Old US 21

Motorcycle Route Author

By Guest (0 McR Points) on Sep 30, 2008

Rider Reviews

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ThomSS

3743 McR Points

May 26, 2020

Been on some of 821 north of Marietta a couple…

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Akumu

3916 McR Points

November 8, 2020

This is a very odd route as it's mapped out here…

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Written Directions

Start in Marietta, OH and from OH route 60, start heading north on OH route 821 towards Old Salem, OH. Continue on OH Route 821 to Byesville. Then get on OH Route 209 and take that into Cambridge. Enter Cambridge on OH 209, turn east (right) on US 40. Going thru town, the 1st crossroad is 9th St. Continuing east, 10th St. is next then 11th. Turn left (north) on 11th street and one block later you will cross Brown Ave & 11th street changes names to Clark St. After leaving Cambridge this becomes Old 21 Road. Old 21 road turns briefly to Salt Fork Rd. just prior to joining OH 258. From there I think it is only about 8 miles to Newcomerstown. Then go west on US 36 to the 1st exit (County Rd. 21) to OH 751 at Stone Creek. Turn left but do not follow OH 751 out of Stone Creek. Instead go straight, This is Stonecreek Rd., County Rd. 21 ... take this north to New Philadelphia and the routes' end point.

Scenery

An excellent twisty alternative to riding I-77 north from Marietta. Some cliffs, creeks etc. This route follows US Rt. 21 which was decommissioned many years ago. This is how many southern folk found their way to jobs in Akron, Canton & Cleveland before the Interstates were built. Much more scenic & fun than the superslab.

Drive Enjoyment

Twisty, especially the southernmost part. Excellent alternative to the Interstate which it parallels. This is the way traveled prior to the Interstate Highway system. Pavement is in good shape (July 2008) and can be ridden at a sporting pace.

Tourism Opportunities

Since this road parallels & crisscrosses I-77, food, gas, etc. are always nearby. There are also some small towns along this route. There is gas & food in Caldwell, Byesville, Cambridge & New Philly. Gas in Stone Creek. For food, Cambridge & New Philly have the chain restaurants & being larger towns, more variety. I would highly recommend Hog Heaven BBQ in New Philly. When you reach the light at OH Rt. 39, turn right, going under I-77. Hog Heaven is on your right across from Sheetz. Lots of motorcycles on the weekends! & terrific food. Try the prehistoric Hog eggs. Alot better than the menu description sounds! The Ribs fall off the bone, & the pulled pork & beef brisket are excellent also. You can also enjoy an adult beverage, if so inclined. Just don't overdo it on the bike! There is also Adventure Harley-Davidson to the left at this same traffic signal for attention to your HD or to buy t-shirts & accessories. If you need assistance with your metric bike, there is a dealership on the service road along US 250 south, which is also accessible from this intersection.