This great driving route starts at Marietta and continues east and north through some of the most scenic and historic parts of Ohio. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills there is an exhilarating combination of tight turns, undulating hills and wide sweeping curves. Over the course of the day we'll have many great experiences and see some incredible vistas, ending in the small town of Cadiz. Cautions: Speed limits are often 55mph which may be uncomfortably fast if you’re not familiar with the area. There unmarked road crossings and driveways, occasional construction zones and it’s not unusual for a dog to give chase from time to time.

We’ll start in the parking area of the Fairmont Inn and jump right into the thick of things—OH-26 is awesome! Car and Driver magazine calls it one of the “best driving roads in America”. If you like covered bridges you’re in for a treat as there are several along the way, as well as Mail Pouch Tobacco painted barns. Oil was discovered here in the middle 1800s and there are numerous functioning wellheads along our route.

As we travel through the Wayne National Forest we’ll pass many examples of old construction nestled alongside brand-new buildings. Landslides caused by torrential rains in the past few years have narrowed some roads to single-lane, but rest assured that these zones are well-marked and traffic well-controlled. Fuel stations are marked at several points because they are not common in the hills.

We’ll pass through the town of Woodsfield twice today. If you’ve not brought a picnic for lunch, on the second time through you can stop and pick something up at a fast food place (or Riesbeck’s Grocery) for whatever pleasures you wish for a bit later. Soon after we’ll take a short diversion to Kiedaisch Point where there are breathtaking views of the Ohio River valley and New Martinsville, WV across the river. Afterward, a short journey down the hill leads to the Hannibal Locks for a peaceful and relaxing lunch. There are facilities and some brief sights here as well as picnic tables and ample parking.

After lunch we’ll meander back to the north through more of the amazing area roads, past the Piedmont, Clendening and Tappan Reservoirs then on to Cadiz where we’ll finish for the night at the Microtel.