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4 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Just rode this a week ago, they put chip and seal in the middle of rt 555! Dumped a lot of gravel on it for nearly 5-10 miles of it!! Bad conditions 30 mph or less.

Update from Ohio's Road Ranger (July 30th, 2020): The last time that I was on it they were working on fresh blacktop south 78. As of June 2020 they had not yet completed the blacktop, but as of this reading it should be done. (July 2020) This addresses the biggest problem with 555 which was the lumpy as hell pavement. This is not to say that it is clean and clear all the way down to the Ohio River. It's not. However, it's much better than it used to be, if it has that fresh blacktop on it.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

A buddy and I rode this from Zanesville to the very end. Loved it. Plenty of turns and elevations. The only part I disliked was coming to the top of a hill and not knowing what was on the other side. Minimal traffic (maybe 8 cars in 65 miles) and very little gravel. Highly recommended.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

BEWARE! About 10 miles into to the route, off of ST.Rte. 78, ST.Rte 555 is covered with a layer of gravel for the next 15 - 20 miles. Very dangerous. The rest of the road is great, and I'm sure when construction is done, that part will also be great. There just isn't enough information letting you know how long the construction lasts. If we had known how long it was, we would have turned around.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

Superb ride, almost a 5-star for me, but a few too many blind corners and hilltops for my taste - but that's part of the fun. The posted photos capture it well. Watch for some loose gravel. The pavement is a bit patchy in some areas. Highly recommended.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Went down from MI last weekend for an overnight trip - my 2nd to the area in 2 yrs. I can't get enough! I have declared to have at least 1 trip a year. I am going back in Sept with some friends. The area has tons of great roads to ride including the 555, 329, 144, 78, 312 - just pick a few and stay all day! The 555 is hilly and has the most twisties, but not like the infamous US-129/Dragon. Still a good challenge. I counted 312 curves from Barret S to the end which is aobut 30miles. Last year all the roads were pristine. This year they did some recent spot patching which led to asphalt gravel where it was coming up on the edges. Still, it was in pretty good shape, especially compared to MI. Due to the hilly nature of the area, you have to be careful when cresting a hill. Although I did not encounter any, farm equipment and the occasional horse and buggy may surprise you. Also be careful of the road signs. They are helpful due to the many blind corners over the hill or even on the downward side after cresting. You may see one rated at 20mph and find the rating much to slow for the curve, but I often found the 20mph applies to the 2nd or even sometimes a 3rd curve in a succession! I did find some other roads (144) a bit more beat up.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I just rode the Triple Nickel yesterday and I have to say it lives up to all the hype...great ride! It actually starts at Rt 7 (by the Ohio River) and rode it all the way through to Zanesville. In a lot of ways, it is more challenging than the Dragon. The Dragon's curves are more extreme (although 555 has some extreme ones of it's own) but the Nickel's got a lot of sharp hill crests where the road changes direction from where you think it's going to go; once you crest the hill. The road is also patched in a lot of spots, with the aforementioned cinder, especially between 78 and 37; which is about a 1/3 or more of the ride. I was hammering through it, but had to slow down through that stretch as it was just too risky to run hard. Fantastic scenery, low traffic, and a few small towns to pull off in. I can't wait to ride it again!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Just rode this again yesterday (2nd time through). EXCELLENT road... very technical. Gravel and cinders in places, the rear got loose twice. A lot of blind curves, and the road is very unpredictable. The best section is not shown above... it runs from Marietta north to Ringold- the southern half. It is by far the most challenging part. Great fun, but be very careful.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

We rode the Triple Nickel in June 2013 my friend on a BMW R1100RT, me on a K1200LT. Both of us are experienced riders and the reports of gravel on "the Nickel" did not concern us. We found Ohio 555 to be a great ride, we started in Zanesville and ended at Hwy 50 about 66 miles total. The northern sections were well maintained and great, fast riding, after the midpoint we did pick up a little sand on the road but not bad, if know how to pick your line and can put your bike where you want it, there will be no problem. I would recommend this rode to everyone.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

I love riding the Triple Nickel, and I'd like everybody to take full advantage of it, so... The Triple Nickel actually goes past Chesterhill, on to Stats Rt. 7 in Belpre, along the Ohio River. Also, while in Chesterhill, you want to check out the Triple Nickel Diner. Great local foods, lacal grass fed bison and Angus burgers on an Amish baked bun is great and cheap, currently under $6. Wow! The pies are baked by a local lady and, again, WOW! Check it out, you'll thank me.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

this isnt a road to be on at night. it's roughly 50 miles in its entirty from zanesville; will end at rt. 7 and at the river. this road isnt quite as technical as rt. 258 in the vicinity of newcomerstown, but its not 1 to disrespect. go north on 7 to hannibal and enjoy rt. 536; roughly about 45 mins give or take. its a ride not to be missed.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Great ride, lots of twisties. Very fun. I took this ride in fall on 2009 and had a blast. I found it by dumb luck by asking the girl at a bp in Zanesville if there were any fun or scenic rounds for a biker to enjoy. She said there were 3 and were to be accessed a mile from us (I was on west side of zzv). I chose 555 and found PLENTY on twisty roads. BEWARE: THERE IS ATLEAST ONE HARD RIGHT CURVE IMMEDIATELY PAST A BLIND PEAK OF A LONG STRAIGHTAWAYS.....

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

What a ride .Left Cleveland 5 am heading south w/4 other riders. The other riders were retired AMA VP,AMA PRO RACERS,7 1 RETIRED RACE WRENCH (JUST IN CASE ) After a good breakfast at Waffle house We blasted down to Dover then took a few country roads to 555. we let the the sport bikes take the lead and for a good reason. the Harley Dresser & VTX aren't the most agile in the curves. I followed the H-D and for the next 30 miles I scraped and ground more parts on my VTX that are not supposed to scraped then ever be for as for the other guys well lets say they just disappeared. the day was sunny & perfect . The road was perfect. WHAT A RIDE THE TO THE ROAD HOUSE FOR A STEAK.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

555 is definitely challenging, I road the stretch between Zanesville, OH and Rt. 550. A lot of hills and you need to on your game when the road crest on a hill for road may change direction!
I would have rated this stretch higher but there was a lot of gravel kicked up in the curves.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

I drove the Tail of the Dragon in 08
I drove OH-555 in 2012
The Dragon is unforgiving and dangerous if you are not 100 percent.
So is this road
So far I have driven here 11 times and it does not get easier.
If you mess up especially on a blind curve you will die.
You need to be ready to test yourself.
Watch out for aniamls
I encountered a moose 4 cows dozen of deer, a fox 2 racoons RIP and one possem RIP
Great fun!!!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

All I can say is wow! You had better be on your A game when riding this road. Definitely not for a brand new rider. Even experienced riders need to pay attention. Lots of turns and a lot of hills that turn directions sharply on the other side that you can't see until you crest it. Not a whole lot of traffic, but be aware of slow moving vehicles and horse drawn carriages. Definitely the most technical road I have ever ridden on in Ohio.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

I was just on the southern end of 555 from where it intersects w/ 550. What a trip! A long straight on this ribbon can't be more than 50 yds long. You have to pay attention as the aforementioned cinder issue is real. Best to just take your time anyway and enjoy the magnificent countryside. Postcard pretty.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I don't get the hype over this road. Rt. 555, the triple nickels. I thought it was a very dangerous road. Gravel everywhere. Its like a gravel pit. Gravel in every turn. Like riding on marbles. I went down on this road and now I advise all I know to stay clear. Not worth it. Dangerous to use brakes or try to lean too much.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

We just finished a 2k fun ride vacation and 555 was one of the high spots. After all the heavy rains there was some gravel, with attention it wasn't a big problem. (Cinders are used in the winter for traction and stick around for a while). Don't forget 681, 690, 550, 26,536, old 33, and so many more in SE Ohio.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Just road this at the end of June 09 and had come from the southeast to start, so went all the way up to (just short of) Zanesville to start it, per the recommendation of this site. From a sport-touring/sport perspective at first I was disappointed, because south of Zanesville to 37 it's really just another typical SE Ohio road but with more gravel in the turns. It gets better south of OH 37 though, and best south of 78. As Jim said, keep going after Chesterhill. Overall just if you're coming at it from the SE or SW and looking to chop some miles out of a long tour, drop the part north of 37.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Great rode one of my fav roads ever but its kinda slick in spots so you really need to keep an eye on the road but major fun , great twisties

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

This is a great road. We rode it on a Sunday and we were about the only ones on the road. I will defiantly be back to that area for more riding

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I drove this in the fall with my VTX and it was probably the best ride I have found in Ohio so far.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

This was a great ride! We actually took it all the way from Parkersburg to Zanesville. Excellent signage for curves, blind spots and rough road. There were very few patches of blacktop tore up and if there were there was a sign alerting you in plenty of time. It was exactly 65 miles of twists, turns, rolling hills and BEAUTIFUL countryside! We rode June 22nd and it was 82 degrees and sunny! Gas up at either end not any gas stations on the route. Plenty of stone pull offs just to stretch your legs. Several churches that you could stop at to get off and stretch too. Would definitely recommend adding this to your must ride list!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

My wife and I rode the 555 this week from Zanesville to 78, and then back again. The road was in great condition (very little gravel splash in turns), and almost no traffic. I found it as challenging a road as I've ever run. Blind, crested curves had me wondering which way to anticipate. I can see where you could probably increase your speed 50-100% if you knew this road well. I can't speak to the scenery because my eyes and all my focus were on the road. We look forward to coming back some day and running the rest of it.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Watch out on 555. The road is often filled with cinders, not gravel. It reacts like gravel but you can't see it until you're on it. Small black pellets that work like vaseline under your tires.
Beware on 555. Enough friends of mine have crashed on it that someone has made up a shirt saying, "Surf Ohio - Route 555".

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Great ride. Four bikes in total and everyone made it safely. Great scenery that made a nice ride. Take your time and enjoy the day.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Standard

I've been riding for (only) two years, and this is absolutely one of my favorite routes so far, because it's such a challenge. However, I would most definitely NOT advise a beginner to take this route! I did the Dragon's Tail, my first season, and I think this one requires a lot more concentration and skill. The road is extremely unpredictable, with all of the blind hills leading into sharp corners and loose asphalt from the (recent?) patching that's been done. I had my bike in 1st gear a few times. All in all, it was a lot of fun, kind of exhausting, and I can't wait to do it, again!

I had no idea that Ohio had such beautiful, hilly terrain. I'd give it 5 stars, if it weren't for the road condition.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Don't stop in Chesterhill, keep going south to Little Hocking. 555 stops at US50/SR7/US32. More miles to go !!!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I heard some guy talking this route up. I ran it in 100 degree temperatures on a 183,000 mile Harley. The road condition had patches instead of complete sections being replaced. It's closed on the northern section. I ran it from Belpre off of Rt 7 to the detour which was about half way up and the easier section. All except for 3 **** sport bike guys who got right up on me, (which was not very professional or NICE) and outrages me to the point that i pulled over to let them go the last few miles before the detour. So whoever they were they ruined it for me. 3 jerks in 30 something miles and only 2 other Harleys had i seen on it . So all you so-called sport bike guys ( all motorcycles are sport machines) DO NOT tail gate a heavier well riden 183,000 PLUS Harley on the ohio Nickle ! You are not racers boys why don't take a track day if you can ride right up on a 600-650 lbs harley?

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Wow just wow. Started at the southern end(near Marietta) off of rt 7 and headed north. Ran into some small construction and got stopped going up a hill by a guy with the road crew. There was a detour at the end and I bypassed the last 14 miles at the northern end. If you are ever near this road plan your day to enjoy it.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

09/05/10 - Just got back from this ride, the road between 37 and 78 is good, other than that, this road is full of gravel, sand and asphalt patches complete with marbles. Lots of broken pavement. Would not recommend this road other than the part between 37 and 78.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Wife and I ran Rt 555 down into Bartlett then we picked up 550 and ran that into Athens. Rt 555 had some patch work and was kinda rough in places. Beware of gravel as well. Nice sunny day on a Saturday and there wasn't a lot of traffic, which made it GREAT. Very fun ride. Wish it was a little warmer though. Over all great route. Gave a rating of 4 because of the patch work. Rt 550 was nice as well into Athens, little faster. Still had some curves but they were long curves. Highly suggested.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Contrary to the original poster's statement about 555 being only 30 miles long, it extends much further south than he indicates - it goes all the way to 124 along the Ohio River. There is some good stuff on that southern end. Great road! Road it 3 times last week. Blind hills are a bit freaky - hard for a flat lander like me to get used to! We found very little gravel - but there was some. Light traffic. It is a challenging road to ride briskly. FUN FUN FUN!

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

oops...I mentioned 555 goes all the way to 124...not quite...but close. Anyhow, dont miss the tail end on the south.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Beside one small construction stop, roads were clear and nice run. Plenty of hills and long curves to enjoy. You can kill two birds with one stone and do the ohio cousin's dragon's tail because they are close together.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

The Triple Nickel is a nice ride, but the road conditions and blind corners can make it a treacherous. Traffic can come out of nowhere at hidden roads, and large patches of the road surface are heavily potholed - you really have to be on the top of your game while riding.

Also, be aware there is really only one place to stop for fuel / food on the route. So if you see a gas station - STOP.

27 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

just did this on the 5th of oct 2016. throttle down when you crest the small hills just to be sure you dont go over the edge, a roller coaster ride for sure. the road was in great shape and a couple of the curves sneak up on you. did it in 3rd and 4th gear enough of speed to keep you moving. from chesterfill to rt 676 is being paved.very little traffic and some nice family farms. rode from zanesville to parkersburg, if you dont do the whole way you are missing some great riding

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Quickly made it into my personal top 5 of all roads riden. It will take a lot to knock it out of that list.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Nice ride alot of fun, Be careful, some curves are alot sharper than seem to be!!! lots to see and some small towns to stop and rest. We stoped at 550 went east to marietta.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

Rode down to Zainesville from the west side of Cleveland on 5.30.16 - Rode the Triple Nickel (about 62 miles to the end) and it was challenging. A ton of sharp turns, hills; Only got out of 3rd gear a couple of times, but it was amazing!! Roads were in great condition, low traffic. Going back later this summer.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

some parts of the road were very well maintained but like most Ohio roads much of the road is in bad shape. It seemed like there was gravel around every turn. Lots of peaked hills with turns just on the other side, BE CAREFUL of that...almost lost it. Great scenery. Lots of cool wildlife but kinda scary too, almost hit a hawk, 2 dogs, and did kill a snake.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

When I was a kid, we used to race our bikes through fields of tall grass with paths carved through them. Couldn't tell which way that path was going until you got to the turn. Fantastic fun. Rt. 555 is like that. Worse sight lines I've never seen. Ride it fast for a spirited amusement park of entertainment or wind it back and enjoy the bucolic views, either way, do it on a beautiful day in the fall for the full effect. And when you get to RT676, take a louie and shoot over to Marietta. More of the same with closer in woodlands and faster elevation changes. Southern Ohio Roads ROCK!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Just rode 555, 26,536,800 this weekend on trip down from Michigan, I have to say 555 was incredible. First ride on a Goldwing after 30 years on a sport bike so maybe that added to the thrill having to be on edge so much. We found the road surface to be fair to good, low amount of gravel, and the off camber down hill turns a thrill. I will be back again, wish I would have done it on my Kaw 1000.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Fun, fun, fun. I have been riding for 6 years. It is challenging. The road condition was good - June 2010. Other than a small piece of a tree at the top of a hill and couple little yappy dogs - Excellent!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Enduro

One of the best rides in the state, just hope that you don't get stuck behind some jerk on a cruiser making all kinds of noise and going 25mph the whole way, because there aren't a lot of opportunities to pass safely.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Rode it on 8/11/13 with 6 other bikes. Fun ride with plenty of twists and turns. Only real downfall was several spots with loose gravel but a great ride that was technical enough to challenge the rider. Lack of traffic made it nice. Highly suggest putting it on your "Gotta ride list"

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I rode this road last week (6-8-2017) and enjoyed it thoroughly! Well worth the 2 Tylenol after for my wrist pain (from twisting the throttle so much). Lots of curves and blind hills...truly not for the novice rider but if taken slowly they can get a RUSH from it too! '-)

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Definitely one of the best motorcycle routes in Ohio! I rode it in the fall of 2008 and brought some friends to ride it again in the summer of 2009. I highly recommend following the whole route from the Ohio river all the way to Zanesville. Lots of twisties and blind curves. Mostly decent asphalt,some gravel but not bad. I couldn't stop grinning the time I was on this road!

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Road was amazing . Views never stop. Dont head out empty hoping for a stop because there is not one. But a beautiful ride for sure. Not at all technical . Good ride for first time twisty riders

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

JUST RODE GREAT LOOP THAT INCLUDED 258, 800, 26 AND 555. 555 WAS EXCELLENT. LITTLE TO NO GRAVEL, NO TRAFFIC. HANDS DOWN ONE OF TOP 5 ROADS IN OHIO TO RIDE. NOT SURE WHERE THE CINDER COMMENTS ARE COMING FROM. PAVEMENT WAS GREAT LAST WEEKEND. DID SEE A FEW ANIMALS ABOUT... A COW BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD... THAT WAS FREAKY! JUST BE CAREFUL AND RIDE WITHIN YOUR MEANS AND YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME ON THIS ROAD.