Ohio’s Best Roads to Ride a Motorcycle

Did you know Ohio had the first electric stoplight installed? No wonder it’s home to so many great roads to ride! Whether you’re carving corners in the southeast or meandering through wooded hills and scenic farmland, the Buckeye State delivers a surprisingly fun and varied landscape for motorcyclists. From hidden gems that mirror Appalachian terrain to smooth, scenic byways, here are some of the best routes to explore in Ohio.

1. The Triple Nickel – Route 555

Distance: 63 miles

Highlights: Remote countryside, rolling hills, Wayne National Forest

Often considered one of the most challenging rides in the state, Route 555, known as the “Triple Nickel,” runs through southeast Ohio’s rugged terrain. This road features steep grades, blind turns, and dramatic elevation changes, all while offering up views of beautiful isolated farms and stretches of Wayne National Forest. It’s a wild ride that’s both rewarding and technical and is known as one of the best rides in the country.

We’ll start this ride on the northern terminus in Zanesville and head south toward Belpre. The Triple Nickel begins off OH-60, just south of Zanesville on the east side of the Muskingum River. Head west over the river and take your first left to start heading south on Moxahala Ave. Take a left on Old River Road to stay on 555. You’ll go from riding along the river to into tree-lined nirvana. This first stretch is a great warmup with gentle sweepers. The further you go the more you’ll experience tighter turns and varying elevation changes. In Deavertown, you will need to take a left to stay on 555. This next stretch features a mix of farm fields and wooded terrain.

In Malta, take a right to continue on 555. It’s from here that the road really comes alive with back-to-back twisties and elevation changes through mostly rural country. In Ringold, you’ll need to take a left at the T and then a quick right to stay on this incredible route. After seemingly non-stop twisties, you’re next chance to recover your adrenal glands in the small town of Chesterhill, where you’ll need to take a right on Marion Street and then a left on Coal Street to get through town. From there it’s back to unbelievable technical riding with a few small towns to bring you back to reality. The ride ends at the intersection with US-50 along the shores of the Ohio River just west of Belpre.

2. Ohio’s Dragon’s Tail (OH-78)

Distance: 20 miles

Highlights: Tight twisties, elevation changes, Southern Ohio beauty

While you’re in the area riding the Triple Nickel, you need to make a detour to experience this amazing route as well. Nicknamed “Ohio’s Dragon’s Tail,” this route starts off with a series of tight, twisty curves and big elevation changes leaving from Gloucester. As you ride closer to Malta, it briefly opens up into sweeping stretches before your ride finishes along the Muskingum River.

Start this ride on the north side of Gloucester by heading east on OH-78 off OH-13. Riding starts off relaxed on this first stretch between Gloucester and Bishopville. But as you head east from there, the fun picks up. In your path are non-stop S-curves combined varying elevation changes. As you reach the height of the elevation, known as the “Rim of the World,” you’ll be treated to astounding views of the surrounding areas.

In Ringold, you’ll pass over the Triple Nickel as you continue east. From there, you’ll be treated to a bit more of the tight twisties and quick elevation changes. But you’ll soon be able to breathe a little easier as the road drops down into lower elevations with more farm fields. You’ll still be treated with long rolling hills, more expansive views, big sweeping corners, and a few twisties thrown in. This ride comes to end in the river town of Malta. But you can continue to head east on OH-78 for a bit more riding through less technical terrain.

3. Ohio-260

Distance: 36 miles

Highlights: Hill country vibes, valleys, Appalachian-style scenery

Route 260 truly showcases the surrounding terrain of the wester foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with its constant undulations through hills and valleys. The road feels tucked away from the world, and that’s part of its charm. With limited traffic and scenic views, this lesser-known route gives you a taste of Appalachian riding without ever leaving Ohio. Much of the route is covered with a canopy of trees that line the road, which makes for cool and shaded riding in the summer and remarkable colors in the fall.

We’ll pick up OH-260 in the river town of New Matamoras and head northwest. Immediately, you’ll experience great S-turns as you climb out of the river valley and into the hills. Much of the early portion of the route is through the canopy of trees. Further on, the canopy will open to small farm fields and pastures before heading back into the woods. OH-260 will come to an intersection with OH-145. Take a right to continue on both. A bit further north, 260 will branch west from 145. From here the road will present you with continuous sweepers until you reach the northern terminus at the intersection with OH-78.

4. Ohio-141

Distance: 44 miles

Highlights: River views, Wayne National Forest, peaceful rural ride

Starting and ending at the Ohio River, OH-141 is a laid-back journey through the most southeastern portion of Ohio. As you cruise through the heart of Wayne National Forest, you can expect decent scenery to admire on this leisure ride. This is a great ride when you want a blend of river views, forest roads, and a relaxed vibe.

Beginning in Ironton, find your way to the start of OH-141 off US-52 and travel east. Easing into the ride, you’ll pass through rural neighborhoods and small communities. In the small community of Aid, the road takes a 90 to the north and then a bit further up, you will need to take a sharp left to stay on OH-141. Just further north, you need to take a left and then another quick right to stay on the route.

As the road come to Waterloo, you will need to take a sharp right into town and again out of town before taking a left to head norht. After skirting the edge of the forest, the road then heads east through a mix of farmland and woods with slow sweeping corners. OH-141 comes to end just south of Gallipolis on the banks of the Ohio River.

5. Ohio-26

Distance: 66 miles

Highlights: Creekside riding, rural countryside, old highway charm

OH-26 runs north from Marietta and offers a twisty, scenic alternative to the I-77 corridor. Riding alongside creeks and cliffs, this route also loosely follows the path of old U.S. Route 21, which adds a touch of historic flair to the ride. Be sure to check out the covered bridges along the way. It’s a great way to see the natural beauty and quieter side of Ohio.

Travelling out of Marietta, hop on Greene Street, which will turn into OH-26 as you head northeast out of the city. This route is winding from the start, with the beginning winding through small neighborhoods and past farm fields. The further northeast you go, the more rural and wooded it becomes. The road will begin to follow the winding Little Muskingum River for added views and twisting terrain.

After pulling away from the river, the road stays windy with more elevation changes. There are some great technical sections that you’ll ride through as you head north. After passing through small communities, the next biggest city you will pass through is Woodsfield. Through town, you will need to take a right on Maple Avenue to stay on OH-26. More tight twisties and elevation changes await as you continue on. The ride ends at the intersection with OH-148.

No matter what kind of ride you’re looking for, be it adrenaline-pumping switchbacks or lazy curves through pastoral land, Ohio delivers. These routes give a glimpse into the diverse terrain and motorcycling culture that the Buckeye State has to offer. Most of these roads focused on the southeastern portion of the state away from the major metro areas. Let us know in the comments which roads in the rest of the state that you enjoy riding.