Right out our door is a fantastic route to scoot along the mighty Ohio River! If you haven't checked it out yet, I encourage you to do so. You won't be disappointed! It is called the "Ohio River Scenic Byway" and runs along Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
We are fortunate to have a very beautiful section of it right outside our city and easily available to us for our scooting pleasure!
From the Byway.org website:
"This history-rich byway meanders along the banks of the Ohio River, hugging its shoreline and offering almost continuous views of the river. The history of the Ohio is found both in rural landscapes and quaint river communities, covering periods from Native American habitation through western settlement, affecting transportation patterns and industrialization."
This 943 mile road runs from Charleston, West Virginia to Nashville, Illinois. There are three sections: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. I used to live about midway on the Ohio leg of the run, just across from Maysville, Kentucky.
From Rt 52 you can pop over to Maysville and explore this historic river town or take the ferry across from Augusta, Kentucky and enjoy the thrill of an old fashioned river crossing and a lunch at little outside cafes in Augusta.
Portsmouth has it's fascinating riverside murals and a wonderful visitor's center to offer you insights into the history and culture of this once bustling little river town. Portsmouth also offers overnight accomodations if you'd like to make this trip a two day journey.
Over the years I have visited some of the little river towns along the Ohio section and marveled at some of the history and natural beauty of the Scenic Byway that runs through my state. This is absolutely my favorite place to ride.
You are traveling along the Ohio River and the views are breath-taking. Occasionally you will see a river barge hauling coal, grain, or other goods. Some of these boats are historic in nature and yet still offer passenger rides from Cincinnati to Portsmouth. Some offer scenic cruises all the way down to New Orleans via the Mississippi River!
This area is also filled with history from the Underground Railroad houses to the Civil War raids. There is even the site of a sunken Civil War frigate along the way! Ullysses S. Grant was born in this area as well as other colorful historic characters such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, Branch Rickey, and Roy Rogers.
Among my favorite places to explore are the many "mom and pop" eating places from historic inns and wineries to dairy bars and dives. So much good stuff to eat along the way! A biker's culinary paradise, just waiting for samplings and reviews and maybe a few homemade recipes!
You can start out the journey from downtown Cincinnati via the Columbia Parkway or pick up Rt 52 just off I-275 near Coney Island.
From there you can ride the Ohio Byway (Rt 52 in Ohio) through New Richmond, Moscow, Neville, Chilo, Aberdeen, Manchester, and out to Portsmouth.
From Portsmouth eastward the route becomes very "citified" until you get out past Wheelersburg. As you enter into Lawrence County at this point the road eventually becomes Rt. 7.
I recommend out to Portsmouth and back for a day ride. This will keep you in the rural areas where you will have many opportunities for great eating and photo ops while exploring fascinating historical and natural wildlife areas.
In future posts I will highlight some of the sights and expriences along our section of the Ohio River Byway. Meanwhile, winter might be a good time to explore it via automobile in preparation for wonderful spring ride planning!
