Drive from Dayton to Hocking Hills (U.S. 35)

Open this route in Google Maps3 stops in order · 118 mi · free, no sign-up

Road essentials

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For this drive
HotHands Warmer Pack
Disposable hand/toe warmers for cold mornings and overlooks.
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SUNDA 4-Port Car Charger
4 ports (2 USB-C, 2 USB-A) for phones running Maps.
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Rand McNally Road Atlas
Paper maps for dead-signal stretches; 2027 edition.
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Gear for this drive

EUHOMY 37-qt 12V Portable Fridge/FreezerCold food and drinks between stops, no ice needed. Amazon.Add to cart

weBoost Drive Reach RV Signal BoosterTurns 1 bar to 4 in remote spots. Amazon.Add to cart

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Road distance and drive time are a routing estimate (OSRM) with no traffic and no stops.

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The three stops from our co-pilot reel, in the order you would drive them across Ohio. Facts come from official sources (linked under each stop). The photos are ours. Mileage and drive time are a routing estimate without traffic or stops. Routing follows U.S. 35 southeast from Dayton (about 74 of the miles) toward Chillicothe, then state routes east into the Hocking Hills. Check current road conditions and hours before you go.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Our photo.

Verified facts
- The Missile Gallery, opened to the public in 2004, is in a silo-like structure that stands 140 feet high. Source: nationalmuseum.af.mil ↗
- The Boeing VC-137C, also known as SAM 26000, was used by eight presidents. Source: nationalmuseum.af.mil ↗
- The Wright 1909 Military Flyer on display is a reproduction constructed by museum personnel in 1955. Source: nationalmuseum.af.mil ↗
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8 mi · 16 min from stop 1

Carillon Historical Park

Our photo.

Verified facts
- The NCR Cash Register Room shows machines invented by James Ritty and perfected by John H. Patterson’s National Cash Register Company. Source: daytonhistory.org ↗
- Preserving the 1905 Wright Flyer III for Carillon Park was Orville Wright’s final major endeavor before his death in 1948. Source: daytonhistory.org ↗
- The park’s Wright Cycle Shop is a replica of Wilbur and Orville’s fifth and final store at 1127 W. Third St. in West Dayton. Source: daytonhistory.org ↗
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110 mi · 2 hr 30 min from stop 2

Hocking Hills State Park (Old Man's Cave)

Our photo.

Verified facts
- Shelter caves are not true caves because they are not composed of winding underground passages. Source: ohiodnr.gov ↗
- Black Hand Sandstone is the major cliff-forming unit responsible for the stunning scenery in the Hocking Hills region. Source: ohiodnr.gov ↗
- Water and wind weather the sandstone’s central zone into enormous shelters; examples include Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Whispering Cave. Source: ohiodnr.gov ↗
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