The best road trips are the ones that bring unexpected adventure. A great motorcycle ride is no different. The winding roads of the Triple Nickel Ohio Route bring nothing less than unexpected stops, quiet roads, and views you won’t soon forget.
For this ride, the journey starts in Zanesville. Situated as the perfect Triple Nickel home base, you’ll find southern Ohio the ideal host for your ride. Fill up, grab breakfast downtown, and point your bike toward one of Ohio’s most popular motorcycle routes. Motorcyclists across the Midwest have made Ohio’s State Route 555, the Triple Nickel, a bucket-list ride. Before you know it, the city fades, and Appalachian hills fill your view.
Hitting the Road on the Triple Nickel in Ohio
The first stretch of the route gives you time to settle into the ride. Farmland gives way to wooded hills, and the curves begin arriving one after another. Before long, you understand why riders compare the Triple Nickel to Tennessee’s Tail of the Dragon.
The Triple Nickel rewards riders who slow down and enjoy the views. Elevation changes keep the ride exciting, while quiet backroads make it easy to leave the busy pace of everyday life behind.
You’ll pass through small communities where life moves at a slower pace. These are the kinds of places where a local diner or roadside market makes an unexpected highlight of the day.
Photo-Worthy Stops on Ohio Route 555
One of the best parts of riding the Triple Nickel is discovering reasons to stop.
As the route winds through southeastern Ohio, scenic overlooks appear around unexpected corners. No matter when you set off, each season gives the route a different personality. Whether you’re viewing summer fields or vibrant foliage, you’ll experience Ohio’s southern beauty.
Big Muskie’s Bucket is a stop that always gets riders talking. Standing beneath the enormous bucket from one of the world’s largest draglines puts its incredible size into perspective. It only takes a few minutes to stop, but the sheer size of the bucket makes it worth the detour.
If your schedule allows, consider a detour to The Wilds. Hundreds of rare and endangered animals roam the wide-open pastures. It’s one of Ohio’s most unique attractions and an easy way to turn your ride into an even bigger adventure.
Small-Town Attractions Along the Triple Nickel Ohio
Part of what makes the Triple Nickel memorable isn’t just the road. It’s the small-town charm that invites you along the way.
Towns like McConnelsville and Stockport offer a chance to pause and enjoy the journey. Grab lunch at a local restaurant, stretch your legs, or browse a local shop before getting back on the bike.
These quiet stops help break up the ride and remind you that some of the best travel experiences aren’t planned. They’re found by taking the scenic route.
Plan Your Zanesville Motorcycle Getaway After Riding the Triple Nickel
Eventually, the southern Ohio roads lead you back to where you started.
Returning to Zanesville is the perfect finish after a day spent chasing curves through Appalachian Ohio. Instead of packing up and heading home, consider staying another night.
Treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant or unwind with a drink at a nearby brewery. Spend the next morning exploring downtown shops, local art, or museums before heading out again.
If one great ride isn’t enough, you’re in luck. Zanesville also serves as the gateway to additional motorcycle routes, including the Wayne Tour and the Hocking Hills Tour. It may even convince you to add another night to your trip.
Before You Ride
A little preparation goes a long way on the Triple Nickel, so a few things before you zoom off.
Gas stations soon become scarce, so fuel up before leaving Zanesville. Ride within your comfort level, especially around blind hills and tight curves. Keep an eye out for wildlife, loose gravel, and farm equipment, particularly during warmer months.
Most importantly, don’t watch the clock. Set aside the entire day and permit yourself to stop often. The overlooks, attractions, and small towns are just as memorable as the road itself.
The Journey Is the Destination
By the time you return to Zanesville, you’ll understand why riders across Ohio praise the Triple Nickel as one of the state’s top motorcycle rides.
The route combines challenging curves with the kind of scenery that makes riders stop and look twice. Combined with friendly small towns and unexpected roadside discoveries, there’s no mistaking why this ride is spectacular.
Whether you’re checking off the Triple Nickel on your motorcycle bucket list or looking for a getaway, southeastern Ohio offers an unforgettable ride. Don’t forget to check the Triple Nickel Tour map before you go. Let the roads guide your adventure.
Planning a fall trip? Discover Fall Fun in Zanesville-Muskingum County and add even more stops to your itinerary. Long after the engine cools, you’ll be planning your return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ride the Triple Nickel?
Plan to spend most of the day on the route. The mileage can be driven in several hours, but you’ll want extra time for exciting stops, meals, and local attractions.
Is the Triple Nickel suitable for beginner riders?
The Triple Nickel is best suited for riders with some experience. Its tight curves, elevation changes, and limited visibility in some sections require confidence and careful riding.
Why is Ohio Route 555 called the Triple Nickel?
The nickname comes from the highway number itself: State Route 555. Over the years, riders have turned the repeating fives into the memorable name “Triple Nickel.”
When is the best time of year to ride the Triple Nickel?
Spring, summer, and fall all offer beautiful scenery. Many riders especially enjoy autumn, when the hills of southeastern Ohio are covered in colorful fall foliage.
Where should I stay when riding the Triple Nickel?
Zanesville is an ideal place to stay before or after your ride. You’ll find comfortable lodging, restaurants, fuel, and easy access to the route, making it a convenient base for a motorcycle weekend.
Are there other motorcycle routes near the Triple Nickel?
Yes. If you have extra time, extend your trip with nearby scenic rides like the Wayne Tour or the Hocking Hills Tour. Both offer more winding roads and beautiful Ohio landscapes.
