Ohio River Scenic Byway
Visitor Services
Most services may be found in communities on or near the byway.
| Service | Description | Service | Description |
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Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities The nationally-designated American Discovery Trail follows, or is planned to follow, much of the Ohio River. In Illinois and Indiana, hikers share the trail with bikers along the proposed southern...
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Camping Shawnee, Wayne, and Hoosier National Forests offer camping facilities. For nearby campground reservations: * [Recreation.gov](http://www.recreation.gov/) - National Forest Campgrounds *...
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Food There are places to buy food along this byway. |
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Gasoline Gasoline is available. |
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Information Information about travel and tourism in southern Indiana may be found at the Southern Indiana Visitor Center in Jeffersonville. |
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Lodging It is common to find bed & breakfasts, inns, motels, and hotels along the corridor, to accommodate all lodging preferences. |
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Phone Public phones are available along this byway. |
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Restrooms There are toilet facilities along this byway. |
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Retail There are places to shop along this byway. |
NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.
Special Considerations
The roads are well surfaced and in good condition. Passenger vehicles are easily accommodated. A narrow and hilly segment of the byway near Tower Rock in Hardin County, Illinois, is not advised for RVs or tour buses. An alternate route has been identified for these vehicles along the roadside.
In general, the route location and flood control systems allow the route to be traveled during ordinary periods of high water. Although flooding along the Ohio River is a rare event, it is most likely to occur between November and April. In addition, short sections along the route may experience annual or bi-annual flooding, including the portion of US 52 east of Cincinnati, Ohio, known as Eastern Avenue.
Restrictions
The byway is open year-round. However, snowstorms are possible, particularly from mid-December through mid-March, and can cause road closures. Floods can also result in road closures, especially the terminus of the route in Cairo.
The byway has narrow shoulders and winding roads.
Seasons
- Best Time to Drive
This byway is a beautiful drive any season. In the forest, fall foliage and spring blooms are equally breath-taking, as are the flowing creeks and greenery. Rocky cliffs are beautiful under the freshly fallen snow.
- High Season
The route is rarely crowded, except for segments near large cities during peak traffic times of day. The byway sees its heaviest use from July through October.
- Shoulder Season
Some areas along the byway are prone to flooding during the fall and spring, causing occasional closures.
