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
73
Shortest
0.4h
With Parks Nearby
59
Under 2 hours
24 total in this range
Leesburg, OH
1h 20m55.5 mi one way
Plain City, OH
35m24.2 mi one way
Richwood, OH
1h 3m47.3 mi one way
Mariemont, OH
1h 58m101.2 mi one way
Spencer, OH
1h 58m100.5 mi one way
Full-day getaway
48 total in this range
Gibsonburg, OH
2h 40m114.3 mi one way
Venice, OH
2h 38m114.4 mi one way
Saint Henry, OH
2h 23m108.5 mi one way
Sardinia, OH
2h 7m99.4 mi one way
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.
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
Gibsonburg, OH
2h 40m114.3 mi one way
Leesburg, OH
1h 20m55.5 mi one way
Venice, OH
2h 38m114.4 mi one way
Saint Henry, OH
2h 23m108.5 mi one way
Leesburg, OH
1h 20m55.5 mi one way
Burton, OH
3h 11m163.7 mi one way
Valley View, OH
2h 39m137.1 mi one way
Chagrin Falls, OH
2h 51m146.5 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.