The Ohio Foothills is one of the Midwest’s most compelling travel destinations, inviting visitors to wander freely as they explore a region rich in scenery, culture, and history. Ten Appalachian Ohio counties comprise the region: Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas. Defined by rolling hills, winding backroads, and welcoming people, the Ohio Foothills is the perfect place for a summer adventure.
The Ohio Foothills’ unglaciated terrain creates a dramatic landscape of hills, valleys, rivers, and wooded trails—ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, birding, kayaking, and scenic drives. Driving routes like the Three Rivers Motorcycle Trail and the Historic National Road Scenic Byway on Route 40 offer breathtaking views, while quiet country roads through the heart of Ohio Amish Country invite travelers to slow down and discover the area at their own pace. Dundee Falls, a part of the Beach City Wildlife Area, features beautiful waterfalls and nature trails, while neighboring Atwood Lake is one of the state’s top lakes for sailing and pleasure boating. Multi-use pathways can be found throughout the region, offering miles of paved accessible pathways for walking, running, and cycling, including portions of the Buckeye Trail, Rails to Trails, and The Great Stone Viaduct. Traditional hiking is available in the area’s many state and local parks.
The Ohio Foothills are filled with attractions and museums that share the stories of early settlements and development in Ohio. Historic Zoar Village, Schoenbrunn Village, and Historic Roscoe Village offer tours and events throughout the year. Fort Laurens, Fort Steuben, and the Underground Railroad Museum’s exhibits and tours tell the story of the area’s early history. Seasonal festivals like the Swiss Heritage Festival, the Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival, and the Berlin Harvest Festival showcase the area’s unique heritage and traditions through food, music, and art.
Railroads are a major part of the region’s development, and their history is honored at a variety of attractions. Learn about the history of steam at the Ernest Warther Museum, which is filled with hand-carved, scale models of steam engines throughout history. The Denison Railroad Depot Museum recreates a WWII-era railroad canteen, with fully restored engines and passenger cars. The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum is a fully restored 18-stall brick roundhouse with a 115-foot turntable, showcasing engines in varying states of restoration, along with a collection of steam and diesel engines.
Families will enjoy the opportunity to interact with the animals at Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery or The Farm at Walnut Creek. Open-air safaris at the Wilds allow guests to see threatened and endangered animals from around the world, including rhinos, giraffes, antelope, and cheetahs, roaming in protected habitats. Explore nature at the Salt Fork State Park Eco-Discovery Center, where the mythical Bigfoot acts as a character guide throughout the building, highlighting fun facts and teaching visitors how, despite having big feet, Bigfoot’s environmental footprint is small.
The Ohio Foothills’ deep agricultural roots fuel a thriving farm-to-table scene, with locally sourced ingredients featured in restaurants and local farm markets. Savor traditional Amish cooking at Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen, traditional Italian at Undo’s, Dola Jean’s, or Naples Spaghetti House. Farm-to-table meals are prepared at the Homestead Kitchen & Cocktail, 63 Corks, and Christopher’s Farm Goods.
The Ohio Foothills is home to a wide variety of wineries and breweries. Their unique locations offer guests tastings on scenic patios, live music, seasonal events, and a variety of food options. The region’s unique soil and microclimates create a perfect environment for growing grapes and hops. Some excellent options include the Three Rivers Wine Trail, Breitenbach Wine Cellars, the Black Sheep Vineyard, Doughty Glen Winery, and Guernsey Brewhouse.
The region is rich in craftsmanship. Historic downtown shops and area studios offer everything from antiques and collectibles to hand-crafted furniture, pottery, quilts, and fine art. A day of shopping is made even better with a stop at a locally owned bakery, chocolatier, coffee shop, or café.
Lodging options throughout the region are as diverse as the landscape. Snuggle up in a cozy cabin, charming bed-and-breakfast, boutique inn, or full-service hotel. Unique stays include tiny homes, luxury A-frames, countryside cottages, glamping tents, and treehouses. Planning a retreat to the Ohio Foothills is easy with all the options available.
Rediscover the joy of slowing down. In the Ohio Foothills, the journey matters as much as the destination—where scenic backroads lead to unexpected discoveries, and every stop tells a story. Whether seeking adventure or a peaceful getaway, the Ohio Foothills are waiting.
Learn more about all that The Ohio Foothills has to offer at VisitOhioFoothills.com/.
