One of the great joys of the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is that it weaves directly through the region’s most spectacular natural wonders. This isn’t a road trip where you stop for gas station coffee; you stop for waterfalls and ancient stone formations.
The Rarity and the Road
There’s a unique feeling that settles in when you swing a leg over a vintage machine. It’s not the smooth, computer-perfect acceleration of a modern bike. It’s the rumble, the mechanical theatre of a simpler engine—a promise of a ride more connected to the road. On this trip, my ride was a 1974 Honda CB550 -- a trusted friend I've had since I was a teenager.
Our destination? State Route 374 in the heart of Ohio’s Hocking Hills.
This road is not just a stretch of asphalt; it’s an experience. Part of the larger Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, SR 374 is a 26.4-mile ribbon of road that winds its way through the deepest parts of Hocking Hills State Forest and State Park. It's renowned among riders for its relentless twists, dramatic elevation changes, and dense, uninterrupted forest scenery. If you've ever heard a biker describe a road as a "rollercoaster," they were probably thinking of this one.
And let me tell you, there is no better way to ride a rollercoaster than on a vintage bike.
The older motorcycles demand a certain attention, a conversation between rider and machine. The tight corners and blind crests of 374 require you to listen to the engine's song, feel the grip of the tires, and work the gears. It’s a pure, analogue experience—a perfect match for a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for millennia.
The Ascent into the Green Tunnel
The ride begins, ideally, by peeling off of US 33 near Rockbridge, though starting from the southern end on SR 56 offers an equally satisfying experience. Either way, within moments, the modern world melts away. The wide-open sky is quickly replaced by a dense canopy of hemlocks and hardwoods, creating what locals lovingly call a “Green Tunnel.”
This is where the magic begins.
The vintage engine barks to life, the vibrations humming up through the leather seat. I drop down a gear, the satisfying clunk of the old transmission a soundtrack to the unfolding scenery. The road instantly begins its dance. It's not a gentle waltz; it's a spirited jig.
The road surface on 374 is generally well-maintained, but the grade changes are continuous. You crest a rise and immediately plunge into a shady valley, setting up for a sharp, banked curve. The "rollercoaster" moniker is spot-on—you feel the compression and lift of the hills. On a lighter, more responsive vintage bike, you are truly riding the terrain, not just observing it.
With an older machine, you learn to respect the curves. The tighter corners are often marked with an advisory speed of 15 mph, and those signs are not joking. They demand a smooth downshift, a steady lean, and a clean line—a test of skill that modern sport bikes can often mask with technology. On a vintage ride, it's all on you, and the reward for nailing a sequence of S-curves is a deep, primal satisfaction.
Pausing at Timeless Landmarks
One of the great joys of the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is that it weaves directly through the region’s most spectacular natural wonders. This isn’t a road trip where you stop for gas station coffee; you stop for waterfalls and ancient stone formations.
About halfway through the route, I began to see the signs that beckoned me to pull over. The quiet, winding road momentarily merges with SR 664, which connects some of the main park attractions.
My first essential stop was Ash Cave. The walk from the parking area is short and paved, which, as many riders know, means you don’t even have to change out of your riding boots. It’s a moment of humbling silence as you stand beneath the massive, horseshoe-shaped recess cave—the largest of its kind in Ohio. The cool air, the damp stone, and the distant echo of a waterfall transport you to a different era. It makes the 1970s of my bike feel practically modern.
For those interested in an even deeper dive into the forest, a stop at Conkle's Hollow is a must. Known as one of the deepest gorges in the state, the views from the rim are spectacular, an ancient canvas of towering cliffs and deep ravines.
The entire area forces you to slow down, to truly appreciate the landscape. On a fast-paced tour, you might blur past these treasures. But on a vintage ride, where the pace is often dictated by the bike’s limitations and your desire for mechanical empathy, the stops become a critical, beautiful part of the journey.
The Biker's Retreat and the Final Run
A ride this good deserves a proper break, and the Hocking Hills area provides a few classic biker havens.
Near the intersection of SR 56, the legendary JimBo’s Bar and Diner is a perfect spot to break bread and soak in some motorcycle culture. This place has been a convergence point for riders for years. Pulling up on a vintage bike here feels right—it's a nod to the history of the sport that this area so clearly embraces. A good burger, a cold soda (if you're still riding, of course!), and the chance to chat with other riders—from Ironheads to modern adventure bikes—is the perfect mid-day reset.
Alternatively, for a more upscale yet rustic experience, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls sits right off of SR 374. Their restaurant, Kindred Spirits, offers a beautiful spot for a quieter lunch or dinner, providing a comfortable counterpoint to the grit of the road.Fueled up and rested, it was time for the last leg of the "Time Machine Ride." Heading back north on 374, I focused on the pure joy of the curves. The dense foliage means the road is often shaded, requiring careful attention to small patches of moss or debris, especially on the tighter, 15 mph hairpin turns. On a vintage machine with older suspension, you feel every subtle texture of the road, demanding a thoughtful, skillful application of throttle and counter-steer.
As I approached the end of the route, the road straightened out a little, allowing for a satisfying roll of the throttle. The sun dappled through the remaining trees, casting moving shadows on the road ahead.
Why Vintage on the 374 is a Must
Riding the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway on State Route 374 is an exceptional ride on any motorcycle. But doing it on a vintage machine is to add a layer of perfect synergy.
The road itself is a piece of Americana—a forgotten highway that time has preserved for the adventurous. It demands presence and respect. A vintage motorcycle demands the same. They are both relics of a time when the journey was the point, not the destination.
The short length of the 374 (just over 26 miles) makes it a perfect half-day trip, especially on a classic machine that requires a few more stops for rest or admiring glances. You can take your time, savor the "rollercoaster" elevation changes, and truly see the natural beauty that surrounds you.
If your old thumper or classic cruiser is gathering dust in the garage, SR 374 is the reason to pull it out, polish the chrome, and adjust the carburetor. Forget the interstates; this road is a portal back to the best days of motoring. It's a reminder that the best rides are the ones that challenge you, connect you to your machine, and leave you feeling like you’ve traveled not just miles, but decades.