Feast your eyes on the brilliance of fall foliage by
taking a scenic driving tour around the Ohio Valley. With the intense
heat this summer, the leaves may start to turn in September, but fall
colors should peak in mid-to-late October. The Ohio Department of
Natural Resources (www.ohiodnr.com)couple of routes.
GREENFIELD TOUR
State Route 41 to Ohio River, 69.2 mi
This scenic route begins in Greenfield. Along Route
41, you'll find Paint Creek State Park, Adams Lake State Park, and two
Indian sites: Fort Hill State Memorial (a Hopewell Indian hilltop
enclosure) and Serpent Mound State Memorial (a serpent effigy built by
the Fort Ancient culture).
HOCKING HILLS TOUR
Route 56, 37 mi
The dense forests of Hocking Hills are lovely any
time of year. Start in Centerville and take Route 56 toward Hocking
State Forest. At www.hockinghills.com, check out four different routes
through the Wayne National Forest or past Lake Hope.
BIG BONE LICK DRIVING TOUR
KY-338 to Big Bone Lick State Park, 20 mi
Travel down the Big Bone Lick/Middle Creek Scenic
Byway, beginning on KY-18. Go west from Burlington toward the Ohio
River, continuing along KY-338 and ending at Big Bone Lick State Park.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Ohio River, with orange, red and yellow
leaves reflecting off its waters.
LITTLE MIAMI TOUR
I-71 over Little Miami River Gorge, 16.6 mi
Start in Lebanon, with its collection of
quaint shops and restaurants. Hop on northbound I-71. As you cross over
the Little Miami River Gorge, you should see a breathtaking display of
fall foliage high above the river. Next up along the highway is Fort
Ancient State Memorial, the preserved remains of an American Indian site
built more than 2,000 years ago.
SHAWNEE TOUR
Route 335 to Route 52, 66 mi
The Shawnee region lies at the intersection of the
Ohio and Scioto rivers. Begin in Omega and travel south on Route 335.
The highway bends through brilliant scenery and abundant wildlife. Once
in Sciotoville, take Route 52 to Portsmouth and travel west to Shawnee,
the largest state fores