Ohio Fall Festival Drive Along the Ohio River Trail

Few autumn road trips combine colorful scenery, river history, and small-town celebrations quite like Ohio’s portion of the Ohio River National Scenic Byway. Stretching approximately 450 miles from East Liverpool to Cincinnati, the route follows SR 7 and US 52 through wooded hills, historic river towns, and landscapes glowing with fall color. Along the way, travelers encounter sweeping views of the Ohio Valley and communities with deep significance to both state and national history.

Taste of Pioneers

At the northern end of the scenic drive is East Liverpool, near Beaver Creek State Park, where Pioneer Days takes place in early October. Historical demonstrations and hands-on activities offer a fitting introduction to a route shaped by generations of settlers, craftspeople, and river travelers.

Sistersville Ferry to West Virginia

Farther south, near Fly, Ohio, travelers can experience one of the river’s enduring traditions aboard the Sistersville Ferry. Founded in 1815, the ferry service has operated for more than two centuries and is one of only a few remaining along the Ohio River. The crossing is also associated with George Washington’s October 1770 journey along the Kanawha and Ohio rivers. A historical marker, erected in 2003, recounts the site’s story and the many types of ferries used here over the years. When river conditions permit, visitors can still make the crossing between Fly and Sistersville, West Virginia.

Marietta to Pomeroy

Continuing south, the byway reaches Marietta, one of Ohio’s most picturesque river towns. From September 11–13, 2026, the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival fills the levee with paddle-wheel boats, live music, family activities, and spectacular fireworks.

From Marietta, the road winds alongside the river toward Pomeroy, where the Sternwheel Riverfest takes place September 24–26. Riverfront entertainment, festival food, and nautical traditions capture the character of this compact Appalachian community.

Gallipolis to Portsmouth

Farther west, travelers can take a short detour from Gallipolis to Rio Grande for the Bob Evans Farm Festival, held October 9–11. Harvest crafts, farm demonstrations, traditional foods, and live music make it one of the region’s signature autumn gatherings.

The drive continues toward Portsmouth, home of River Days over Labor Day weekend. The city’s floodwall murals, historic architecture, and broad river views make Portsmouth a worthwhile stop even after the festival has ended.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

The journey concludes in Cincinnati, where the byway enters a dramatic urban riverfront. From September 17–20, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati brings German food, music, and lively traditions to Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove. In October, BLINK transforms downtown Cincinnati and the surrounding riverfront with illuminated art, murals, and dazzling projection displays.

Beautiful in every season, the Ohio River Scenic Byway is especially captivating in autumn. Although traffic is heaviest between July and October, much of the route remains pleasantly uncrowded, apart from larger population centers during peak travel times.

Passing through 13 Appalachian counties, the byway encompasses places rich in natural beauty, cultural traditions, and historic resources. For generations, the river and its surrounding landscape have attracted and inspired musicians, artists, travelers, and storytellers.

Between festivals, leave time for scenic overlooks, historic landmarks, locally owned restaurants, and unexpected discoveries. The Ohio River National Scenic Byway is best experienced slowly, with the river—and the colors of autumn—as constant companions.

Byway Highlights

For more information, please click on https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/ohio-river-scenic-byway-oh/

Ohio River National Scenic Byway-Ohio