By Rachel Schowalter
Feast your eyes on the brilliance of fall foliage by taking a scenic driving tour around the Ohio Valley. With the intense heat from 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 (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