Discover 5 of Ohio’s Most Iconic Views on This Epic 6.5-Hour Road Trip

Someone recently told me, "Ohio is like five states in one, culturally and physically." I laughed at first, because we definitely have a diverse culture that varies from region to region... but then I started reflecting on the landscape aspect of that comment. Up north, the Pleistocene-era glaciers created a flat landscape with one Great Lake. In the southern reaches of The Buckeye State, the Appalachian foothills add some movement to the landscape. We have waterfalls, plains, sandy beaches, sand dunes, and, overall, so much natural variety. Today, we're going to visit some of Ohio's most iconic views to experience the very best of its diverse landscape. This road trip takes 6.5 hours in driving alone, so don't be afraid to break it up with some overnight stays. This is the perfect opportunity to break out some snacks and a good travel scavenger hunt game, because you're going to adore seeing Ohio like never before.

Naturally, the first stop on our road trip is in the stunning Cleveland Metroparks.

For over a century, the Cleveland Metroparks' landscape has delighted Northeast Ohioans with diversity. Berea Falls in Rocky River Reservation is one of the park district's most calendar-worthy locations, and visitors can't help but snap photos. Rocky River Reservation is so large that it stretches into several cities — Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River — but we'll just stay in one area for this road trip.

At the Berea Falls Scenic Overlook, the famous Berea Sandstone is carved and shaped by post-glacial waters left behind during the last ice age. Historic bridges, which are still in use by railroads, prove that thoughtful engineering can enhance natural urban beauty. A small parking lot provides easy access to the falls, making this an effortless choice for starting our road trip.

However, you can't just visit one waterfall in Northeast Ohio. That should qualify as a crime! We're going to take an easy drive down to Brandywine Falls from here.

Brandywine Falls is an impressive 60 feet tall, which is nine feel shorter than the smallest features on the American side of Niagara Falls. It's absolutely stunning, and it's surprisingly easy to reach. From the parking lot, you'll just take a short staircase alongside fern and lichen-covered stone walls until you reach this roaring cascade.

The might of the waterfall depends on local rainfall, of course, so don't be surprised if your visit ends up looking a bit different than the picture above. You can treat this stop on the road trip as a quick photo op, but you're also encouraged to explore more of Cuyahoga Valley National Park while you're in the area. It's the only national park in Ohio, and it has so much to offer... especially if you're a fan of waterways and waterfalls.

Next, we're going to inch our way closer to Ohio's Appalachian bioregion with a visit to Richland County.

This gorgeous landscape belongs to Malabar Farm State Park, one of Ohio's many working farms that's open to the public. The historic landscape of the park once belonged to Pulitzer Prize-winning author and socialite Louis Bromfield, who managed to make this region famous in his Hollywood circles. While his historic home (and other local places of interest like the Ceely Rose house) are often the main draw for visitors, it's Mount Jeez that earns this place a spot on our list of Ohio's most iconic views.

The Mount Jeez Overlook in Malabar Farm State Park has an elevation of circa 1320 feet, making it a lovely way to take in the surrounding landscape. Rolling hills and forested stretches of land will awe you, and it's easy to see why Louis Bromfield decided to settle in this area.

After visiting a hidden gem in Ohio, we might as well visit one of the state's most famous attractions, right?

Upper Falls in Hocking Hills is yet another gorgeous example of how architecture can enhance the natural landscape. Also known as Upper Old Man's Cave Falls, this stunning spot is arguably the most famous natural attraction in The Buckeye State. Tucked away in Southeast Ohio's Appalachian foothills, this gorgeous spot is one of many attractions tucked away along circa 25-miles of trails. And as this spot is highly isolated, you might want to print off directions on the off-chance that you won't have a phone signal. Trust me on this one.

The gorgeous stone walls in this area are a reminder of Ohio's days as part of the Atlantic Ocean, as its Black Hand Sandstone predates the era when dinosaurs walked the earth. Stunning crystalline waters and lyrical birdsong make the region downright memorable.

Love waterfront views? You're going to adore the next stop on our list.

The Ohio River Scenic Byway in and around Marietta, Ohio is always a treat to visit. It curves along Southern Ohio, spanning 14 counties along its 452-mile expanse. However, the stretch of this byway we're going to visit for this particular road trip is in Marietta.

With the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers right in town, water is highly important to this historic community. Indigenous peoples once prospered in this region, and archaeological earthworks keep this history in the public eye. When European Americans arrived, industry quickly blossomed, with railroads and oil becoming central to the region's success. Today, all that hustle and bustle has slowed down, making the sleepy community a gorgeous stop for natural attractions.

These five spots are some of Ohio's most iconic views, but they're far from the only incredible scenic overlooks in the state. Which are your favorites? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Looking for more Ohio beauty? Check out our favorite natural attractions that defy explanation for some added adventure.