Weekend Drives Worth Taking from Springfield, Ohio

When you’re looking for a change of pace from the everyday routine, few things beat hitting the road for a scenic weekend drive. Springfield, OH sits perfectly positioned for exploring some of Ohio’s most beautiful routes, with everything from historic byways to natural wonders just a short drive away. Whether you want rolling countryside, dramatic gorges, or charming small towns, these routes deliver photo-worthy moments at every turn.

• The Historic National Road: Follow America’s first federally funded highway through time, complete with original stone bridges and historic landmarks
• Yellow Springs Circle Route: A peaceful 30-minute loop through bohemian towns, natural areas, and the famous Clifton Gorge
• Hocking Hills Adventure Drive: Wind through southeastern Ohio’s stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and dense forests

The Historic National Road: America’s First Highway

Starting right from downtown Springfield, OH, you can pick up one of America’s most historic routes. The National Road reached Springfield in the late 1830s, and for over a decade, this Clark County community served as the western endpoint of the entire route. Today, you can follow US Route 40 to trace this legendary path that helped build our nation.

Head west from Springfield and you’ll pass through Richmond, Indiana, where the original stone mile markers still stand. Drive east toward Columbus, and you’ll discover why this route earned its reputation. The Pennsylvania House Tavern, right in Springfield, once welcomed weary travelers and livestock drovers making their way west. Now it houses fascinating exhibits about the road’s impact on the region.

Don’t miss Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House on your way through town. This Prairie-style masterpiece, built in 1908, underwent a $5 million restoration and now offers tours that showcase Wright’s architectural genius. The house sits near the original National Road route, making it a perfect stop for architecture enthusiasts.

Yellow Springs Circle: Nature and Bohemian Charm

Just nine miles south of Springfield lies one of Ohio’s most delightful small-town drives. This 30-minute loop takes you through Yellow Springs, Glen Helen Nature Preserve, and Clifton Gorge – each spot offering its own unique character.

Start by driving to Yellow Springs via Route 68 South. This quirky college town still maintains its hippie vibe with artisan shops, cozy bookstores, and local coffee houses lining the historic downtown. Park near the train station and explore on foot, or grab supplies for a picnic ahead.

From Yellow Springs, head east on Route 343 toward Clifton. The drive itself winds through farmland and forest, but the real payoff comes at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve. Here, the Little Miami River has carved stunning limestone cliffs that create perfect photo opportunities year-round. Walk the rim trail for dramatic overlooks, or venture down into the gorge itself.

Clifton Mill makes an excellent lunch stop, especially if you visit during their famous Christmas light display season. The historic grist mill, still powered by water, sits beside a 20-foot waterfall that looks straight out of a postcard. Even outside the holiday season, the mill and its surrounding grounds offer peaceful riverside views.

The Hocking Hills Adventure: Southeast Ohio’s Natural Wonderland

For the most dramatic scenery within driving distance of Springfield, head southeast toward the Hocking Hills region. This drive takes about 90 minutes but rewards you with some of Ohio’s most photographed landscapes.

Take Route 35 east through Xenia, then pick up Route 22 toward Circleville before connecting with Route 56 east. This route gradually transitions from Springfield’s flat farmland to the rolling hills and dense forests of southeastern Ohio. The scenery gets more interesting with each mile as you enter the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway along Route 374.

Your first stop should be Old Man’s Cave, named after a hermit who lived in the recess cave during the 1800s. The trail here features towering rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and moss-covered cliffs that photographers dream about. Pack your hiking boots – you’ll want to explore beyond the parking area.

Continue to Ash Cave for even more dramatic scenery. This massive recess cave measures 700 feet from end to end and features a 90-foot waterfall during peak water flow. The paved trail makes it accessible for most visitors, while the surrounding hemlock grove creates a cathedral-like atmosphere.

Cedar Falls rounds out the classic Hocking Hills trio. The 50-foot waterfall plunges over blackhand sandstone cliffs into a deep pool below. The moderate hike to reach the falls passes through beautiful hardwood forests that explode with color during autumn.

Mad River Gorge: Springfield’s Hidden Gem

For a shorter adventure that keeps you close to home, Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve offers surprising beauty just minutes from Springfield’s downtown. Located at 2710 Dayton Springfield Road, this relatively new preserve opened to the public in 2017 after volunteers removed tons of trash from what was once a trailer park.

The main trail follows the Mad River between railroad tracks and a highway overpass – not the most romantic setting, but the limestone cliffs and clear water create an urban oasis. Short hiking trails connect to longer routes if you want to extend your adventure. This spot works perfectly as a quick nature break during a longer driving loop.

Extending Your Drive: Ohio Caverns and Beyond

If you’re planning a full-day adventure, consider adding Ohio Caverns to your route. Located about 40 minutes north of Springfield near West Liberty, these underground chambers stay a constant 54 degrees year-round. The caverns feature some of America’s most unique formations, including the famous Crystal King stalactite.

The drive to Ohio Caverns takes you through prime Ohio farmland, with red barns and rolling fields creating classic Midwest scenery. Time your visit for late afternoon, then head back toward Springfield as the golden hour light hits the countryside.

Best Times and Practical Tips

Spring through fall offers the best driving conditions for these routes. May brings wildflowers and fresh green foliage, while October delivers Ohio’s famous autumn colors. Winter driving can be beautiful but requires extra caution, especially on the hillier routes toward Hocking Hills.

Most of these drives work well as day trips, but consider staying overnight in Yellow Springs or the Hocking Hills area if you want to explore hiking trails more thoroughly. Pack snacks and water, especially for the longer Hocking Hills route where services can be limited between towns.

Fill up your gas tank before heading out – some of these scenic routes take you away from major highways where gas stations might be sparse. Bring a camera or ensure your phone is charged for photos, because you’ll find picture-perfect moments around every bend.

Making the Most of Your Drive

These routes offer more than just pretty scenery. The National Road tells the story of westward expansion and America’s transportation history. The Yellow Springs area showcases Ohio’s geological diversity and quirky small-town culture. The Hocking Hills reveal the state’s wild side that many visitors never expect to find.

Plan extra time for stops along the way. Some of the best discoveries happen when you pull over at an unplanned overlook or decide to explore that interesting-looking trail. These drives work best when you’re not rushing to check items off a list but instead taking time to soak in the changing landscapes.

Whether you choose the historic significance of the National Road, the natural beauty of the Hocking Hills, or the charming small-town appeal of the Yellow Springs area, you’ll find that starting your scenic drive from Springfield puts you at the perfect launching point for exploring Ohio’s diverse landscapes and hidden treasures.