This Scenic 209-Mile Drive Just May Be The Most Underrated Adventure In Ohio
US Route 50, known as "The Loneliest Road in America," offers a scenic and historic drive through Ohio's rural and small-town landscapes.
Did you know "The Loneliest Road In America" passes right through Ohio?
Stretching across 11 states and showcasing some of America’s best scenery, US Route 50 is a 3,200-mile road everyone in America has likely traveled at least once. It winds its way through the southern portion of Ohio, showing off some of the state’s best rural scenery, riverfront cities and small towns. If you’ve yet to travel this road, it’s the perfect route to take on an adventure for the fun of it or anytime you just need a good, long drive.
You'll experience a mix of small town Ohio and rural scenery along this route. (Several parts of the Ohio portion will also turn into freeway stretches.)
Pictured is Route 50 near Albany, Ohio.
The route passes through the Cincinnati area, Ohio University and smaller Ohio cities as well, so you'll get to see a little bit of everything.
Near Cincinnati, a small stretch of the route runs along The Ohio River Scenic Byway, which is a gorgeous route that features great views of the river.
You'll likely notice several historic markers as you pass through small towns and villages, as Route 50 follows the footsteps of pioneers.
Pictured is the lovely village of Mariemont in Hamilton County.
The rural scenery along this route is what makes a Route 50 journey so special. You'll see several Mail Pouch and Ohio Bicentennial barns.
Pictured is a Mail Pouch barn along Route 50 in Athens County.
You'll also pass through the small city of Chillicothe (pictured), which was actually Ohio's first capital.
If you have time for a stop, you'll want to check out the nearby Mound City, which features the largest collection of Hopewell culture burial mounds in eastern North America.
"The Loneliest Road in Ohio" not only features scenic views of the state; it also features 209 miles of American and Ohio history you just can't experience inside a museum.
It's a drive everyone in the state needs to take at least once.
Have you ever traveled this road before? What is your favorite road to travel in Ohio? Share your photos and experiences with us!
For more scenic drives in Ohio, check out our previous article: These 9 Beautiful Byways In Ohio Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive.
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