Ohio's newest Scenic Byway, The Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway, was announced in Mifflin.

The Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway's routes are state Route 39 from Loudonville, northwest through Perrysville and Lucas and ending in Mansfield; and State Route 603 from Mifflin to Malabar Farm where it ends at state Route 95.

“There is so much history and beauty in Ohio,” said Thomas Barrett, Ohio Byways program coordinator. “Our scenic byways offer unique experiences and a different view for travelers in our state.”

The journey tells the story of John “Appleseed” Chapman who spent the vast majority of his adult life in and throughout north central Ohio, spreading the seeds of fruit, as well as faith, to Ohio's early pioneers. Both routes pass by and through Appleseed's land holdings, apple nursery sites, Native American villages and locations of important events in which Appleseed was involved during the War of 1812. The Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway's vision statement is to “enhance all lives of those who pass this way.”

The Ohio Scenic Byway Program is a grass-roots effort to heighten awareness of Ohio's historical and intrinsic resources: cultural, historical, archaeological, recreational, natural and scenic, which collectively enhance the overall traveling experience. Program participation provides subsequent benefits to the community as well, such as resource preservation, enhancement and protection.

The Appleseed byway project, in the making for a number of years, was awarded official Ohio Scenic Byways Program designation at the program's quarterly review committee meeting, March 9. It is the 27th in Ohio's byway program.