Finding Fascination:
Take a motorcycle tour of Boston Mills Road in this video from Finding Fascination:
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Canal Road, Canal Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Canal Road runs alongside the remains of the Ohio Erie Canal, and parts of it brush through Bacci Park and along the Towpath Trail. It is, like Riverview, part of the 110-mile America's Byway route. With a rich history and an even richer natural environment, Canal Road makes for an unforgettable trip.
East Drive, East Dr, Kettering, OH 45419, USA
Hinckley Reservation is one of the loveliest Cleveland Metroparks, and a drive through its stunning campus will relax and ease you. Take a lunch break at Hinckley Lake or Whipps Ledges to enjoy nature at its finest. This is one of our favorite scenic drives near Cleveland.
Upper Edgewater Drive, Upper Edgewater Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
Embark on a coastal cruise! This road just west of Edgewater Beach gets you close to the Lake Erie shore via a short route full of rolling greenery and lush trees. Stop at Edgewater Park for one of the best panoramic views of downtown Cleveland.
Chagrin River Road, Chagrin River Rd, Gates Mills, OH, USA
Cruise alongside the Chagrin River for some truly rewarding scenery. This road cuts from the North Chagrin Nature Reservation to the South Chagrin Reservation, and the area in between is speckled with historic architecture.
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Ohio 303, OH-303, Brunswick, OH, USA
From Hinckley to Hudson, this road is overflowing with scenic views. With features including quaint villages and historic homes and the grandeur of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this road is ideal for long-distance cruises.
As you enjoy the beautiful drives near you along State Route 303, be sure to stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Check out a tour in this video from Kemp Outside:
As you enjoy the beautiful drives near you along State Route 303, be sure to stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Check out a tour in this video from Kemp Outside:
There is much to see in and around the greater Cleveland area, and though it is known for its bustling city streets, it also hides miles of scenic views that will leave you captivated. We hope you have the opportunity to enjoy some of these scenic drives in Northeast Ohio.
For even more road trip opportunities throughout Ohio, be sure to check out this list of unforgettable scenic drives. Perhaps, renting an RV from RVShare and making it a road trip would be a fun way to explore our great state of Ohio.
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More to Explore
More of the best scenic byways in Ohio
What are the best scenic drives near me in Ohio?
Ohio has a surprising mix of scenic areas to explore. Everything from the stunning Appalachian Mountains to quaint Amish farms to busy city streets. Each of them offers something new to see and do. Here are some of the best scenic drives near you in Ohio:
- Hocking Hills Scenic Byway: If you are looking for scenic drives to enjoy in only a few hours, this 26.4-mile byway is just about perfect. It won't take that long to travel in one shot, but you'll want to get out and explore the Hocking Hills State Forest. With so many beautiful hiking trails and places to explore, you could easily make a day of it.
- Ashtabula County Covered Bridges Byway: If you are a fan of historic covered bridges, this byway is pretty magical, especially in the fall. A back roads fall foliage road trip along this beautiful stretch of road will allow you to drive through 16 of the 18 covered bridges in Ashtabula County. Among them are the shortest and the longest covered bridges in America.
- The Appalachian Byway: Can you imagine a better drive than following the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Ohio? This route takes you along State Route 78 for a 105-mile drive accompanied by mountain views. This beautiful section of Ohio is stunning year-round with each season offering a diverse mix of views.
- Amish Country Scenic Byway: Ohio has such a wonderful mix of scenery, from mountain views to wide-open farmland. The Amish Country Byway will delight you with 160 miles of rustic countryside, including many small Amish towns that seem like they haven't changed much in the last couple hundred years.