Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail

Overview

Beginning in downtown Portsmouth, the byway ties into the Ohio River Scenic Byway near the Portsmouth murals. Heading west, it then follows the Ohio River and turns north into the Shawnee State Forest, the largest of Ohio's 20 state forests. Travelers along the way will discover the boyhood homes of two famous Ohioans. Leonard Slye grew up west of Lucasville in Rush Township, and after moving to California, became American legend Roy Rogers. Major League Baseball executive Branch Rickey also grew up in Rush Township. Rickey is best known for breaking the color barrier by signing the first African American player in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson. The area is rich in Native American history, and there are numerous points of interest and historic landmarks along the trail. The byway travels along the highest elevations in Scioto County and provides scenic views overlooking the valley below.