Frontier Region
Take a scenic drive from Marietta along the Ohio River Scenic Byway or State Route 26 Scenic Byway to discover the quaint villages and communities of the Frontier region. Follow the Ohio River Scenic Byway and discover Newport, New Matamoras, and Fly all tucked between the Ohio River and Wayne National Forest, Ohio’s only national forest.
New Matamoras was founded in 1846 and named for the Battle of Matamora in the Mexican-American War.
Slightly southwest of Newport on Ohio Route 7 is the Judge Joseph Barker House. Built in 1832, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Referred to by locals as “The Wayne,” the 64,000 acres of preserved forestlands provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Leith Run Recreational Area located between Newport and New Matamoras offers full amenities for all types of camping in a secluded riverfront park setting.
Fly’s claim to fame is the City of Sistersville Ferry. Ride the old-fashioned ferryboat across the Ohio River between Fly and Sistersville, WV (providing there is no fog or inclement weather) in your car or on foot.
Captain Gordon C. Greene, a veteran river man born in Newport, Ohio, started the Greene Line in 1890 with the "Henry K. Bedford," a small shallow draft steamer. Captain Greene owned twenty-five packet boats in his lifetime. The Greene Line later became the Greene Steamboat Line then the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. The original port was the Newport Landing.
Traverse the rolling hills of State Route 26 deeper into the Wayne National Forest to discover the natural bounty of eastern Washington County. Experience the great outdoors firsthand. There are hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails and three historic covered bridges. Many visitors enjoy the solace and adventure of hunting, fishing, and canoeing.
The Little Muskingum River ranks among the Top 10 waterways in Ohio with the highest water quality. Much to the delight of local anglers, the Little Muskingum has a naturally reproducing Muskie population.
