Ya can't go wrong with the Smoky Mtns - right at 400 miles south of Columbus and an easy 5-6 hour ride. Perfect road surfaces, nice views but it can get a bit crowded and it rains a lot. Still, one of the best places in the USA to ride. I ride there 8-9 times per year. Kentucky has some great riding and is even closer. Red River Gorge area is nice as is most of the area east of the I-75 corridor. West Virginia: Can't say enough nice things about the place; no cops, no crowds, nice roads, friendly people and it's cheap! Lots of back roads to explore on ADV bikes, too. The rides to Colorado and Utah are unbeatable as far as scenery goes. The roads aren't as tight and twisty or as smooth as they are in the southeast - but it is pretty country. Well worth the long ride to get there and check it out if you've never been.