Cooler temperatures, comforting foods, cozy sweaters, and the beauty of colorful foliage all around makes Belmont County the perfect place to enjoy autumn’s splendor.

So, roll down the windows, let the breeze blow through your hair as you take in the crisp fall air on a drive down one of our scenic byways.

Belmont County is the only county in Ohio with three scenic byways: The Drovers’ Trail, Historic National Road, and the Ohio River Scenic Byway. These routes are perfect for an afternoon drive to see the hillsides come alive with yellow, orange, and red leaves. Peak leaf season is predicted from mid to late October for our area, but the leaves have already begun changing.

The Drovers’ Trail Scenic Byway stretches from Route 800 between Hendrysburg and Barnesville to State Route 147 from Barnesville to Bellaire. Drovers’ Trail consists of 39 miles with outstanding views, historic landmarks, cultural sites, and breathtaking landscapes. Opportunities to explore along Drovers’ Trail include stops at: Dickinson Cattle Company, Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, Watt Center for History & The Arts, Epworth Park, Dysart Woods, Historic James Kinney Farmstead, Great Stone Viaduct, and the National Imperial Glass Museum. Drovers’ Trail is a unique route to explore the rich history of our area that early settlers once traveled as they drove their livestock from the frontier to the East Coast over a century ago.

If you want your scenic drive to include shopping or dining along with sightseeing, travel the Historic National Road Byway or U.S. 40 and enjoy our charming small towns.

The Historic National Road was the nation’s first federally funded interstate highway. It opened the nation to the west and became a corridor for the movement of goods and people. Today, travelers experience classic inns, diners, and motels that trace 200 years of American history on what is known as the “Main Street of America.”

The Historic National Road in Belmont County stretches 28 miles and provides many opportunities to stop and explore along your way. From coffee to wine and chocolate to fine dining, there are many local eateries like: the Fat Apple, Vino di Piccin, Mehlman’s Cafeteria, Kirke’s Ice Cream, Giacinta’s Gelato & Caffé, Aquila Coffee, My Way Cafe, and the Pike 40. Be sure to check out local shops along the way as well, like: Lux

Boutique, The Snotty Pooch, Boutique on Main, Three Labs Mercantile, Kelly’s Suite White House Gallery and the Farmhouse on 40 to name a few.

The Ohio River Scenic Byway winds along the banks of the Ohio River, hugging its shoreline and offering almost continuous views of the water. Also known as State Route 7, this byway offers a perfect drive to take in the vibrant fall foliage covering our breathtaking hills, lush forest valleys and charming river towns. The Ohio River Scenic Byway spans 14 diverse Appalachian counties in eastern and southern Ohio and stretches 26 miles through Belmont County where you will find an appreciation for history, resources, and natural beauty.

From festivals, to haunts, to delicious pumpkin everything we have fall activities to keep you busy all season long. To find out more about all upcoming events happening in Belmont County, go to our website at visitbelmontcounty.com. I invite you to fall even more in love with friendly, beautiful, Belmont County by exploring our buckeye backroads this autumn season.

Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. She will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.