Ohio’s Triple Nickel motorcycle route

The Triple Nickel takes you along Route 555 for just over 60 miles—starting from Zanesville, OH, in the north or Little Hocking, OH, in the south. Between these two points, there aren't many places to stop. So, ensure your gas tank is full and pack all necessary supplies, including snacks and water.

Route 555 is known for its curves and terrain, which is why so many motorcyclists are attracted to it. The curves are nicely banked, and the hilly country landscape is tough to beat. During your adventure, you'll pass through four counties—Washington, Morgan, Perry, and Muskingum—and several small villages.

Start at one end and stay the night at the other, or loop back around to your starting point. Your best bet for lodging is in Zanesville. However, you can find options at the south end of the route. About 40 miles to the east of Little Hocking you’ll find the bustling towns of Belpre, OH and—just over the Ohio River—Parkersburg, WV.

Knowing the area can help you better plan this epic trip, whether you're a local or from out of state.

You can stick to the popular route between Zanesville and Little Hocking, but many riders choose to extend their ride into a larger loop to further explore some of the best motorcycle roads in Ohio. Review the interactive map below and plan accordingly.

Since this region gets snow starting as soon as November, motorcyclists tend to ride this route from April to October. Based on average monthly temperatures, here is what you can expect when visiting Zanesville.

Check the weather before you head out, as warm temperatures tend to bring rain, especially in May and June.

Overall, the road conditions on the Triple Nickel are considered good, but follow these tips to avoid some common risks:

• Watch for brief stretches of road with gravel, especially as you approach curves and after rainfall

• Adjust your speed on steep hills, where reduced visibility can make it tough to determine what’s coming next

• Most of this route is rural, so scan the sides of the road for wildlife

While traffic on this route is generally light, the number of motorcyclists can increase significantly on warm, sunny days. For a safe and enjoyable ride, always be aware of your surroundings and adhere to all traffic signs, especially when navigating the road's many curves and hills.

Depending on how long you’re staying in the area, Route 555 is just a short ride from Columbus—around 50 miles from Zanesville. There are also plenty of smaller towns and attractions to enjoy along the route. Use the following list to help you plan your Triple Nickel ride.

The most common starting point, Zanesville, is where you'll find ample options for food and lodging on the Triple Nickel route. Here are some recommendations:

• Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio is a unique art gallery, home to the largest collection of bronze sculptures in the country—all cast by an Ohio-born artist. If you enjoy art, you can also check out the Zanesville Museum of Art—admission is free.

• The Alpacas of Spring Acres is a 180-acre working alpaca farm dedicated to sustainable practices and creating a safe and happy environment for their herd. The farm raises Suri alpacas—a breed prized for their fine, soft fleece—and you can see more than 90 of them when you visit! Tours are available for $10 a person.

• For food, Muddy Misers is a local favorite—especially among those who love seafood. If you're craving Italian, Adornetto's is the best spot for pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and salads. And of course, make a stop at the Triple Nickel Saloon for a beverage and some live music.

The southernmost point of the Triple Nickel route is Little Hocking, OH—a small town on the bank of the Ohio River, just over the border from West Virginia. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. And if your love of motorsports extends beyond road trips, you can check out several off-road events at Wildwood Lake Raceway.

If you follow the loop back north from Little Hocking, you’ll pass through the beautiful town of Athens, OH. Check out these local favorites:

• For shopaholics, Court Street, nestled near the historic Ohio University campus, is a must-visit. Explore the Ohio is Home maker’s market and other charming local shops where you can find unique treasures and support local artisans.

• If you like to explore the outdoors, check out Wayne National Forest, Ohio's only national forest. This region covers over a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills. You’ll find tons of hiking trails, along with campgrounds and lakes with maintained beaches.

• Locals like to stop for hot dogs at O’Betty’s Red Hot! and authentic Italian food at Tavolino. You can also find several cider houses and distilleries for small bites and good music.

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