10 Easy Road Trips From Canton, Ohio: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Stark County
If you live in or around
Canton, Ohio and feel like you’ve done all the local things, don’t worry—you’ve got a whole world of day trips waiting just beyond Stark County.
Within an hour or so, you can find rolling Amish countryside, waterfalls, vintage trains, quirky small towns, and great food. These short
road trips near Canton, Ohio are perfect for a Saturday drive, a family outing, or a quick couple’s escape.
All of the ideas below are
outside Stark County and in these nearby counties: Carroll, Columbiana, Holmes, Mahoning, Portage, Summit, Tuscarawas, and Wayne.
1. Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (Summit County)
If you’re craving a classic American train ride, head up toward
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Summit County. The
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs through some of the prettiest scenery in northeast Ohio.
- Enjoy vintage rail cars with huge windows.
- Hop on and off at different stops along the line.
- Look for special rides like wine tastings or family events.
On one of my trips, I sat near a couple celebrating their anniversary. They had driven in from Canton, rode the train, had dinner in Peninsula, and were back home before dark. It’s that kind of easy, no-stress adventure.
Drive time from Canton: about 35–45 minutes, depending on the station you choose.
2. Explore Amish Country in Berlin & Millersburg (Holmes County)
Looking for a slower pace and homemade food? Head south to
Holmes County, one of the largest Amish communities in the country.
In and around
Berlin and
Millersburg, you’ll find:
- Hearty Amish restaurants with comfort food and giant portions.
- Quilt shops, furniture makers, and local craft stores.
- Peaceful back roads where you’ll share the lane with buggies.
It’s an easy place to spend the day just wandering. Grab a slice of pie, browse a few shops, and take a slow drive through the countryside. Time seems to move a little differently there.
Drive time from Canton: roughly 45–60 minutes.
3. Visit Historic Zoar Village (Tuscarawas County)
If you enjoy small towns with big stories,
Zoar Village in Tuscarawas County is a must-see. This 19th-century German settlement feels like stepping back in time.
You’ll find:
- Preserved historic homes and gardens.
- A peaceful village square that’s perfect for a stroll.
- Guided tours that explain the unique communal history of Zoar.
I visited on a quiet fall afternoon, and it honestly felt like walking through a living museum. The pace is slow, the streets are calm, and there’s a sense of history in every building.
Drive time from Canton: about 35–45 minutes.
4. Hike Brandywine Falls & the Trails Nearby (Summit County)
Another
Summit County favorite,
Brandywine Falls is one of the most photogenic spots in northeast Ohio. The waterfall drops about 65 feet into a rocky gorge, and there are platforms where you can get great views.
Around the falls you can:
- Walk easy boardwalk paths to the viewing platforms.
- Connect to longer hiking trails if you want more of a workout.
- Combine your visit with nearby towns like Peninsula or Hudson.
If you go after a good rain, the waterfall is especially powerful. Just get there early on summer weekends—it can get busy.
Drive time from Canton: about 40–50 minutes.
5. Spend a Day in Kent’s Downtown & Riverfront (Portage County)
For a lively college-town vibe, head to
Kent in
Portage County. Kent has a walkable downtown with coffee shops, local restaurants, and views of the Cuyahoga River.
Things to do in Kent:
- Grab lunch or dinner at a locally owned restaurant.
- Walk the riverfront paths and check out the locks and bridges.
- Pop into record shops, bookstores, and boutiques.
On one visit, I spent an hour just people-watching from a café by the window. Students, families, cyclists—everyone seemed to pass by. It’s a great quick trip if you want energy and variety without a long drive.
Drive time from Canton: about 30–40 minutes.
6. Relax at Guilford Lake State Park (Columbiana County)
If a calm lakeside afternoon sounds good, check out
Guilford Lake State Park in
Columbiana County. It’s a cozy spot that feels like a hidden getaway.
At Guilford Lake, you can:
- Rent a boat or kayak when in season.
- Fish from the shore or a small dock.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the lake views.
This is the kind of place where you can toss a blanket on the grass, read a book, and just breathe for a while. It’s low-key and perfect when you don’t want a busy, crowded park.
Drive time from Canton: about 45–55 minutes.
7. Discover Downtown Wooster & Rural Wayne County
Wayne County offers a mix of farmland and a surprisingly charming small city:
Wooster. It makes a great day trip if you like good food and local shops.
In and around Wooster you can:
- Stroll downtown and browse boutiques, bakeries, and galleries.
- Check out local restaurants using fresh, area ingredients.
- Take a drive through the rolling countryside outside town.
I still remember a rainy afternoon in Wooster, ducking into a bakery for coffee and a warm pastry. It felt like the kind of place where the staff actually remembers the regulars’ names.
Drive time from Canton: about 35–45 minutes.
8. Shop, Sip, and Explore in Boardman & Canfield (Mahoning County)
If you’re in the mood for shopping, dining, and parks all in one area, point your car toward
Mahoning County. The Boardman and Canfield area, just south of Youngstown, offers a lot in a compact region.
Consider:
- Shopping and dining around the Route 224 corridor.
- Visiting local parks and green spaces for a walk.
- Checking the calendar for events and festivals.
This makes a nice “mixed bag” day trip—maybe some shopping, a relaxed lunch, then a stroll in the park before heading back to Canton.
Drive time from Canton: roughly 45–60 minutes.
9. Drive the Country Roads of Carroll County & Atwood Lake
Carroll County doesn’t always show up on big travel lists, but that’s part of its charm. It’s all about quiet back roads, small towns, and scenic lakes like
Atwood Lake (right on the edge of Carroll and Tuscarawas Counties).
You can:
- Take a slow drive along the rural roads and enjoy the views.
- Stop at Atwood Lake for lakefront relaxing, boating, or a meal at a lakeside spot.
- Explore small towns for ice cream, diners, and antiques.
If you’ve ever said, “I just want to go for a drive,” this is the area for that. Roll down the windows, turn on some music, and let the road unwind.
Drive time from Canton: about 30–45 minutes.
10. Tour New Philadelphia & Dover (Tuscarawas County)
Tuscarawas County shines with the twin cities of
New Philadelphia and
Dover. Together they make a full, easy day trip from Canton.
Ideas for your visit:
- Walk downtown New Philadelphia’s square and grab lunch.
- Explore local museums or historic sites in the area.
- Check out specialty shops and local sweets.
These towns have that classic “Ohio main street” feel—friendly people, brick buildings, and just enough going on to keep you busy without feeling rushed.
Drive time from Canton: about 30–40 minutes.
Tips for Planning Your Canton, Ohio Road Trips
To make the most of these short getaways from Canton:
- Leave a little early: You’ll beat crowds and have more time to explore.
- Check hours ahead: Small-town shops and museums sometimes close earlier than you’d expect.
- Pack a “car kit”: Water, snacks, phone charger, and maybe a light jacket—Ohio weather likes surprises.
- Have a backup plan: If one spot is closed, you’ll already know your second choice nearby.
These road trips are all close enough that you can be home the same day, but they still feel like a mini-vacation from everyday life in Canton.
Where Will You Go Next?
From Amish buggies and waterfalls to small-town squares and lakeside views, there are so many
things to do near Canton, Ohio once you cross that Stark County line.
Which road trip sounds best to you—trains, trails, lakes, or charming little downtowns?
If you found this guide helpful:
- Share it with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
- Comment below with your favorite day trip from Canton—or one you’re planning to try next.
Your ideas and experiences just might inspire someone else’s next weekend adventure.
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