Road Trips from Columbus, OH
Columbus is a great starting point for shorter excursions. You've got a handful of options that are about 1-2 hours away, many with park access, plus longer trips for when you have more time. Most of these routes are primarily highway, with a couple offering mixed terrain or flatter landscapes. If you're looking for a quick day trip with nature nearby, or a longer drive to explore more of Ohio, there are several good choices within a few hours.
Total Routes
18
Shortest
2.5h
With Parks Nearby
18
Full-day getaway
17 total in this range
Leavittsburg, OH
3h 12m168.5 mi one way
This 168.5-mile route is a longer commitment at 3.2 hours, mostly highway with a drive score of 8. It's one of the furthest options. You can visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, making it suitable for a dedicated trip focused on this natural attraction.
Leetonia, OH
3h 30m168.9 mi one way
At 168.9 miles and 3.5 hours, this is one of the longest drives available, predominantly on highways with mostly flat terrain and a drive score of 8. Similar to Leavittsburg, it offers access to Cuyahoga Valley National Park for those seeking an extended excursion to the park.
Windham, OH
3h 5m158.2 mi one way
Burton, OH
3h 11m163.7 mi one way
Thompson, OH
3h 28m182.2 mi one way
This 182.2-mile drive is your furthest option, taking 3.5 hours mostly on highways with a drive score of 8. It provides access to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, making it a solid choice for a longer trip specifically aimed at experiencing the park.
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
Leavittsburg, OH
3h 12m168.5 mi one way
Leetonia, OH
3h 30m168.9 mi one way
Windham, OH
3h 5m158.2 mi one way
Burton, OH
3h 11m163.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers opportunities for park visits like Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with mostly flat terrain on many routes.
Summer
Summer drives are ideal for accessing parks such as Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, with most routes being highway-focused.
Fall
Fall foliage can be enjoyed on drives near parks like Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with a mix of highway and surface road options available.
Winter
Winter driving conditions are generally manageable on the mostly highway routes, with shorter trips to areas near historical monuments being feasible.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Columbus, OH city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.