Best Things to Do on a Road Trip: Chillicothe, OH to Myrtle Beach, SC

Chillicothe, Ohio, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, may be over six hours apart, but that doesn't mean the road trip in between is bland. On the contrary, the journey offers exciting sights and experiences at every turn. After driving down interstates 77 and 81, travelers will reach the halfway point of Hillsville, Virginia. Then, they continue on to explore natural landmarks, local flavors, and historical sites.

Hocking Hills State Park, OH

Visitors shouldn't miss Hocking Hills State Park, a natural wonderland that boasts rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and dense forest. There are six major hiking areas in the park, each offering a different experience. For example, the Old Man's Cave area features a 1-mile paved trail with historic landmarks and the Devil's Bathtub, a naturally eroded basin with crystal clear water. Meanwhile, the Cedar Falls area provides a 50-foot waterfall view, bird-watching opportunities, and picnic spots.

Fun fact: Hocking Hills is home to over 200 caves.

National Museum of the United States Air Force, OH

Located in Dayton, OH, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. The museum showcases over 360 aircraft, including presidential planes, experimental aircraft, and the famous B-17 Memphis Belle. Visitors can also explore the space gallery, the missile gallery, and the aviation history timeline.

Fun fact: The museum's collection includes 19 different types of helicopters.

Historic Oglebay Park, WV

Oglebay Park, located in Wheeling, WV, offers a blend of history, nature, and entertainment. The park encompasses 1,700 acres and has over 50 recreational activities, such as paddle boating, golfing, and swimming. Visitors can also tour Oglebay Mansion, a historic home that belonged to millionaire Earl Oglebay, and see the Good Zoo, which features over 80 species of animals.

Fun fact: The park's Christmas light display covers over 300 acres.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, KY

Located in Slade, KY, Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a geological marvel that features a soaring sandstone arch that stretches 78 feet long and 65 feet high. Visitors can hike to the top of the arch or view it from below through the hiking trails that wind through the park's lush forest. Additionally, the park offers camping, fishing, and canoeing on the nearby Red River.

Fun fact: Daniel Boone was one of the first Europeans to see Natural Bridge in 1767.

Lexington, VA

Lexington, VA, is the home of two of the most iconic Virginians: George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Visitors can tour Washington and Lee University, where Both Washington and Lee were presidents, and see their final resting places at Lee Chapel and Museum. Other must-visit sites include the Virginia Military Institute Museum, which features exhibits on the Civil War and area military history, and the Stonewall Jackson House, where the Confederate General lived with his family and visitors can see personal artifacts.

Fun fact: Lexington was named after Concord, MA, because the town was where the first shot of the American Revolution was fired.

Conclusion

Traveling from Chillicothe, Ohio, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a journey worth taking because of the abundant opportunities for adventure and exploration. In addition to the halfway point of Hillsville, Virginia, tourists can discover the natural beauty of Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio, the historic significance of Lexington, Virginia, the thrilling displays at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, the entertainment and history of Oglebay Park in Wheeling, WV, and the geological attraction of Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade, KY. Whether looking for local flavors, wanting to hike in natural settings or delve into history, this road trip is sure to satisfy a diversity of interests. Travelers should plan on spending at least four nights on the road to fully enjoy these and other attractions.