7 Scenic Drives In Ohio That Are Downright Magical In The Fall

There's nothing like taking one of the many scenic byways in Ohio to see fall colors on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Here in our little corner, we're fortunate to have so many scenic byways, most of which are downright stunning to take in the fall. If you're looking to get out of the house this season and embrace the fall color, consider taking one of these amazing scenic drives in Ohio! Which ones are your favorites? Let us know - and if we missed any, tell us all about them.

1. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is 26.4-mile byway along State Route 374 winds its way through the scenic Hocking Hills and Hocking Hills State Forest. With a total drive time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes, this gorgeous drive can easily last 2 hours (or more), depending on how often you choose to stop and explore or take in a view.

This short video details all the awesome stops and attractions along this gorgeous, unforgettable route:

2. Ashtabula County Covered Bridges Byway

The Covered Bridges Byway in Ashtabula County, (also known as the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour), is an especially beautiful way to take in some of Ohio’s back road fall foliage and discover some charming covered bridges along the way. Drive through America’s shortest and longest covered bridge along this scenic route, which features a total of 18 covered bridges in Ashtabula County, with 16 of them drivable.

3. The Appalachian Byway

The Appalachian Byway is a 105-mile drive that takes you through some of the best scenery our state has to offer. As you travel along State Route 78, you'll fall in love with the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. You'll make your way through the colorful Monroe County (pictured) and into Noble County.

4. The Amish Country Scenic Byway

The Ohio Amish Country Byway includes more than 160 miles of beautiful countryside, weaving through several Amish towns and counties. It's an unbelievably heartwarming sight to behold, especially in the autumn months.

5. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail

Stretching a total of 293 miles long, the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail takes you from the big city of Toledo to the small town of Conneaut. One stop we highly recommend making is Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor.

6. The Loneliest Road In America

Stretching across 11 states and showcasing some of America’s best scenery, U.S. 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. Pictured is Chillicothe, Ohio's first capital. It's one of our favorite fall foliage drives in Ohio.

7. Ohio & Erie Canalway America’s Byway

Ohio history buffs will especially appreciate this drive. This scenic stretch in northeast Ohio is an America’s Byway route, which is dedicated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a route that serves to connect places of culture and history via roadways.

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Have you ever taken any of these scenic byways in Ohio during the fall season before? What other scenic routes in Ohio would you recommend taking in autumn? Share your thoughts, photos, and experiences with us in the comments!