Hitting the open road by motorcycle in the beautiful hills of Ohio’s Amish Country

  • Jennifer Kneuss
  • August 18, 2010
  • 611
                        
Other than a horse and buggy, perhaps no other mode of transportation is a better way to see Ohio’s Amish County than aboard a motorcycle, cruising along our scenic back roads and picturesque farmlands. Amish Country is tailor made for sightseeing in the open air freedom of a bike! . ”This is the perfect time of year to ride a motorcycle in Wayne County,” states Martha Starkey, director of Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). “The scenery is beautiful and the Amish are out in their fields with their horses.” Starkey notes that the area is a particular favorite of organized motorcycle groups. “The Honda Goldwings are returning to Wayne County in 2011 for the third straight year. They love riding our back roads and touring our area.” Starkey recommends riders check out routes 83 and 3, as well as CR 52 toward Kidron, and Emerson Road out of Kidron. Directions for a drive it yourself tour are on the bureau’s website at www.waynecountycvb.org. The Holmes County CVB recommends that bikers request a copy of their brochure that Highlights the county’s state routes, and color codes them according to ease of travel for motorcyclists. “It also notes locations where motorists are likely to encounter buggies, pedestrians, wild life, etc, as well as listing tips for a safe ride,” noted Danara Wallace, of the county tourism bureau. “We also have county maps and our Map & Visitors’ Guide available for anyone looking to plan a trip. I don’t think there are any routes that would disappoint riders. While there are lots of great sites off the beaten path, the more scenic township roads may be gravel and not ideal for two wheels. County roads are usually chip and seal and are well-maintained, but riders will want to watch for buggies and farm equipment on the smaller lanes.” Wallace has recommendations for ideal rides. “SR 514 through Nashville is a pleasant and challenging drive through the less frequently visited western Holmes County, and the autumn scenery is quite lovely south of Nashville. SRs 241 and 557 will offer rolling vistas of Amish farmsteads along with tons of shopping opportunities. There is much to explore on both routes, and they provide nice scenery with challenging rides. Of course, SR 39 is a fun and easy drive. It will take visitors through some of the county’s most visited towns like Millersburg, Berlin, and Walnut Creek. Motorcyclists should be aware that Berlin is a congested area with many pedestrians. The town yields fun experiences, but bikers should be prepared to stop frequently if passing through.” “Holmes County provides a unique opportunity for motorcyclists to enjoy challenging hills and curves while absorbing beautiful scenery and the Amish culture,” emphasizes Wallace. “ Whether a biker wants to drive across the area’s rolling terrain on the way to another destination or spend a day meandering our winding roads with lots of shopping, cultural, and dining stops, riding across our rural section of Ohio will delight.” Contact the Holmes County office at 330-674-3975 or at www.holmescountychamber.com to obtain a copy of the motorcycle route brochure. Tuscarawas County, with its terrain enhanced by the meandering Tuscarawas River, also offers bikers spectacular riding opportunities and plenty to experience along the way. Those with a valid license can even rent a motorcycle for under $100 a day at a local dealership. Motorcyclists in T-County recommend taking Rt 82 north from Dover to historical Zoar Village, then continuing around through Bolivar’s 212, cutting southeast on 250, and catching the winding turns of St. Rt. 93 through Dundee, Sugarcreek, on to Baltic, and continuing on through Holmes and Coshocton Counties. Other favorite bike routes include 416 south out of New Philadelphia to Gnadenhutten, right along the river, or 416 to 24 out of New Philadelphia to 16, where riders can cross St. Rt. 36, then catch 258 west to Newcomerstown. From there, it is easy to access Blue Ridge Road (18), and climb to the highest point in the county for great views. Or, bikers can choose to take 258 east, winding through woods and fields from Bernice, to Peoli, and then West Chester, before catching scenic St. Rt. 800 and traveling north to Dennison. Sites to see along the way are suggested at www.ohiotimelessadventures.com. True aficionados will enjoy the Motorcyclists Memorial Foundation Memorial Wall, located on a grassy knoll near Hopedale, just across the Tuscarawas County line in the northeast corner of Harrison County. The Memorial is accessed by taking St Rt. 250/22 before veering off on St. Rt 151. Motorcyclists who have passed on are immortalized at the site, which is maintained by a non-profit group, and thousands of bikers make their way there to pay their respects.. Names inscribed on the wall are read aloud as taps are played at a special ceremony held several times a year. As one avid biker puts it, “There’s just no such thing as a bad road to take through this area. It’s all beautiful!”


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