Discover the cultural and historic treasures of the Amish and northern Appalachian people around the winding curves and over the hills along the scenic countryside. Experience simple living and the interaction of Amish and English community life - a bygone era still present. Find peace in the spectacular bucolic and natural vistas along this 160 mile Ohio Byway, located in Holmes County. Spectacular in all four seasons of the year.
The Amish Country Byway is somewhat different than most of the other Ohio Byways. It is a collection of roads that cover a general area and not a specific road that goes from one place to another.
While there are numerous entry points to the Amish Country Byway we suggest entering the byway along the same corridor as the first Amish settlers did in 1808. Coming from Interstate 77 (Dover exit) travel west along SR39 where the Byway begins just past Sugarcreek/Shanesville. From there, continue along 39 West, 21 miles through Berlin and Millersburg to the intersection of SR60 South, just past West Holmes High School on the north side of SR 39.
Turn south for 7 miles through the Village of Killbuck to US 62. Turn left onto US 62, traveling along this naturally magnificent route, past marshland and rock shelters, to Millersburg and Berlin headed east. In Berlin continue east on US 62 approximately 7 miles to the junction of SR515. Turn south onto SR 515, a 5 mile drive to the Village of Walnut Creek.
The culmination of your double loop experience brings you to the junction of the territory's original buffalo path, then an Indian trail and later turned into a public road. Turn back onto State Route 39. This double loop experience comprises the 76-mile National Scenic Byway designation and has an approximate touring time of 4 – 6 hours.
Places of special interest while traveling on the Amish Country Byway
Winesburg, founded in 1827, offers visitors a look at the rural Amish life with plenty of tourist attractions. The town was originally named Weinsberg, after Weinsberg in Germany. The spelling was changed to Winesburg by postal authorities in 1833 when a post office was opened there.
Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area spans over both Wayne and Holmes Counties and is Ohio's largest remaining marshland outside the Lake Erie Region at over 5000 acres.
Guggisberg Cheese Factory, home of the original Baby Swiss Cheese, is located just northwest of Charm on SR557. Alfred Guggisberg, at the age of 16 started the art of cheesemaking in the high pastures of the Swiss Alps. He attended the famous Swiss Federal "Molkereishulle" or cheesemakers institute, and for a number of years made cheese throughout Europe. Alfred came to the United States in 1947 in search of a Swiss cheese that was more palatable for Americans. After experimenting with different recipes, he finally developed the Baby Swiss. It was named Baby Swiss by Alfred's wife, who thought the wheels of his new cheese (which were smaller than regular Swiss cheese, looked like baby's of the regular).
Killbuck Valley Museum houses a fine display of fossils, mastodon bones and Civil War artifacts. The museum is located on Front Street in downtown Killbuck.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm, May through October
Behalt is the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center, located along the byway in Berlin, houses a cyclorama of Amish, Mennonite and Hutterite history. The Behalt Gift Store offers the area's largest selection of books about the Amish and Mennonites, by Amish and Mennonites. Group rates and tours are available. Open Mon-Sat 9-5; (June-Oct, Fri-Sat 9-8)
Remember: In some Amish communities shops and attractions may not be open on Sundays, so be sure to call ahead and plan accordingly. If you want to see horses and buggies, get off the main road and onto the side roads. Saturdays are an especially good time to see plenty of buggies. Sundays are a day of rest and while there will be buggies out and about, they will be more concentrated at specific periods of time.
Wally Road Scenic Byway
Once a railroad route, the Wally Road Scenic Byway is 10.41 miles and covers 3 counties and is on all county roads that follow the Mohican River. Wally Road is surrounded with forested hill tops, deep ravines, wetlands, and rich soil bottom lands cuddled by the Mohican River. Visit during any or all of the four competing seasons for a beautiful sight to behold. This Byway has a number of recreational facilities from camping, cabins, canoeing and motel rooms. There are also historical themed events along this route through out the year.
Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway
While traveling this byway, don't let the landscape's natural beauty distract you from seeing the Bridge of Dreams, a National Landmark. It is located at Brinkhaven. This bridge is the 2nd largest covered bridge in the United States, spanning 370' across the Mohican River.
Amish country provides a host of interesting, Amish-related sites to see during a visit. You might see an Amish farmer working his field with a team of horses. Or find quality handcrafted Amish furniture or collectable's in the many stores and shops in the communities throughout the tour area. You can also see how cheese is made. See how Amish and Mennonite ladies make mouth-watering chocolate candy.
Amish etiquette.
While visiting Amish country, please be considerate of the Amish and their lifestyle. They do not solicit or encourage people to take their picture or knock on their door. The Amish are private people who avoid as much contact with strangers and the "outside world" as possible for important religious and cultural reasons.
When driving, keep an eye out for slow-moving Amish buggies and allow plenty of room when following or passing one of these buggies. Keep headlights on low-beam and stay away from the horn, except perhaps a very short toot when passing so the horses aren't spooked.
Discover the cultural and historic treasures of the Amish and northern Appalachian people around the winding curves and over the hills along the scenic countryside. Experience simple living and the interaction of Amish and English community life - a bygone era still present. Find peace in the spectacular bucolic and natural vistas along this 160 mile Ohio Byway, located in Holmes County. Spectacular in all four seasons of the year. 
