looking for an adventure out of the ordinary?
Sometimes overlooked by its more famous neighbors to the north or south, Ohio is a diverse state that’s great to explore and the perfect place to embark on an adventure through the American Midwest.
This is America’s heartland, and there are endless experiences to discover. From vibrant urban centers to picturesque rural landscapes, Ohio road trips offer a mix of culture, history and natural beauty.
There is so much waiting to be discovered and Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the perfect vehicle for your trip whatever your budget.
With affordable car rentals throughout the USA, and pickups including Cleveland Airport and Cincinnati Airport, Cheaper Than Cars is your first choice for Ohio road trips.
Here are ten of the best Ohio adventures starting in the state’s vibrant capital, Columbus.
Hocking Hills, Ohio
The Hocking Hills are famous for their rugged terrain, dense forests and waterfalls. Located a relatively short drive from Columbus, they are the perfect retreat to unwind from the city. The centerpiece of the region is Old Man’s Cave, a gorge carved by the rushing waters of Old Man’s Creek. Surrounded by well-maintained trails, you can get up close to impressive rock formations, towering cliffs and thundering waterfalls. If you hike to Ash Cave, the largest recessing cave in the state, you’ll discover a huge horseshoe-shaped rim and an impressive 90-foot waterfall,
In addition to hiking, Hocking Hills offers numerous outdoor activities, such as bird watching and zip lining. Hocking Hills zip lines are an exciting way to soar through the treetops and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. With a wide range of campgrounds to choose from, Hocking Hills is an accessible destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Total distance: 55 miles (88 km)
- Driving time: 2 miles
Amish Country Road, Ohio
Ohio is in the heart of Amish Country and the Amish Country Byway offers a fascinating glimpse into their unique way of life. Located primarily in and around Holmes County, Amish Country is home to a thriving community where centuries-old traditions are still maintained. The picturesque landscape is dotted with horse-drawn buggies, charming one-room schoolhouses and traditional Amish farms where families farm their land without the use of modern technology.
Towns such as Berlin and Walnut Creek feature charming stores where traditional Arminish crafts such as quilts and handmade furniture can be purchased. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Amish food made from farm-grown ingredients at local restaurants. With its emphasis on a slower, simpler, community-centered way of life, it makes Amish Country the perfect refuge from modern life.
- Total distance: 90 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours
Cleveland and Lake Erie, Ohio
Cleveland is a vibrant city on the shores of Lake Erie. Known for its industrial past, Cleveland has undergone a revitalization in recent decades, transforming itself into a thriving center for the arts, sports and entertainment. The city boasts iconic landmarks such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which celebrates the history of rock music, and the historic West Side Market, which offers a diverse range of fresh produce and local products.
Stroll along Cleveland’s waterfront and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Erie, or catch a game at one of the city’s sports venues, such as Progressive Field for baseball or the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for basketball. Lake Erie itself offers opportunities for boating, fishing and relaxing on the beach, and the Cleveland Metroparks offer ample access to green space.
With its balance of urban excitement and natural tranquility, a visit to modern Cleveland is a favorite among Ohio road trips.
- Total distance: 225 km
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Ohio/Kentucky
Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati blends old and new to create a fascinating city to explore. Known for its lively neighborhoods, historic architecture and thriving arts scene, the city enjoys a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a magnificent Art Deco masterpiece that houses museums and exhibits exploring history, science and the arts. In the heart of the city, the revitalized Fountain Square is surrounded by stores, restaurants and venues. The city is also a haven for sports fans: Great American Ball Park hosts Cincinnati Reds baseball games and Paul Brown Stadium is home to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Across the river to northern Kentucky, where the city of Covington, with its cobblestone streets and 19th-century architecture, is a popular stopping point. The Ohio River waterfront area boasts attractions such as the Newport Aquarium and offers stunning views of the Cincinnati skyline. Northern Kentucky is also the birthplace of bourbon, and distilleries such as New Riff Distilling offer tours and tastings.
- Total distance: 177 km
- Travel time: 2 hours
Mohican & Mansfield State Park, Ohio
In the heart of Ohio, Mohican State Park is a tranquil natural refuge with a rich cultural history. Spanning over 1,100 acres, the park offers diverse landscapes, dense forests and the scenic beauty of the Mohican River. Mohican State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to bird watching, kayaking to fishing, and is a favorite among Ohio road trips. The Clear Fork Gorge, carved by the meandering Clear Fork River, provides a stunning backdrop for hikers to explore.
The nearby town of Mansfield features well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a thriving mix of culture and commercial attractions. The Ohio State Reformatory is a formidable Gothic structure that has served as a prison and film set and offers guided tours. The Carousel District has a family-friendly atmosphere and a beautifully restored carousel at its heart.
- Total distance: 113 km
- Driving time: 1.5 hours
Dayton and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Ohio
Few places in the world hold such a pivotal place in aviation history as Dayton, Ohio. The city where the Wright brothers conducted their revolutionary flight experiments is today home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The museum, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, traces the evolution of aviation and the U.S. Air Force from its humble beginnings to today’s state-of-the-art technology. Visitors can get up close and personal with an extensive collection of more than 360 aircraft and missiles, including iconic aircraft such as the Wright Brothers’ Wright Flyer III, historic World War II bombers and modern fighters.
Beyond aviation, the city boasts a diverse cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters and art galleries, such as the Dayton Art Institute and the Schuster Performing Arts Center. With a revitalized downtown and home to the University of Dayton, the city enjoys a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
- Total driving distance: 70 miles (113 km)
- Travel time: 1.5 hours
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Located between the urban centers of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a green oasis of more than 33,000 acres. With its varied landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, waterfalls and open meadows, the park is a nature lover’s paradise. Hikers can explore a network of scenic trails that wind through the park and offer breathtaking views of the Cuyahoga River. The historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, once used by mules to tow canal boats, is now a popular walking and biking route, allowing visitors to follow the canal trail through the heart of the park. Brandywine Falls, an impressive 65-foot waterfall, is a popular attraction in the heart of the park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park also features a number of historic and cultural sites. The Stanford House and Boston Store Visitor Center provide insight into the region’s past. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway offers a leisurely way to experience the park, with picturesque views of the landscape as it winds through the valley.
- Total driving distance: 140 miles (225 km)
- Travel time: 2.5 hours
Geneva-On-The Lake, Ohio
Geneva-On-The Lake, in the heart of Lake Erie wine country, is a laid-back resort town that has been attracting visitors for generations. Known for its nostalgic charm and vintage ambiance, Geneva-On-The Lake is located in the heart of Ohio’s wine country. The iconic strip that runs along the lake is lined with arcades, carnival rides, ice cream parlors and quirky stores. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll while sampling cotton candy or funnel cakes while enjoying panoramic views of the lake from the city’s park and piers.
The town is a haven for wine aficionados, with local wineries offering vineyard tours and tastings. Whether relaxing on the beach, savoring local wine or enjoying a classic All-American getaway, Geneva-on-the-Lake is a nostalgic favorite among Ohio road trips.
- Total driving distance: 250 miles (402 km)
- Driving time: 4.5 hours
Toledo, Ohio
Toledo, on the western end of Lake Erie, is a city that combines industrial heritage with a place in the heart of Ohio’s art scene. The Toledo Museum of Art attracts visitors from throughout the Midwest and beyond, and houses an impressive collection of artwork from a variety of periods. The Toledo Zoo is a family attraction that houses 10,000 animals. The zoo conducts a variety of conservation activities and offers live demonstrations and seasonal activities.
The historic West End showcases well-preserved Victorian homes and the iconic Toledo Lighthouse on the shores of Lake Erie. Toledo also has 19 Metroparks, with hiking trails to explore and opportunities to participate in outdoor activities. Wildwood Preserve is the most popular and attracts more than one million visitors a year. Oak Openings Preserve features sand dunes and a 12-mile mountain bike trail.
- Total driving distance: 120 miles (193 km)
- Travel time: 2 hours
Wayne National Forest and Marietta, Ohio
Located in southeastern Ohio, the Wayne National Forest encompasses more than 800,000 acres of lush forests, rolling hills and scenic valleys. This expansive forest, spread across several counties, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With its diverse wildlife, camping and hiking opportunities, it is a popular destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility in the heart of Appalachia.
On the banks of the Ohio River lies the historic city of Marietta. This charming historic riverfront community is known for its well-preserved 19th century architecture. The Campus Martius Museum explores the history of Ohio’s early settlers, and Mound Cemetery houses the ancient Adena and Hopewell burial mounds. With its cozy cafes, antique stores and galleries, Marietta is an ideal place to explore.
- Total driving distance: 120 miles (193 km)
- Travel time: 2 hours
ready to start exploring?
Ohio is a fascinating state to explore, offering a diverse mix of urban sophistication, picturesque scenery and rich historical heritage. With its warm Midwestern hospitality, it’s the perfect place for a road trip, whatever your interests.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the right car for road trips in Ohio whatever your budget.
