Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail facts for kids

The Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail is a special road in Scioto County, Ohio. It's called a scenic byway because it has amazing views. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recognized it for its beautiful nature, history, and fun activities.

As of 2011, there were 44 interesting spots and historic places along the trail. It covers about 85 miles of different roads.

The main goal of the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail is to help people visit the area. It also helps everyone learn about the region's rich history. Plus, it helps protect the beautiful and important places along the way.

Exploring the Trail: What to See

A stream crossing in Shawnee State Forest along the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail

The Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail starts in downtown Portsmouth, Ohio. You can find it at the Scioto County Welcome Center. From there, it connects to the Ohio River Byway.

The trail leaves Portsmouth and heads west and north. It follows roads like Ohio State Route 73 and Ohio State Route 104. In West Portsmouth, Ohio, the trail turns west onto Ohio State Route 239. Then it goes south a short way before joining US Route 52.

The Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail then follows US Route 52 along the Ohio River. Near Friendship, Ohio, you can choose your path. You can keep going west on US Route 52. Or, you can turn northwest onto Ohio State Route 125 and enter Shawnee State Forest.

If you stay on US Route 52, the trail continues along the Ohio River. It goes to Scioto County Road 96. Then, it heads north on Scioto County Road 96 until it meets Ohio State Route 125.

The trail then goes north on Scioto County Road 40. It continues until it reaches Ohio State Route 348. Here, you have another choice: go west or east.

If you go west on Ohio State Route 348, the trail meets Scioto County Road 39. It then travels north to Rarden, Ohio. In Rarden, the trail crosses Ohio State Route 73 and goes north. It then meets Scioto County Road 37.

The trail keeps going north on Scioto County Road 37. It stops when it reaches Ohio State Route 772. The trail then turns south on Ohio State Route 772 until it meets Scioto County Road 32.

Following Scioto County Road 32, the trail goes east. It continues until it meets Scioto County Road 35. Once on Scioto County Road 35, the trail travels south. It ends when it meets Ohio State Route 348.

If you choose to go east on Ohio State Route 348, the trail goes to Otway, Ohio. There, it meets Ohio State Route 73. You can then choose to go northwest on both Ohio State Route 348 and Ohio State Route 73. Or, you can travel southeast on Ohio State Route 73.

If you go southeast on Ohio State Route 73, the trail continues. It reaches Scioto County Road 46. This is where the northern part of the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail begins.

If you go northwest from Otway on Ohio State Route 348 and Ohio State Route 73, the trail continues northwest. It then turns northeast and follows Ohio State Route 348. It meets Scioto County Road 35, which is part of the northern loop of the trail.

The trail then goes south along Ohio State Route 348. It reaches Scioto County Road 524. It follows Scioto County Road 524 southeast until it meets Ohio State Route 348 again.

After a short distance east on Ohio State Route 348, the trail turns onto Rush Township Highway 140. It goes southeast until it meets Scioto County Road 33.

The trail then continues along Scioto County Road 33. It reaches Scioto County Road 46. Turning west on Scioto County Road 46, the trail goes towards McDermott, Ohio.

Continuing through McDermott on Scioto County Road 46, the trail meets Ohio State Route 73. Here, it joins the part of the trail that runs from Otway.

The Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail then follows Ohio State Route 73 a short way east. It reaches Scioto County Road 49.

Traveling south along Scioto County Road 49, the trail continues for several miles. It finally reaches US Route 52 again in West Portsmouth, Ohio.

How the Trail Began: A Look at Its History

The idea for the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail came from Clyde S. Willis. He was the former Scioto County, Ohio Engineer. In 2006, he worked with the Scioto County Commissioners. They helped create a plan for the trail.

Many local towns and townships supported this plan. These included the City of Portsmouth and the villages of Rarden and Otway. Many public meetings were held to get ideas from the people of Scioto County.

After gathering all the input, the plan was sent to the Ohio Department of Transportation. On February 7, 2007, the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail was officially accepted. It became Ohio's 23rd state scenic byway.

Cool Places to Visit: Points of Interest

As of 2011, there are 44 interesting spots and historical landmarks along the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail. Here are some of the highlights:

• Ohio River Views: Enjoy beautiful sights of the Ohio River.
• Shawnee State Park: Explore the natural beauty of Shawnee State Park and its forest.
• Ancient Earthworks: See old earthworks built by the ancient Hopewell Indians.
• Kalanu Native American Cemetery: Visit this special burial ground.
• Phillip Moore Stone House: See a historic stone house built in 1797.
• Otway Covered Bridge: Check out Scioto County’s last remaining Covered Bridge, built in 1874.
• Ohio and Erie Canal Remnants: Find parts of the old Ohio and Erie Canal.
• Giant Buckeye Tree: See Ohio’s largest Yellow buckeye tree.
• Famous Homes: Visit the childhood homes of cowboy movie star Roy Rogers and Major League Baseball Hall of Fame member Branch Rickey.