Beneath the hills of Ohio’s Hill Country, our ancestors found iron, coal and clay and, in turn, these resources shaped our industrial history. For example, the Hanging Rock Iron Region was the source of more iron in the pre-Civil War period than any other region in the U.S.; the potteries and clay products industries were legendary and what they created is now extremely collectible; and coal from Ohio’s Hill County fueled the industrial revolution in Ohio and elsewhere.

Even today, many of these industries still exist, although in a different scale and form than in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Walk down the streets of one of America’s most architecturally distinctive mining towns; visit and shop at potteries that continue the century-old tradition of producing fine quality clay products; and visit any of the several museums devoted to the pottery and ceramics industry of the region.

Historic transportation routes – including roads, canals, railroads and rivers – criss-cross Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area. Trace the region’s patterns of development while meandering along our designated Scenic Byways, including the old National Road (one of our nation’s All American Roads) and the Ohio River National Scenic Byway; take a train ride that passes through our rural areas and small towns; have lunch at a railroad depot that served as a cantina serving troop trains during World War II; and pass through restored canal locks in a narrow canal boat pulled by horses. All of these experiences will provide hours of enjoyment for both young and old.

Among Ohio’s Hill Country offerings are:

Resources to Explore: