Scioto County Between Rivers, Forest and Cultural Heritage

The Scioto River and the Ohio River meet in Scioto County. The hilly terrain is part of the foothills of the Appalachians; river valleys and forested heights give the area a distinctive natural character. Portsmouth complements this landscape with museums, murals and historic sites.

Forests, Lakes and Trails

Shawnee State Forest covers more than 63,000 acres. Those interested in horseback riding will find more than 70 miles of bridle trails there, as well as a basic equestrian campground with 58 sites. Check the season and local conditions before your trip.

The Shawnee Backpack Trail offers a 40-mile main loop, divided into a 23-mile North Loop and a 17-mile South Loop. In Shawnee State Park, the 5-mile Park Loop Trail offers a shorter option: it circles Turkey Creek Lake and passes through a variety of ecosystems.

Several lakes in Shawnee State Park are open to fishing, swimming and boating. Conditions and restrictions may vary. Another notable feature is the restored Copperhead Fire Tower, which you can climb at your own risk. From there, you can see the surrounding forests and hills; check current conditions before climbing.

The Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail is more than 84 miles long and includes 44 points of interest. It begins at the Scioto County Welcome Center in Portsmouth’s historic Boneyfiddle District downtown and connects with the Ohio River Scenic Byway near the Portsmouth Floodwall Murals. The route runs from the lowlands along the river valleys to the county’s highest elevations, with views over the valleys below. Check current route information before planning your drive.

Portsmouth’s Museums and Murals

The Southern Ohio Museum opened in 1979 in a historic Beaux-Arts building at 825 Gallia Street in downtown Portsmouth. It houses the world’s largest collection of works by Clarence Holbrook Carter. The Art of the Ancients gallery features 10,000 prehistoric objects from Indigenous peoples of North America in the Wertz Collection. Tours, an interactive children’s area, and year-round exhibitions and events round out the offerings; programming may vary. Please check current program details before your visit. Admission is free. If you’re relying on this when planning, confirm it before your visit.

The Portsmouth Floodwall Murals tell the story of Portsmouth from ancient times to the present day. More than 55 murals stretch for more than 1,000 feet along the floodwall. An immersive audio and visual tour is available through the Portsmouth Murals app; check in advance whether the app is available for your visit.

The Boneyfiddle District retains architecture dating from before 1900. The Old Market Square area is considered the community’s cultural center. Also in Portsmouth, the Boneyfiddle Military Museum displays uniforms, equipment, awards and other objects from the military history of the United States. Two other sites offer different perspectives on the region’s history: Otway Covered Bridge was built in 1874 and is the last remaining covered bridge in Scioto County. Tremper Mound is near the junction of State Route 104 and Route 73 in Rush Township and was built by the ancient Hopewell people.

Events and Local Life

Final Fridays are an ongoing tradition in Boneyfiddle. Music acts from the local, regional and national scenes perform; check event announcements for current dates. River Days takes place annually in Portsmouth over Labor Day weekend and has been running for more than six decades. The program includes a talent show, parade, food trucks, carnival games and rides, and live music. Events may change from year to year, so check the schedule for the year you plan to travel.

The seasonal Main Street Portsmouth In Bloom Farmers Market takes place downtown. Regional farms and cottage-industry vendors share their produce and goods with the community. The program includes agricultural education, art activities and musical performances; offerings may vary by season. Check current market days and hours if you’re planning a visit.

Consider which experiences you want to shape your trip, then look for a hotel in Scioto County that fits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Shawnee State Forest, Wheelersburg, Franklin Furnace, Auglaize County, Trumbull County, Williams, Stark, Franklin

For the main travel overview: Ohio.