
The air is crisp, temperatures are moderate and colors are vivid. Does the open road ever seem more appealing than it does during fall in Ohio? There's no better time to hop on your motorcycle and see all the natural splendor this state has to offer.
Celebrate National Motorcycle Ride Day on Saturday, October 9 with a road trip along one of these amazing routes around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Every curve in the road brings a new view along OH-26, which follows the gentle bends of the Little Muskingum River out of Marietta. As the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta itself is well worth a stop. On the road, covered bridges add a pleasantly rustic touch as you pass through towns with names like Steel Run and Woodsfield. Call it a day when you hit I-70 just before Morristown, or turn off on US-40 for more adventures.
OH-374 and US-33, Rockbridge, OH 43149
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Traversing 26 miles through the state park that shares its name, the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is one of the most stunning routes in Ohio. The byway connects the six non-contiguous sites of Hocking Hills State Park, making it perfect for a short jaunt or an all-day excursion. Enjoy the colors of the fall foliage, or stop off to explore further on one of the many hiking trails. Popular spots include the 50-foot cascades of Cedar Falls and Rock House, a tunnel-like cave located halfway up a 150-foot cliff.
It's all smooth travels on Three Rivers Ride, a 105-mile route developed by a veteran biker, with no gravel, water, or other impediments along the road. The ride takes the form of two loops that meet in the middle at Coshocton. Either one is a great trip, or if you're feeling ambitious, you can make both loops. Travel back in time when you cross the picture-perfect Helmick Covered Bridge. Built in 1863, the bridge was restored in 1996 to enchant new generations of visitors. With its living history tours, specialty shops, and canal boat rides, Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton is a fascinating bookend to your day.
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With a catchy name like the Triple Nickel, how could you go wrong? This 159-mile trip starts off on OH-555 in Zanesville, heading south through Ringgold, Chesterhill, and Bartlett. It hugs the Ohio-West Virginia border before turning north to pass Watertown and McConnelsville. Check out a classic roadside attraction at Big Muskie's Bucket, featuring the remains of the one-time largest earth-moving machine in the world. Animal lovers can combine the ride with a side trip to The Wilds, a safari park and conservation center in Cumberland.
Old-school Americana is alive and well in Ohio, as represented in the landscape around Port Clinton. On any given day, you'll see farmers working in fields dotted with historic barns and classic equipment. Start your drive any place along OH-4, a north-south road that originates in Cincinnati, and follow it to OH-2, which takes you into Port Clinton. Once you reach your destination, visit attractions such as the Liberty Aviation Museum or African Safari Wildlife Park. Of course, you can't leave Port Clinton without a stop at a seafood restaurant for some yellow Lake Erie perch, a local favorite.
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All roads lead to Athens on Ohio's Windy 9. This collection of nine routes isn't "windy" like breezy, but "windy" as in twisting and turning. Numerous curves and elevation changes make for an entertaining ride that attracts a number of motorcyclists. Start your journey with Rim of the World, which runs nearly 90 miles along OH-78, named one of the most scenic highways in the country by Car and Driver. History buffs love Black Diamond Run, a 103-mile ride through the Little Cities of the Black Diamonds, a series of turn-of-the-century mining towns. For more current history, channel some flower power at the 60s-themed Fur Peace Ranch in Pomeroy.
If you're in the mood for a leisurely ride through some breathtaking scenery, head to the Foothills of the Appalachians. OH-125 leads out of West Union through gently rolling hills and farmland that inspire a delightful feeling of serenity. The crown jewel of this route is Shawnee National Forest, dubbed the "Little Smokies of Ohio." Approximately 8,000 acres are designated as wilderness, but there are many wonderful roads to follow in the other 52,000 acres. The forest is home to Copperhead Fire Tower, the first one in Ohio and a popular stop for visitors. Climb 60 feet to the top and get rewarded by panoramic views of the surrounding landscape below.
OH-39 and US-62, Millersburg, OH 44654
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When you really want to get away from it all, there's no better trip than the Amish Country Byway. Leave the cell phones and computers behind as you discover (or rediscover) the joys of the land. One of the signature stops on this route is the Farmer's Product Auction, held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in October. Get up close and personal insights into Amish life with guided tours, buggy rides, and the petting barn at Yoder's Amish Home. Don't forget to pick up a treat from the bakery before you go! Start or finish your day with a visit to the Amish & Mennonite Cultural Center, highlighted by the 10-foot by 265-foot circular mural known as Behalt.
Zanesville is the jumping-off point for yet another of Ohio's beautiful motorcycle rides. Pick up OH-93 just south of Zanesville and follow it through the black diamond region down to Ironton. Be sure to stop at Shawnee, a village that's home to 655 people but still feels frozen in time. Main Street, lined with brick buildings featuring protruding balconies, could be the set of a Western movie.
What's a day on the open road without music? What favorite tunes make up your road trip playlist?

Sweater weather is here, and that means it's time to enjoy all the fun fall-themed activities that come along with it. There are many fun things to do in Northeast Ohio this time of year, and heading out to an orchard to pick your own apples is one of the best.
Not only will you be able to enjoy your delicious haul of apples for weeks, but many local apple orchards also host fall festivals and other fun events. Here's a round-up of some of our favorite local spots to go apple picking.
11724 Lisbon St. SE, Paris, OH 44669
A visit to Arrowhead Orchard is always a good time! You can enjoy a hayride through the farm with special stops so you can hop off and pick your own apples. They also have a pumpkin patch, a stunning you-cut sunflower field, and fresh-pressed apple cider.
Bring the kids — they'll love the two-acre corn maze. There's also a huge outdoor play area with a children's zip-line, a pedal car track, lots of slides, a corn pit, an obstacle course, and more! You can also try your hand at the apple cannons, where you can take aim and shoot at your favorite targets.
Arrowhead Orchard is open Friday through Monday until October 25th. Admission ranges from $5 to $10, and they also offer free parking.
11414 Caves Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
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Patterson Fruit Farm offers something for everyone. They provide wagon rides through the orchard and have a wide variety of apples available. If you can, plan to visit during their Family Fun Fest, which runs through October 31st.
During the festival, they'll have tons of things for kids to do, including a 50-foot racing slide, a corn maze, pedal tractors, tire swings, push carts, and more. They'll also have face painting and pumpkin painting, pony rides, and horse-drawn wagon rides on designated days.
Patterson Fruit Farm is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm with a $6 per person admission cost, and Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm with a $10 per person admission cost. Kids under 2 are free, and seniors are $6 every day.
2397 Center Rd., Hinckley, OH 44233
If you want a great selection of tasty treats to enjoy at home, you'll definitely want to pay a visit to Hillside Orchard. Not only can you pick delicious, juicy apples right off the tree, but you can also visit their farm market for fresh-baked bread and bagels, jams, jellies, preserves, special canned items like marinades and sauces, locally famous fruit pies, and more!
Many of the items you'll find here are from the nearby Amish community. You also won't want to miss out on their almost-famous frozen apple cider. They sell it by both the gallon and half-gallon.
Apple picking will be available for four weeks beginning October 6th. The orchard is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. In October, they're open on Mondays as well.
50336 Telegraph Rd., Amherst, OH 44001
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You'll find a nice selection of pick-your-own apple varieties at Hillcrest Orchards. Through October, you can also visit their pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin. In addition, the orchard hosts lots of fun fall activities like a corn maze, hayrides, pedal karts, a playground and swing set, and more.
U-pick is available through October 23rd on weekends only from 10 am to 6 pm. The admission cost to visit the farm is $12 per person. Kids 3 and under and seniors 73 and older get in for free.
10680 N. Johnson Rd., North Benton, OH 44449
Through October, you can visit Stahl's Farm Market to pick your own apples. They'll give you a container to use, and you can either drive or walk out to the orchard. This is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and take in the sights of the country. During October, you can pick your own pumpkins there too.
When you're done with your apple picking, don't forget to visit the store, where you can buy non-pasteurized cider, assorted jams and jellies, fresh-baked bread, and more. They're open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm.
161 Rittman Ave., Rittman, OH 44270
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You'll love the easy-to-reach dwarf apple trees at Bauman Orchards! Even better, they constantly have fun and interesting events happening onsite. If you can, plan to visit them for their final Fall Festival date on October 2nd from 8 am to 5 pm.
During the festival, you'll be able to pick your own apples and enjoy both apple cider and cider donuts that are made fresh while you watch. There will also be a food truck, live music, pony rides, and a chance to visit with their farm animals.
8690 Vermilion Rd., Amherst, OH 44001
If you want to take a step back in time, pay a visit to Miller Orchards. This family-owned farm has been around since the mid-1800s! They have a huge variety of u-pick apples available throughout the season. They also carry many other items like local maple syrup, local raw honey, squash, pumpkins, and more.
Miller Orchards is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.
6984 Lafayette Rd., Medina, OH 44256
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There's plenty to explore at Richardson Farms! They have a variety of pick-your-own apples available and a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin. You can also stock up your kitchen at their farm stand, where you'll find a nice selection of fresh-grown vegetables, herbs, and fruit.
A farm isn't a farm without animals! They welcome visitors to spend some time with their cows, pigs, chickens, and turkeys. You can also take a hayride around the farm. The hours here vary, so you'll want to give them a call at 330-722-4029 before you head out.
Now that you have all the in-cider information, which of these awesome apple orchards will you visit first?