10 Easy Road Trips Near Youngstown, Ohio (All Outside Mahoning County)
If you live in or around
Youngstown, Ohio and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in the perfect spot. Youngstown sits close to a bunch of counties in both Ohio and Pennsylvania, which means you’re just a short drive away from tons of fun day trips and weekend adventures.
In this guide, you’ll find
10 short out-of-county road trips from Youngstown, all within driving distance and all located in these nearby counties:
Ohio: Columbiana, Portage, Stark, Trumbull
Pennsylvania: Lawrence, Mercer
No spots in Mahoning County, and nothing inside the city of Youngstown itself—just fresh scenery and new places to explore.
1. Explore Historic Salem, Ohio (Columbiana County)
If you’re in the mood for small-town charm,
Salem is an easy choice. It’s about a 30–40 minute drive from Youngstown, depending on where you start, and it feels like you stepped into a cozy old movie set.
You can:
- Walk through the Downtown Salem Historic District with its old brick buildings and local shops.
- Check out small boutiques and antique stores for unique finds.
- Stop in a locally owned coffee shop or diner for lunch.
If you enjoy history, you’ll appreciate how many buildings still keep their original character. It’s a calm, easy day trip when you don’t want anything too fast-paced.
2. Hike and Paddle at Guilford Lake State Park (Columbiana County)
Looking for a little nature without a long drive?
Guilford Lake State Park is a peaceful spot for a quick escape.
Here you can:
- Take a relaxing hike on short trails around the lake.
- Rent a kayak, canoe, or bring your own boat (no huge powerboats, so it stays fairly quiet).
- Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch by the water.
On a warm summer day, the lake is calm and inviting. If you’re a fishing fan, bring your gear and try your luck along the shoreline. It’s the kind of place where time slows down a bit.
3. Visit Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park (Portage County)
If you’re up for a little more adventure, head west to
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park in Portage County. It’s known for its unique rock formations and short but exciting hiking trails.
What to expect:
- Stone “ledges” and cliffs with narrow passes and cool rock walls.
- Color-coded hiking trails—some easy, some more challenging.
- Lots of fun spots for photos and exploring.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Some parts of the trail can be a bit steep or rocky, but that’s part of the fun. It’s a great road trip if you want something more active but still under a couple of hours from Youngstown.
4. Spend a Day at West Branch State Park (Portage County)
Another great
Portage County option is
West Branch State Park, which wraps around the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. This is a solid choice for families or groups with different interests.
You can:
- Relax on the swimming beach in summer.
- Bring or rent a boat and explore the big open water.
- Ride bikes or walk along quiet park roads and paths.
- Try fishing from the shore or a boat.
On a nice day, the park feels like a mini lake vacation without the long drive. Pack a cooler, some chairs, and you’ve got a full day ready to go.
5. Discover Canton’s Football & Arts Scene (Stark County)
In
Stark County, the city of
Canton makes an excellent road trip if you want more of a city feel without heading to Cleveland or Pittsburgh.
Highlights include:
- The Pro Football Hall of Fame – a must-see for football fans.
- The Canton Arts District – full of murals, galleries, and local shops.
- Plenty of places to eat, from casual diners to trendy restaurants.
If you love the NFL, plan a few hours at the Hall of Fame. If not, just stroll the downtown area, grab some lunch, and enjoy the public art. Canton makes a good all-weather trip because there’s plenty to do indoors.
6. Walk Around Historic Zoar Village (Stark County)
For a quieter, more historic Stark County trip, head to
Zoar Village. It’s a small 19th-century village founded by German settlers, and it still keeps that old-world feel.
What you can do:
- Tour historic homes and buildings (many are now museums or shops).
- Walk through peaceful gardens and along tree-lined streets.
- Enjoy seasonal events and craft fairs if your timing is right.
Zoar feels like a step back in time, and it’s perfect if you enjoy learning how people lived long before smartphones and highways. It’s slow-paced in the best way.
7. Enjoy the Outdoors at Mosquito Lake State Park (Trumbull County)
Just north of Youngstown,
Trumbull County offers one of the largest lakes in Ohio:
Mosquito Lake State Park. This is a great spot if you want a mix of outdoor activities.
Things to do:
- Walk or bike along the lakeside paths.
- Launch a boat or kayak and explore the wide-open water.
- Let the kids enjoy the playgrounds and open grassy areas.
On a summer evening, watching the sunset over the water is worth the drive by itself. If you’re a camper, you can also turn this road trip into an overnight stay.
8. Stroll Quaint Downtown Warren (Trumbull County)
Another easy Trumbull County destination is
Warren, about 25–35 minutes from Youngstown. It’s a nice pick if you want a simple day with food, history, and a little exploring.
Ideas for your visit:
- Walk around Courthouse Square and check out the architecture.
- Visit local shops and grab coffee or lunch downtown.
- Enjoy a peaceful walk in nearby city parks.
It’s not a huge city, but that’s part of the appeal. You can park once, wander around, and take your time. If you like small-city vibes with less traffic and noise, Warren is a solid choice.
9. Explore New Castle’s History & Cascade Park (Lawrence County, PA)
Crossing into
Pennsylvania,
New Castle in Lawrence County offers a mix of history, small-city energy, and outdoor space.
Here’s what you might do:
- Walk through Cascade Park with its trails, creek, and old amusement park remnants.
- Check out historic churches and buildings around town.
- Grab a classic Western PA pizza or hoagie at a local spot.
I’ve found that driving through New Castle feels familiar—like Youngstown’s cousin—but with enough differences to make it interesting. It’s an easy cross-state trip that doesn’t feel far from home.
10. Wander Through Grove City & Grove City Premium Outlets (Mercer County, PA)
If you enjoy shopping—or you’re just in the mood for a change of scenery—head east to
Mercer County, Pennsylvania. The
Grove City Premium Outlets are a popular stop for folks from all over northeast Ohio.
You can:
- Shop at dozens of name-brand outlet stores.
- Grab a bite at casual restaurants and food spots around the outlets.
- Combine your trip with a stop in nearby downtown Grove City for a more small-town feel.
It’s especially fun around the holidays, but it works any time of year. If you like a mix of deals, people-watching, and a bit of a drive through the countryside, this road trip checks all the boxes.
Tips for Planning Your Youngstown Road Trips
To make the most of your short road trips from Youngstown, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the weather: Especially for state parks and outdoor spots.
- Look up hours: Museums, shops, and attractions can have limited or seasonal hours.
- Pack a small “go bag”: Water, snacks, phone charger, light jacket, and a simple first-aid kit.
- Have a backup plan: If it rains, swap a park day for a city like Canton, Warren, or New Castle.
Short drives—usually under an hour and a half—mean you can be flexible and still sleep in your own bed at night.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip Near Youngstown?
These
10 out-of-county road trips from Youngstown are just a starting point. Once you begin exploring Columbiana, Portage, Stark, Trumbull, Lawrence, and Mercer counties, you’ll start to find your own favorite spots—maybe a quiet trail, a hidden coffee shop, or a lakefront picnic area that just feels right.
Have you visited any of these places?
Do you have a secret roadside stop or small town you love near Youngstown?
Share your favorite nearby road trip destinations in the comments below—and don’t be shy about adding tips, like where to park or the best time of day to visit.
If you found this guide helpful,
please share it with friends and family who are looking for easy things to do near Youngstown, Ohio. A simple share can be the start of someone else’s next adventure.
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