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The 4 Best Road Trips Under 2 Hours From Columbus, OH (And What to Drive)

The 4 Best Road Trips Under 2 Hours From Columbus, OH (And What to Drive)

Welcome to 4 best road trips from Columbus!

One of the best parts about living in or visiting Columbus is our central location. Within less than two hours on the highway, you can go from the energy of the Short North to serene waterfalls, rolling Amish Country hills, or historic small-town squares.

Whether you’re looking for a quick Saturday escape, a romantic weekend trip, or a family adventure, here are four of the best driveable getaways from Columbus—and the ideal ride for the trip.

1. Hocking Hills State Park (Logan, OH)

  • Drive Time from Columbus: ~1 hour south via US-33 E
  • The Vibe: Majestic sandstone caves, hiking trails, and cascading waterfalls.

If you need a breath of fresh pine air and scenic nature, Hocking Hills is Central Ohio’s premier outdoor destination. Take an early morning hike through Old Man’s Cave or Ash Cave, then stop by downtown Logan for lunch.

  • Best Vehicle Choice: A spacious SUV or crossover gives you plenty of trunk room for muddy hiking boots, backpacks, coolers, and camping gear—plus extra traction for winding back country roads.

2. Ohio Amish Country (Berlin & Sugarcreek, OH)

  • Drive Time from Columbus: ~1.5 to 2 hours northeast via US-62 E
  • The Vibe: Scenic rolling farmland, incredible hand-crafted goods, and home-style comfort food.

Known as the “Little Switzerland of Ohio,” Sugarcreek and nearby Berlin offer a peaceful, slower-paced escape. You can marvel at the world’s largest cuckoo clock, sample fresh cheeses at Guggisberg or Heini’s Cheese Chalet, and bring home fresh-baked fruit pies.

  • Best Vehicle Choice: A comfortable, smooth-riding mid-size sedan. You’ll want plenty of back-seat space and trunk room to bring home local jams, cheeses, and handmade wood crafts without feeling cramped!

3. Yellow Springs & Clifton Gorge (Greene County, OH)

  • Drive Time from Columbus: ~1 hour west via I-70 W & US-68 S
  • The Vibe: Eclectic, artsy small-town charm mixed with lush nature preserves.

Yellow Springs is famous for its colorful downtown filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and local eateries. After browsing the town, head over to Glen Helen Nature Preserve or Clifton Gorge for a hike, and cap off the afternoon with homemade ice cream at Young’s Jersey Dairy.

  • Best Vehicle Choice: A high-MPG compact car or hybrid. It makes the quick 60-minute hop down I-70 effortless on fuel and easy to park on busy weekend streets downtown.

4. Cincinnati Riverfront & Over-the-Rhine (Cincinnati, OH)

  • Drive Time from Columbus: ~1.5 hours southwest via I-71 S
  • The Vibe: Big city culture, historic architecture, world-class dining, and sports.

Looking for a quick weekend urban escape? Cincinnati sits right along the Ohio River. Explore the 19th-century brick streets and craft breweries of Over-the-Rhine (OTR), catch a Reds or FC Cincinnati game, or walk across the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge.

  • Best Vehicle Choice: A stylish, late-model sedan. It offers smooth cruising down I-71 and sleek curb appeal when pulling up to downtown hotels or dinner reservations.

Hit the Road with 614 Drive

Don’t let high mileage limits or expensive airport rental counter fees hold back your next weekend getaway. At 614 Drive, we provide clean, reliable, and affordable direct vehicle rentals right here in Central Ohio.

Whether you need an efficient commuter for a day trip or a roomy ride for the whole crew, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Browse Our Fleet & Plan Your Next Road Trip at 614Drive.com