The Scioto River and the Ohio River meet in Scioto County. Its rolling terrain belongs to the foothills of the Appalachians. Together, the rivers and elevations shape two distinct sides of the landscape. The culture, too, can be explored on different scales: from the Portsmouth Floodwall Murals to the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail, which connects river valleys and higher elevations.
Rivers and routes through the landscape
Portsmouth offers several access points to the rivers. You can reach the Ohio River via Court Street Landing or Offnere Street from Second Street. A footpath from Alexandria Park leads to the Scioto River; its entrance begins on Front Street near the confluence. River conditions or local work may affect access. So check conditions on-site before your visit.
The Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail offers a longer perspective on the landscape. It is more than 84 miles long and includes 44 points of interest. The trailhead is at the Scioto County Welcome Center in the historic Boneyfiddle District in downtown Portsmouth. Near the Portsmouth Floodwall Murals, the trail connects with the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Its route leads from the lowlands along the valleys of the Scioto River and Ohio River to the highest elevations in Scioto County; along the way, views open up over the valleys below.
That is a different scale from the Portsmouth River Trail: this paved cycling route is 0.46 miles long and runs along the Ohio River and the murals. The route and length give you a concrete comparison when choosing between a short cycling route and a much longer scenic route. Check current trail information before setting out.
Art and history in Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Floodwall Murals extend for more than 1,000 feet along the floodwall. More than 55 murals tell the story of Portsmouth from ancient times to the present. The Portsmouth Murals App offers an immersive audio and visual tour of the murals; check whether the app is available before your visit.
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 displays 10,000 prehistoric objects from Indigenous peoples of North America, from the Wertz Collection. The museum offers tours, an interactive children’s area, and exhibitions and events throughout the year. Programs may vary. Admission is free; confirm current visitor information before relying on this.
Boneyfiddle also offers a glimpse into the area’s built history: the district preserves architecture from before 1900. The Old Market Square area is considered the community’s cultural center. In Boneyfiddle, Final Fridays are an ongoing tradition featuring local, regional and national musical acts. The format may change; check current event listings before your visit.
Forest, lakes and longer excursions
Shawnee State Forest covers more than 63,000 acres. Its amenities include over 70 miles of bridle trails and a basic horse camp with 58 sites. Seasonal conditions may affect use, so it’s worth checking before your trip. Another touring option is the Shawnee Backpack Trail: the main loop is 40 miles long, with a 23-mile North Loop and a 17-mile South Loop. These figures show the different distances without presuming a particular hike.
Shawnee State Park has several lakes for fishing, swimming and boating; conditions and restrictions may vary. The 5-mile Park Loop Trail circles Turkey Creek Lake and showcases a variety of ecosystems. The park’s Nature Center features exhibits on fossils, insects, local history, reptiles and amphibians. Seasonal opening hours may change; check conditions before your visit.
Markets and events
The Main Street Portsmouth In Bloom Farmers Market gives regional farms and cottage industry vendors a place in the city center to share their produce and goods with the community. The program includes agricultural education, art activities and musical performances. The market is seasonal, and its program may vary by season. Check current dates and opening hours in advance.
Another event is River Days in Portsmouth, Ohio: the festival takes place annually over Labor Day weekend and has been running for more than six decades. The program includes a talent show, a parade, food trucks, carnival games and rides, as well as live music. Events may vary from year to year. So check the dates and program for your travel year.
Discover more destinations: Shawnee State Forest, Wheelersburg, Franklin Furnace, Ashland County, Adams County, Mahoning, Jefferson, Champaign County.
For the main travel overview: Ohio.
