The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall in Love With the Beauty of Ohio All Over Again

Ohio is beautiful, and it was meant to be traveled. For proof of this, look no further than the destinations outlined in this scenic road trip itinerary. This beautiful route promises to showcase some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Buckeye State. It's a long trip—671 miles and more than 11 hours of driving time—so you'll want to break it up and complete the journey over a few days to maximize your time at each stop. We have a hunch, though, that if you complete the entire road trip, you'll have fallen in love with the beauty of Ohio all over again. Are you ready to get started on an epic Ohio road trip adventure?

1. Old Man's Cave Trail, Hocking Hills State Park - Logan

Located in Logan, Old Man's Cave is perhaps one of the most popular areas of Hocking Hills State Park. The trail is just 1 mile in length, yet it covers some of the most otherworldly terrain in the state. Many compare it to settings from The Lord of the Rings, and it's easy to see why. This easy Ohio hike is the perfect way to start our trip.

2. Ohio Caverns - West Liberty

Located in West Liberty, Ohio Caverns is a fascinating destination that will reward you for being adventurous and traveling below-ground. The caverns were formed over thousands of years by seeping water and are now filled with crystal stalactites and stalagmites. You won't go wrong exploring the deepest cave in Ohio, and when you've seen it, you'll understand why it belongs on your adventure bucket list.

3. Brandywine Falls - Northfield

Next up on our scenic road trip through Ohio is a stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, just south of Cleveland and home of the iconic Brandywine Falls. This stunning 65-foot waterfall is easy to access, making it popular for visitors of all hiking abilities. When it comes to easy-to-access waterfalls in Ohio, Brandywine Falls is one of our favorites.

4. Headlands Beach State Park - Mentor

This northeastern Ohio destination is positively stunning, especially on a warm-weather day. Headlands Beach is the largest natural sand beach in the Buckeye State and offers endless opportunities for waterfront recreation. There's a lot to love about this breathtaking Lake Erie state park in Ohio.

5. Lake Erie Bluffs - Perry

Next up is another gorgeous destination on the shoreline of Ohio's Great Lake: Lake Erie Bluffs. This stunning park encompasses 600 acres, including more than 9,000 feet of beautiful shoreline. Towering above it all are 40-foot-tall beach bluffs. If you're someone who appreciates unique scenery, you'll find a lot to love about the Lake Erie Bluffs.

6. Oak Openings Preserve MetroPark - Swanton

One of the world's rarest ecosystems awaits you at Oak Openings Preserve MetroPark. Complete with hardwood forests, rare plants, savannas, and tall-grass prairies, this prized park offers exquisite scenery at every turn. The Oak Openings Preserve MetroPark is the perfect place to visit and to experience Ohio's beautiful wilderness.

7. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve - Yellow Springs

The last stop on your journey (which I think is one of the best road trips in Ohio) is a destination for the books. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve will take your breath away with its enchanting and lush trails. After spending some time exploring the network of trails, you can stop for lunch at the historic Clifton Mill. Want to extend the adventure? Learn more about how you can hike to this amazing Ohio restaurant.

If you'd like to see more of the Buckeye State's natural beauty, take a look at this video from Only In Your State:

So, what are your thoughts on this scenic road trip in Ohio itinerary? Which stops would you add to this itinerary? We'd love to hear about some of your favorite places in the Buckeye State. Feel free to share them with us on our Nomination page.

Before you head out on your road trip, be sure to check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List so you can be fully prepared for your next Ohio adventure.