Ohio State Route 555

Ohio State Route 555 (SR 555) is a state highway located in the south central region of the U.S. state of Ohio. The route is approximately 28 miles (45 km) in length and runs between the communities of Laurel Ville and Nelsonville, traversing portions of Hocking and Vinton counties.

Route description

• Western terminus: Intersection with State Route 56 near Laurel Ville.
• Eastern terminus: Intersection with U.S. Route 33 near Nelsonville.
• The highway serves as a primary connector for the Hocking Hills region, providing access to recreational areas such as Hocking Hills State Park, Old Man's Cave, and the Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve.
• Notable intermediate junctions include State Route 374 (providing access to the park’s main attractions) and State Route 180.

Physical characteristics

• The roadway is a two‑lane, undivided surface road for its entire length.
• The route follows a generally northwest‑southeast alignment, passing through predominantly rural and forested terrain.

Historical background

• SR 555 was officially designated in 1937 as part of Ohio’s expanding state highway system.
• The route has remained largely unchanged since its establishment, maintaining its original alignment through the Hocking Hills area.

Cultural and local significance

• The highway is locally known as “The Triple Nickel” because of its numeric designation (555).
• Its scenic qualities and proximity to popular outdoor destinations have made it a favored route for tourists and local commuters alike.

Major intersections

References

• Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Straight Line Diagrams.
• Official State Highway Maps, Ohio Department of Transportation, 1937‑present editions.

All information presented is based on publicly available state transportation records and mapping data.