The historic town of Chesterhill is at the intersection of SR 555 and SR 377, and is a focal point for the surrounding Amish community. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

State Route 555, a 63-mile two-lane highway that winds from Zanesville in the north to Little Hocking in the south, has near-legendary status for motorcycle riders and driving enthusiasts.

Known as the “Dragon’s Tail” for its hilly twists and turns, the Triple Nickel winds through the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains into the Ohio River Valley. The route goes through a number of small towns in Muskingum, Perry, Morgan and Washington counties.

From the north, the road begins at the intersection of state routes 555 and 719 alongside the Muskingum River. Known as Old River Road in this area, the road passes two longtime roadhouses, Lucky’s Bar and the Triple Nickel as it parallels the river.

Click the image above to start the video. If it does not work or appear, use this link — https://youtu.be/DjXwRx0oR_Y

In the Brush Creek vicinity near Morgan County, the road becomes known as Center Road and it moves eastward away from the river. There is a faded Mail Pouch barn in this vicinity.

Just after SR 669 joins the highway, you will pass Cherry Orchard Farm Market, 10209 SR 669 NW, where one can find farm-grown fresh fruit and vegetables in season. SR 669 is part of the signpost-marked John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail of Ohio. The picturesque Helmick Covered Bridge, built in 1867, is nearby. Soon after that, the highway goes through the hamlet of Deavertown, established in 1815. At that point, SR 669 continues east while SR 555 turns south.

A few miles further, SR 37 joins the highway at the village of Portersville, founded in 1848. After SR 555 takes another jog south, SR 78 joins at the town of Ringgold, founded in 1846. At this point, some travelers take SR 78 northwest to McConnelsville; others choose to take SR 78 to Burr Oak State Park and Glouster to the southeast.

Continuing on SR 555 the road passes near Amish farms and settlements. Be extremely watchful for slow-moving buggies when driving the road in this area. You will also find the town of Chesterhill a highlight of the route with its Triple Nickel Diner, with home-cooked food and desserts.

Chesterhill, population about 260, was founded by Quakers in 1834. The Morgan County town has several historic buildings including the Union Hall Theater, the Multicultural Genealogical Center and the Chesterhill Quaker Meeting House, built in 1839.

The Chesterhill Produce Auction, located just east of town on SR 377 (8380 Waggoner Road), is held Mondays and Thursdays from April to October to allow local farmers to market their produce. In addition, every second Saturday a livestock auction is held and local crafters offer wood products and craft items for sale. The organization also has a country store offering handcrafted products like candles, soap, purses, quilts, and rugs, as well as baked goods.

Continuing its winding way south, SR 555 passes through the Wayne National Forest and runs into Cutler, established in 1857. The highway terminates at its southern end at the Ohio River highway of US 50/ SR 7/32 just north of the town of Little Hocking (founded in 1875) and the outlet of the Little Hocking River.

When I drove SR 555 for the video, I went only from Zanesville to Chesterhill. It was beginning to rain and I already had more content than needed for the next Dusty Tires video.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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