Columbus is ideally located for day trips and weekend escapes by car. Here are a few scenic drives and nearby destinations to consider:
- Hocking Hills (1–1.5 hours SE): This is one of Ohio’s premier natural areas. The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway (SR-374/374) winds through Hocking Hills State Park, with “massive sandstone outcroppings”, lush valleys and waterfalls aaa.com. Along the 25-mile loop, explore recess caves at Ash Cave, the waterfalls at Cedar Falls, and the panoramic cliffs at Conkle’s Hollow. Bring hiking shoes to venture onto trails. The drive itself is shaded and tranquil, especially stunning in fall.
- Amish Country (1–1.5 hours NE): Take State Routes 39 and 62 north toward Holmes County. This route passes through quaint villages like Berlin and Walnut Creek. As you drive, “winding roads through some of the country’s most prominent Amish communities” unfold with farmlands, barns, and rolling green hills whiteoakinn.com. Visit local farms for homemade baked goods or handmade crafts, and breathe in the slower pace. Plan a stop at a roadside market for fresh honey or cheese. The scenic Amish country drive feels like a step back in time and pairs well with a picnic or covered-bridge photo op.
- Lake Erie Coast (2–2.5 hours N): Head north to the Western Lake Erie Coastal Trail. Along this 130-mile route (toward Toledo), the scenery varies from marinas and sandy beaches to vineyards and farmland aaa.com. You’ll cross the famous high bridge spanning Lake Erie’s harbor. Consider stopping at Marblehead Lighthouse or exploring Maumee Bay State Park. It’s a longer drive but offers a refreshing lake breeze. Note: The lake region is busiest in summer; off-season drives here are serene.
- Cincinnati or Cleveland (3 hours): For a longer weekend, Cincinnati’s riverfront or Cleveland’s cultural attractions are within driving distance via I-71 or I-71/I-90. Both offer big-city amenities, but also scenic parks (e.g., Cincinnati’s Eden Park, Cleveland’s Metroparks). These trips are more about destination than the drive itself, but Columbus to Cincinnati via Appalachian hills can be quite scenic in fall.
- Nearby Parks (30–60 minutes): For something closer, check out Alum Creek State Park north of Columbus (boating/lakeviews), or Strausser Memorial Park for trails. Within Franklin County, spots like Blendon Woods Metro Park (swamp boardwalk) and Highbanks Metro Park (look for wildlife) make great quick getaways with well-marked trails and picnic areas. A short drive east is The Dawes Arboretum (though technically in Newark) for walking gardens, or Delaware State Park north of the city for river kayaking.
Each of these trips is accessible in a day with your Columbus rental car, and they’ll add variety to your Ohio visit. Before you go, fuel up and check maps for any road construction. It’s best to start early on longer drives to return before dark (especially if unfamiliar with country roads).
Wherever the road takes you, make sure you have a reliable ride. The Pluto LLC offers fuel-efficient cars perfect for Ohio road trips. Enjoy scenic journeys starting in Columbus, with all the support you need from our team.