Southern Ohio Adventure Loop S.O.A.L.

The Southern Ohio Adventure Loop (SOAL) has quickly become a must-ride route for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle enthusiasts looking for scenic, accessible terrain in the Midwest. Developed by local ADV riders, the SOAL offers a concentrated dose of the best riding Ohio's Appalachian Plateau region has to offer.

A Mix of Terrain
While Ohio may not be known for towering mountains, the SOAL capitalizes on the rolling hills, thick forests, and unmaintained back roads of the southern region. The route is deliberately designed as big-bike friendly, making it suitable for larger adventure bikes as well as smaller dual-sports like the DRZ.

The loop primarily consists of winding paved roads (sometimes up to 90% of the route), but the true adventure lies in the stretches of gravel roads, forest service roads, and unmaintained township roads. These sections often feature loose rock, dirt, and some manageable water crossings, especially near Shawnee State Forest. Optional "pro" sections are sometimes integrated into the route files for those on smaller bikes seeking a more technical challenge.

Highlights and Key Regions
The SOAL typically centers around the scenic beauty of the Appalachian foothills. Riders on the route can expect to pass through or near:

Shawnee State Forest: Known as "The Little Smokies of Ohio," this massive state forest provides some of the most remote and scenic riding.

Wayne National Forest (Ironton Unit): Though the SOAL generally focuses on the southern part of the state, many extended adventure routes connect to the trail systems and forest roads of Wayne National Forest.
Historic Sites: The area is rich with history, including historic iron furnaces and charming small towns like Bainbridge and Locust Grove.
Rocky Fork Gorge Nature Preserve: This area near the northwestern section of the loop offers dramatic cliff faces and geological features.
The standard loop is often achievable in a single long day (around 10 hours) or a leisurely two-day trip with camping options available in the state forests.

Accessibility
One of the SOAL's greatest strengths is its accessibility. It sits within a relatively short drive of major metropolitan areas like Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus, making it an ideal weekend getaway for Midwest riders seeking a genuine backroads adventure. The route is maintained and shared by the active Ohio ADV rider community, ensuring current GPX files are usually available for navigation.