The 9 Best Backroads Around Cleveland For A Scenic Drive

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:

1. Riverview Road

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:

2. Valley Parkway

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.

3. Martin Luther King Junior Drive

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.

4. Boston Mills Road

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:

5. Canal Road

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.

6. East Drive

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.

7. Upper Edgewater Drive

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.

8. Chagrin River Road

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.

9. State Route 303

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:

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.