Although often overlooked, those of us living in Miami County are only a short drive from an entirely different region of the country - Appalachia.

Appalachia is a place where small towns have retained their eclectic charm, where state parks are abundant and beautiful, where ma and pa restaurants and shops can be found in the most unusual places, and where local folklore speaks of strange things happening in the not-so-distant past.

It's also a place where industry has been in decline for decades. The skeletons of long-closed factories and the crumbling infrastructure that once supported them dot the landscape like gravestones, as do vacant homes and other depressed properties. Visiting the region then, is a mix of beauty, intrigue and insight.   

The following loop trip is designed to lead travelers through the heart of Appalachia. It is 455 miles roundtrip and does not use any interstate highways. Instead, it follows a series of uncluttered back roads that lead through rural landscapes, national forests and dozens of small towns and villages in Ohio and along the Ohio River in West Virginia.

With plenty of places to eat and sleep along the way, this trip can be extended for several days or longer. There are campgrounds and state parks, cabins in the woods and hotels in all price ranges. Just bring your smartphone to find the best option, and pack as if anything could happen!

While this trip has specific destinations in mind, it is meant to be something that travelers can interpret for themselves.

Photographers, for instance, will enjoy the countless opportunities this trip provides, and they may want to stray beyond the path to capture that perfect image. Hikers may want to plan an overnight backcountry hike at places like Zelenski State Forest or in Wayne National Forest. Those interested in the paranormal will want to research Point Pleasant, W.Va. before leaving home. The list goes on. 

Some other interesting stops on this trip include, but are not limited to:

• Climbing the tower at Serpent Mound at sunrise or at dusk

• Exploring abandoned dynamite bunkers while searching for the Mothman in Point Pleasant, W.Va.

• Scaling the largest rope course in the world in Hocking Hills 

• Getting your picture taken in front of a water tower that looks like a pumpkin

• Touring the Snowville Creamery to see "Milk the Way it Used to Be" (e-mail ahead HERE)

• Staying in a haunted room at the Lowe Hotel

• Hiking the abandoned railroad tracks of Jackson, Ohio

• Exploring the long-forgotten history and relics of Ohio's iron mining history

• Finding the yellow springs (they're actually more orange in color) at John Bryan State Park in Yellow Springs

• Hiking the amazing Rim Trail at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve

• Cycling the Ohio River on bike paths in West Virginia

• Seeing several of the largest locks and dams of the Ohio River

• Shopping for antiques in the country and in small towns alike

and on and on...

There are also some great, one-of-a-kind restaurants to enjoy, as well as countless historical markers, lakes, rivers, bridges, buildings, courthouses and more.

To the right are the directions for this road trip. The Points of Interest that are underlined are linked, which may help those who'd like to plan their trip or learn more. Others may enjoy traveling the loop without any destination in mind and seeing where the road leads. Rest assured that whichever way you decide to travel, this is a unique trip that you won't soon forget.