Road Trips from Akron, OH
Looking for a quick escape from Akron? You've got options for short hops less than two hours away, perfect for a day trip. Many of these destinations are close to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, giving you easy access to nature. For longer excursions, there are routes stretching up to four hours, some focused on highway driving and others offering a mixed terrain experience. You can even find options with additional historical parks nearby if you're up for a longer drive.
Total Routes
87
Shortest
0.2h
With Parks Nearby
61
Under 2 hours
37 total in this range
Willard, OH
1h 32m69.2 mi one way
This 1.5-hour drive to Willard is comparable in length to Plymouth and Oak Hill. It has a drive score of 9 and mixed terrain, but unlike some other short trips, it doesn't specifically list parks nearby, though Cuyahoga Valley National Park is accessible.
Oberlin, OH
1h 10m54.6 mi one way
Oak Hill, OH
1h 47m74.4 mi one way
This 1.8-hour drive to Oak Hill offers a mixed terrain experience and a drive score of 9. It's a solid choice if you want something a bit further than the closest towns but still manageable for a day trip, with Cuyahoga Valley National Park accessible en route.
Plymouth, OH
1h 30m68.3 mi one way
At 1.5 hours and 68.3 miles, this trip to Plymouth is very similar to Oak Hill, also featuring a mixed drive and a score of 9. It's a good alternative if you're looking for a comparable distance and drive profile, with Cuyahoga Valley National Park nearby.
Monroeville, OH
1h 39m73.9 mi one way
Full-day getaway
36 total in this range
Athens, OH
3h 26m159.6 mi one way
If you're looking for a longer drive, Athens is 3.4 hours and 159.6 miles away. This route is highway-focused with a drive score of 9, and offers access to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, providing a different driving experience than the closer options.
Portage, OH
2h 44m133 mi one way
Portage is a 2.7-hour drive covering 133 miles. This trip is highway-focused with a high drive score of 9. Like many other routes, it keeps Cuyahoga Valley National Park within reach.
Barnesville, OH
2h 7m97 mi one way
This 2.1-hour drive to Barnesville covers 97 miles. It's a mixed drive with a score of 9 and includes access to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It offers a balance between distance and driving style compared to other options.
Weston, OH
2h 54m139.5 mi one way
Weston is a 2.9-hour drive, spanning 139.5 miles. The profile is highway-focused with a drive score of 9. It provides a longer, more direct route with Cuyahoga Valley National Park accessible.
Oregon, OH
2h 31m128.4 mi one way
Weekend trip
14 total in this range
Ironton, OH
4h 50m242.1 mi one way
Ironton is the longest drive at 4.8 hours and 242.1 miles. Described as 'mostly highway,' it has a drive score of 9. Similar to the Harris route, it provides access to both Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.
Bradford, OH
4h 1m194.3 mi one way
Bradford is a 4-hour drive covering 194.3 miles. This highway-focused route scores a 9 and includes access to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as well as Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument.
Franklin Furnace, OH
4h 36m229.3 mi one way
Farmersville, OH
4h 10m210.5 mi one way
Union City, OH
4h 31m226.8 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Athens, OH
3h 26m159.6 mi one way
Willard, OH
1h 32m69.2 mi one way
Oberlin, OH
1h 10m54.6 mi one way
Ironton, OH
4h 50m242.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers good opportunities to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, accessible on many of these shorter, mixed-terrain drives.
Summer
The longer, highway-focused routes are ideal for summer travel, with multiple historical parks accessible on the furthest trips.
Fall
The mixed drives are well-suited for fall, with proximity to Cuyahoga Valley National Park offering scenic views.
Winter
Short, mixed-drive trips under two hours are practical for winter, keeping travel time minimal.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
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