
From dazzling displays of fall foliage to twinkling holiday lights and the stark, beautiful landscapes of winter, there's so much scenery to discover in the Miami Valley. This is a fantastic time of year for a scenic drive to see the kaleidoscope of fall colors around the Miami Valley. We've asked our real estate agents to share their favorite places to go for an autumn drive in the Miami Valley.
For a short, scenic drive that's very local to Dayton, try the Lower Valley Pike Scenic Byway. This stretch of road runs about 11 miles from Medway to the outskirts of Springfield along the Mad River. There are expansive woodlands on both sides of the Mad River, making this drive an excellent option for the peaks of the fall foliage season. One side of the Scenic Byway is bordered by the waterfront scenery of the Mad River, while the other side is bordered by beautiful limestone cliffs. This road is also an excellent choice if you plan to stop and spend some time outdoors. Canoeing and kayaking are available on the river, along with a wide variety of hiking trails.
During the early 1800s, the Accommodation stagecoach route was a popular place for scenic stagecoach rides just southeast of Dayton, running past historic farms and through charming small towns. Today, you can follow the same route by car via the Accommodation Line Scenic Byway, which travels along Route 42 from Spring Valley to Dodds. Stop at Caesars Creek State Park or Little Miami State Park along the way for nature walks, fall foliage viewing, and outdoor adventures. Or choose to stop in a quaint community like Waynesville, where you can take a walking tour that visits dozens of historic buildings.
Looking for a route that's a bit longer, where you can take your time and truly savor the views? The Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway is located north of Dayton, traveling from Piqua to Delphos along a route that parallels the former Miami & Erie Canal. The Canal was in operation from 1840 to 1860, playing an important role in helping to build up the region. The Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway stretches for about 50 miles in total. Along the way, you'll find a huge selection of hiking and walking trails, many of which were developed while the Miami & Erie Canal was still in operation.
How about a trip you can really sink your teeth into? The Historic National Road stretches from one side of Ohio to the other, with the western section of the route passing just north of Dayton. Needless to say, there are countless places to stop and things to see along this 225-mile stretch of road. You can even turn your local staycation into a road trip, as the full National Historic Road stretches all the way from Illinois to Maryland.
Searching for a home where you can enjoy Miami Valley scenery in your own backyard? Our local team is here to help with all of your real estate needs. Get in touch to buy and sell homes in Miami Valley communities.