Many towns in the region reflect their origins in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when settlers from the newly independent United States of America first crossed over the mountains. Most traveled along the Ohio River, exploring its tributaries, encountering Native groups, marveling at the already-ancient and often overgrown architectural monuments, and establishing new settlements.

Today, many of these places reflect their layered history: from antiquity through the 19th century, and into the modern era. Our Ancient Ohio Trail ITINERARY invites you to stay, eat, shop, explore, and relax in some of these wonderful historic places. The TOWNS of Granville, Chillicothe, and Lebanon are especially convenient and pleasant bases for excursions to all of the earthwork SITES, and serve as nodes on our recommended network of ROUTES.

Convenient to both Columbus and Newark, the picturesque and sophisticated village of Granville exudes both “early Ohio” and “New England” charm. Well-known historic inns (Granville and Buxton), and excellent university (Denison), and an array of restaurants (including the exquisite Short Story) make this a cultured and well-appointed home base for touring central Ohio.

For driving directions, and detailed information on what to see and how to get around, consult the GRANVILLE and COLUMBUS ITINERARY. Select adjacent itinerary segments, including nearby Newark, using the ROUTES map.

Further information on what to see and do in the vicinity is available from the Greater Licking County Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://www.lccvb.com.

Granville

On the banks of the Scioto River, Chillicothe (the name means “town” in Shawnee) occupies the heartland of Hopewell-era culture, with more spectacular earthwork sites in close proximity than any other location in North America. The town preserves extensive historic districts with superb architecture, good local commerce, excellent accommodations, and a variety of restaurants.

For driving directions, and detailed information on what to see and how to get around, consult the CHILLICOTHE ITINERARY. Select adjacent itinerary segments, including rewarding excursions to Portsmouth, Athens, and Marietta, using the ROUTES map.

Further information on what to see and do in the vicinity is available from the Chillicothe and Ross County Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://www.visitchillicotheohio.com

Chillicothe Two Grk Porches

The thriving small city of Lebanon is the seat of Warren County and, with nearby Waynesville, a major antiques capital. Its well preserved downtown contains Ohio’s oldest inn and restaurant, the famed Golden Lamb, helping to make this an ideal base for touring southwest Ohio.

For driving directions, and detailed information on what to see and how to get around, consult the LEBANON and POLLOCK ITINERARY. Select adjacent itinerary segments, including the Cincinnati region, using the ROUTES map.

Further information on what to see and do in the vicinity is available from the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://www.ohioslargestplayground.com/.

Lebanon, Golden Lamb Inn