Scenic drives abound in the Buckeye State, from the rolling countryside of Amish Country to the resplendent views along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. In terms of superlatives, Ohio Route 7 is the longest state highway and if you've never driven it in its entirety, you're missing out! Winding its way north from the Ohio River town of Chesapeake all the way up to Conneaut in Ashtabula County, Route 7 is an immensely scenic drive worth taking. Come along as we show you the beauty and wonder that awaits you!
Covering roughly 336 miles, Ohio Route 7 is the state’s longest state highway.
It travels northward from Chesapeake to its terminus in Conneaut.
Heading north from the start of Ohio Route 7 in Gallipolis, history buffs will want to stop and enjoy all this historic river town has to offer.
Established in 1790 by French settlers, Gallipolis is home to a beautiful park located along the Ohio River, as well as Our House Tavern Museum and the French Art Colony.
Continuing on the route, The Healing Chapel is a diminutive roadside attraction that's cute as a button.
At a tiny 10-by-14 feet, The Healing Chapel is billed as “Ohio’s smallest church,” and the charming roadside attraction welcomes travelers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This scenic drive is not lacking in historic points of interest.
As the oldest town in Ohio and the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, the city of Marietta is a real-life lesson in U.S. history. The Campus Martius Museum and Ohio River Museum are two must-see stops in this charming river town.
Another Ohio River town, Steubenville is the seat of Jefferson County and a village steeped in rich history and tradition.
Settlers first moved into this region in 1786, after a fort was built along the banks of the Ohio River. Steubenville was named after Major-General Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben, a Prussian soldier who supported the American Revolution.
As beautiful as it is historic, Steubenville is home to a Carnegie Library.
You will also find an acclaimed Catholic university, and numerous points of interest such as Historic Fort Steuben and birthplace of Dean Martin.
Sardis is another town located along Ohio Route 7.
Among the early settlers in this area was Major Earl Sproat, one of the 48 members of the Ohio Company, which founded Marietta. The village of Sardis was laid out by James Patton in 1843; today, it's home to a small-but-mighty population. Are you starting to see why we think this is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Ohio?
One of the northernmost places along Route 7 is Beaver Creek State Park in Liverpool, Ohio.
Spread out over 2,700 acres of forested land, Beaver Creek State Park is a glorious recreation area offering a myriad of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from camping to paddling to hiking.
While the entirety of Ohio Route 7 can be driven in a day...
... there are so many delightful detours along the way that we definitely recommend turning this road trip into a multi-day adventure!
If you were to do a search for “scenic drives near me,” this one would most certainly pop up at the top of the list!
Looking for more worth-the-drive excursions in the Buckeye State? Route 50 runs through the entirety of Southern Ohio, and it's a delightful drive full of enchanting scenery.
Should you be the type of person who would want to try traveling in an RV, you can learn more about it by visiting RVShare. And whether you are new to RVing or are a seasoned pro, here are some great RV tips for your next adventure!
If you’re still in the mood for more Ohio adventures, take a look at this video:
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