Updated: August 15, 2026
Fall is, without a doubt, the most beautiful time of the year in Ohio.
What better way to enjoy the season than to take an Instagram-worthy drive through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Buckeye state? In fact, there are tons of scenic roads and byways you can check out.
They offer different vibes, so figure out what you’re looking for, break out your sunglasses, and make the perfect road trip playlist. Here are the 8 best drives to take this fall.
| Drive | Length | Drive time | From Columbus |
| Covered Bridge Scenic Byway | 44 miles | 4 hours | 2 hours (Marietta) |
| Gateway to Amish Country | 30 miles | 1 hour | 1 hour 20 minutes (Danville) |
| Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail | 293 miles | 8 hours end to end | 2 hours 15 minutes (Cleveland) |
| Lower Valley Pike Scenic Byway | 11 miles | 20 minutes | 50 minutes (Springfield) |
| Maumee Valley Scenic Byway | 60 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes | 2 hours 20 minutes (Waterville) |
| Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway | 54 miles | 1-2 hours | 1 hour 20 minutes (Piqua) |
| Hocking Hills Scenic Byway | 26 miles | 45 minutes | 50 minutes (Logan) |
| Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway | 52 miles | 2 hours | 1 hour 45 minutes (Findlay) |
Covered Bridge Scenic Byway
- Length: 44 miles
Time: 4 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Stop by Campus Martius Museum, hop aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler for a fall foliage cruise (the Ohio River Museum is closed for a big rebuild until 2027), or just enjoy the scenery in Wayne National Forest. Obviously, this road trip takes you through some covered bridges, so the smaller the car, the better!
More info: Covered Bridge Scenic Byway
Gateway to Amish Country
- Length: 30 miles
Time: 1 hour
Best places to stop along the way: Looking for a quiet afternoon? The Gateway to Amish Country is one of the most peaceful drives on this list. There are plenty of hiking trails along the route, including the Mohican Valley Trail. But the can’t-miss item on this itinerary has to be the 370-foot covered bridge in Brinkhaven, “The Bridge of Dreams”.
More info: Gateway to Amish Country
Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
Length: 293 miles
Time: 8 hours end to end, or 2-3 hours for a section
Best places to stop along the way: Love the country but also enjoy a nice urban road trip? This is definitely the byway for you. The Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail runs the whole shoreline from Conneaut to Toledo, through some stunning scenery, into Cleveland, and then back into nature. Pick the Cleveland stretch and you can check out the leaves and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame all in one afternoon.
More info: Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
Lower Valley Pike Scenic Byway
- Length: 11 miles
Time: 20 minutes
Best places to stop along the way: This trip will be short and sweet. The Byway itself is just 11 miles long, but it’s full of beautiful views of Mad River. Stop for a picnic lunch at George Rogers Clark Park, the site of a Revolutionary War Battle.
More info: Lower Valley Pike Scenic Byway
Maumee Valley Scenic Byway
- Length: 60 miles
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Best places to stop along the way: If you’re taking the Maumee Valley Scenic Byway, you won’t want to miss Fallen Timbers Battlefield Memorial Park. This park has beautiful views of the Maumee River. Visitors should also make time to stop at the Defiance Public Library, one of the most beautiful buildings in Ohio.
More info: Maumee Valley Scenic Byway
Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway
Length: 54 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Learn about Ohio’s first “highways” as you cruise along the Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway. Stop for a canal boat ride at the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency or take a hike around one of the many trails and state parks near the byway.
More info: Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
- Length: 26 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Best places to stop along the way: This trip winds its way through the beautiful Hocking Hills. Hop out of the car at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls for a relaxing afternoon, or hit the trails to Old Man’s Cave. If you want to extend your road trip, you should definitely consider booking a stay at Hocking Hills Lodge, open since fall 2022. It’s a total stunner.
More info: Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway
Length: 52 miles
Time: 2 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Want to admire some quality craftsmanship? The Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway is a quaint drive through beautiful pastures and farmland, as well as through historic Findlay. Changing leaves on trees surrounding gorgeous farmhouses sounds pretty great, right?
More info: Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway
