Interstate 71's northern terminus is in
Cleveland where it first heads southwest for about 10 miles and then turning south passing just east of
Medina. It then heads southwest again passing to the south of
Ashland and
Mansfield and on into
Columbus where it intersects with
I-70. From there it continues southwesterly and passes north of
Wilmington before entering
Cincinnati. It then exits the state entering Kentucky in
Covington on its journey south.