Weekend drives don’t get much better than the winding roads that snake through southwestern Ohio’s rolling countryside. Most people zip past on their way to bigger cities, but Franklin sits right in the heart of some seriously underrated driving territory. Slow down for a Sunday afternoon, and you’ll discover backroads that rival anything Vermont has to offer.
- – Multiple scenic byways within 30 minutes of Franklin offer everything from riverside cruising to historic canal routes.
- – The Great Miami River Recreation Trail provides both driving and biking options with river views and small-town stops.
- – Little Miami Scenic Byway connects to a network of trails stretching from Cincinnati to Springfield, perfect for multi-stop adventures.
The Great Miami River Route
Starting right from downtown Franklin, you can pick up the Great Miami River Recreation Trail that runs parallel to some fantastic driving roads. The 4.6-mile stretch between Franklin and Miamisburg follows the meandering river through surprisingly wild countryside. Here’s what makes this route special: it feels completely removed from urban life, even though you’re never more than 15 minutes from Dayton. The road hugs the riverbank for most of the journey. You’ll catch glimpses of herons fishing in the shallows and deer browsing along the water’s edge. Stop at any of the small parks dotting the route. They’re perfect for stretching your legs or having a picnic. The pavement stays smooth throughout, making it ideal for a leisurely Sunday cruise with the windows down.
Big Darby Plains Adventure
About 45 minutes northeast of Franklin lies one of Ohio’s best-kept driving secrets. The Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway stretches 27 miles through Milford Center, Unionville Center, and Plain City. This showcases the kind of pastoral beauty that makes you wonder why anyone lives in cities. The real treasures here are the six covered bridges scattered along the route. Each one tells a different story. The historic Bigelow Bridge has weathered decades of storms. The photogenic Culbertson span appears on countless Instagram feeds. The Pottersburg Bridge deserves a longer stop. It’s a walking bridge now that leads to a 3.5-mile trail with sweeping views of central Ohio farmland. From June through October, they actually host dinners right on the bridge. Talk about dining with a view.
Miami & Erie Canal Journey
History buffs will love the Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway. This route follows the 54-mile path that mule-drawn boats once traveled between Delphos and Piqua. You’re literally driving through Ohio’s transportation revolution from the 1800s. The drive takes you through genuine small-town America. Gas stations still have full service. Diners serve pie that’s actually made fresh daily. Fort Amanda Memorial Park makes for an interesting stop. It’s a War of 1812 site where you can still see earthwork remnants. The Johnston Farm and Indian Agency near Piqua offers a fascinating glimpse into pioneer life. They run canal boat rides on weekends. Imagine floating along the same waterway that once connected Cincinnati to Toledo.
Finding the Perfect Sunday Route
Here’s what sets southwestern Ohio apart from other scenic driving regions: the variety you can pack into a single afternoon. Start with river views along the Great Miami. Head north to explore canal history. Finish with covered bridge photography in the Big Darby Plains. The roads here weren’t designed for speed. They were laid out when horses set the pace. That means plenty of gentle curves and rolling hills that let you actually enjoy the scenery. Cell service gets spotty in places. That’s exactly the point of a good Sunday drive.
Little Miami Connections
The Little Miami Scenic Trail offers another dimension to drives around Franklin, OH. While primarily known as a biking trail, the parallel roads provide excellent driving with frequent river access points. The trail stretches 78 miles from Springfield down to Cincinnati. You’ll pass through Yellow Springs, Xenia, and several smaller communities that welcome visitors. Spring Valley represents the trail’s personality change. South of here, you’ll find intimate river views and thick tree cover. The northern section opens up into farmland and larger towns. Each section offers different driving experiences. Winding riverside roads give way to straight stretches through agricultural valleys. Stop in Loveland for lunch. The town has completely embraced the trail, with restaurants literally five feet from the path.
Making the Most of Your Drive
Plan for a half-day adventure rather than rushing through these routes. Small-town cafes and roadside stands are part of the experience. Young’s Jersey Dairy near Yellow Springs serves some of the best ice cream in Ohio. The historic Golden Lamb in Lebanon has been feeding travelers since 1803. Gas up before you start exploring. This goes double if you’re venturing into the more remote areas around Big Darby Plains. These aren’t interstates with services every few miles. Part of their charm comes from stretches where the only sounds are wind through corn fields and the occasional farm tractor. Weather makes a huge difference on these routes. Fall brings spectacular color to the tree-lined sections. Spring reveals wildflowers in the roadside ditches. Summer offers the best chance to see wildlife, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when deer and wild turkeys are most active.
Beyond the Obvious Routes
Don’t overlook the unofficial scenic routes that don’t appear on any tourism maps. State Route 123 south of Franklin provides beautiful farmland views with minimal traffic. County roads through Warren County often surprise drivers with unexpected vistas and historic farmsteads. The key to great Sunday driving around Franklin is accepting that sometimes the best discoveries happen when you take that unmarked turn. Follow a road just to see where it leads. Southwest Ohio rewards curious drivers with everything from century-old barns to spring-fed swimming holes that locals have been keeping secret for generations. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon escape or planning a full day of exploration, this area serves as the perfect launching point into some of the Midwest’s most rewarding driving country. Just remember to bring a camera. Maybe leave the GPS at home for once. You might be surprised what you discover when you stop racing past and actually take the time to explore what’s right here in your backyard.
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