🚘 Top 5 Scenic Spring Drives in Southern Ohio
Explore the best spring road trips near Chillicothe, OH—from forested backroads to lakeside routes.
Spring in Ohio means warmer temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and the perfect excuse to hit the road. Whether you’re driving a reliable pre-owned SUV or want to test drive a new 2025 model, these scenic drives near Chillicothe offer relaxation, beauty, and fresh air.
📍 Based in Chillicothe? You’re already in the heart of it all.
🌸 1. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
Location: Logan, OH | Distance from Chillicothe: ~1 hour
Keywords: Hocking Hills drive, Ohio scenic byway
This stunning 26-mile route through Hocking Hills features winding roads, breathtaking cliffs, and iconic stops like Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls. It’s one of Ohio’s most popular spring drives—and for good reason.
🚙 Looking for a road trip vehicle? Explore our new SUVs and crossovers.
Suggested vehicle: Hyundai Tucson for smooth, efficient handling.
🌿 2. The Appalachian Highway (US-50 East)
Starts in: Chillicothe, OH
Keywords: scenic drives US-50, road trips near Chillicothe
Hop on US-50 East and enjoy rolling hills and peaceful landscapes toward Athens or Marietta. The Appalachian Highway is ideal for weekend getaways or spontaneous drives.
🧭Need navigation or smartphone conectivity? See our tech-ready inventory.
Perfect for: Kia Sportage, with available AWD and driver-assist features.
🏞️ 3. Paint Creek Lake Loop
Route: Chillicothe → Bainbridge → Paint Creek Lake → Back
Distance: ~40 miles
Keywords: Paint Creek State Park drive, spring lake drives Ohio
This scenic loop is a Chillicothe favorite. Cruise through quiet farmland and wooded curves to Paint Creek Lake, with picnic areas and hiking trails nearby.
🔧 Make sure your vehicle is road trip ready—schedule spring service today.
Great for: Families in a Chrysler Pacifica, with room for snacks, gear, and kids.
🌄 4. Tar Hollow State Forest Drive
Start: OH-327 South of Chillicothe
Keywords: Tar Hollow forest drive, southern Ohio spring road trips
Looking for a quiet, winding road with very little traffic? Tar Hollow is a hidden gem. Perfect for nature lovers and those who prefer the road less traveled, it offers tight turns and spring forest views.
🛞 Not sure your current ride can handle hills? Explore pre-owned SUVs with AWD and more.
🌊 5. Scioto River Valley Scenic Route
Start: Downtown Chillicothe | Route: North or south on OH-104
Keywords: Scioto River drive, scenic river roads Ohio
Drive along the Scioto River and enjoy peaceful, open views of the valley and farmlands. Stop at parks, historical landmarks, or local diners as you go.
💡 Make the drive more enjoyable with advanced driver-assist features—compare models with lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, and more.
🧼 Before You Go: Prep Your Vehicle for Spring
Before taking on these Southern Ohio road trips, make sure your vehicle is ready:
- ✔️ Check tire pressure & tread
- ✔️ Change wiper blades
- ✔️ Schedule a spring tune-up
🚗 Start Your Next Adventure with Herrnstein Auto Group
Whether you’re taking a quick local drive or planning a weekend escape, the right vehicle makes it better. At Herrnstein Auto Group in Chillicothe, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of:
📍 Stop by our dealership or schedule your test drive today and let the road lead the way.
New vs. Used: Finding the Right Fit for You
When shopping for a vehicle, one of the biggest decisions is whether to buy new or used. Both options have great advantages—new cars come with the latest technology, warranty coverage, and that fresh-off-the-lot experience, while used cars offer lower prices, slower depreciation, and a wider selection of models at different price points.
At Herrnstein Auto Group, we believe that the best car is the one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and needs. If you’re considering a high-quality used car in 2025, here’s how to find the perfect match and what to look for before making your purchase.
How to Choose the Best Used Car for Your Needs
With so many great used vehicles on the market, narrowing down your choices can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to find the right fit based on your lifestyle and priorities:
For Commuters & Fuel Efficiency Seekers
- Look for a low-mileage sedan or hybrid with strong fuel economy ratings.
- Prioritize safety and comfort features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
For Families & Road-Trip Lovers
- Consider a spacious SUV or minivan with enough seating and cargo room.
- Look for models with high safety ratings and advanced driver assistance tech.
- Choose a vehicle with a proven track record for reliability—we can help you find the best options!
For Truck & Adventure Enthusiasts
- Check the towing capacity and bed size for work or recreation needs.
- Look for 4WD or AWD options if you drive in rough terrain or bad weather.
- Ask about previous off-road use or heavy hauling to assess wear and tear.
No matter what you’re looking for, our team at Herrnstein Auto Group is here to help you find the best used vehicle for your needs while ensuring quality and reliability.
Tips for Buying a Used Car in 2025
No matter what type of vehicle you’re looking for, these smart buying tips will help you make the most informed decision:
✅ Know Your Budget – Consider the total cost of ownership, including financing, insurance, and maintenance. Ask us about flexible financing options—we’re here to help!
✅ Buy with Confidence – At Herrnstein Auto Group, every used vehicle goes through a thorough inspection by our highly trained technicians, ensuring quality and reliability before it hits the lot.
✅ Check the Vehicle History Report – We provide detailed history reports so you can see past maintenance, accident history, and ownership records.
✅ Test Drive & Compare Options – A test drive is the best way to ensure the car meets your expectations for comfort, performance, and features.
✅ Explore Your Financing Options – Whether you have perfect credit or need help finding the right loan, our finance team can help you secure the best deal for your budget.
Find Your Next Used or New Car at Herrnstein Auto Group
Whether you’re looking for a dependable used car or considering the benefits of a brand-new model, we have a wide selection of vehicles to match your needs. Visit Herrnstein Auto Group to explore our new and pre-owned inventory, take a test drive, and find the perfect vehicle for you.
🔗 Browse Our Used Inventory
🔗 Shop New Vehicles
🔗 Value Your Trade-In
🔗 Get Pre-Approved for Financing
Choosing the perfect family-friendly vehicle in 2025 means prioritizing safety, space, and smart features for everyday convenience. Whether you need an SUV, minivan, or a tech-loaded ride, Kia, Hyundai, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram offer some of the best family cars this year.
From safe family cars with advanced driver assistance to spacious cars 2025 with third-row seating, this guide highlights the best SUVs for families, top minivans 2025, and the smartest tech features to look for.
Best Family Cars of 2025: What to Look For
The best family cars balance safety, space, and technology. Features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are now standard in safe family cars like the Hyundai Palisade and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
For families needing extra space, SUVs like the Kia Telluride and Dodge Durango offer roomy third-row seating, while the Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival provide unmatched minivan practicality. Tech-savvy cars now include wireless charging, entertainment screens, and smart driver-assist features, making road trips smoother than ever.
Safest Family Cars of 2025
Safe family cars must have top crash test ratings and the latest driver-assist tech. SUVs like the Kia EV9, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe lead in safety, while minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica offer features like pedestrian detection and rear-seat reminders.
Dodge’s Durango and Jeep’s Grand Cherokee L provide off-road capability with high safety ratings, making them great for adventurous families who still want peace of mind.
Best SUVs and Minivans for Space
For those prioritizing space, the best SUVs for families include the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L, all offering generous cargo space and comfortable seating.
Minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival provide sliding doors, configurable seating, and entertainment systems, making them top picks for spacious cars 2025.
Tech-Savvy Cars: Smart Features for Modern Families
The latest tech-savvy cars enhance convenience with hands-free liftgates, AI-powered navigation, and advanced infotainment. The Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Ram 1500 feature top-tier connectivity, while the Chrysler Pacifica includes entertainment screens for rear passengers.
Jeep and Dodge models now integrate smart assistants like Alexa and Google Voice, making travel easier and safer.
The best family cars of 2025 combine safety, space, and smart features to fit every lifestyle. Whether you need a spacious SUV, a tech-savvy minivan, or a rugged but safe family car, brands like Kia, Hyundai, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram offer top-tier choices.
Explore these models in person and test drive to find the perfect fit for your family!
