Ohio’s Mohican State Park
Hiking, Camping and Canoeing on a Scenic River near Mansfield
A visit to Mohican State Park is a great way to experience nature in North Central Ohio
Mohican State Park is a great place for active adults and children near Mansfield, Ohio. The Park has many interesting natural features as well as man-made attractions. It is one of the great Buckeye State parks.
Mohican is located in North Central Ohio near Loudonville at the intersection of Ohio Routes 3 and 97. It is about 30 minutes from Mansfield and Interstate 71. The area is hilly, and speed limits are 20 miles per hour in the Park.
The centerpiece of the park is the Clear Fork Mohican River, which was designated a Scenic River in 2007.
Sights to See at Mohican
Begin your visit by stopping at the Park Office off State Route 97. The helpful Park Ranger will point out the many features of the park, and offer maps and brochures to make the trip complete.
Many of park’s attractions can be easily visited by car. Parking areas near the Hemlock Gorge, Fire Tower, Covered Bridge and Pleasant Hill Dam allow you to get the lay of the land before proceeding on foot.
The Fire Tower is quite impressive in height, but treacherous in nature. Only six people are allowed on the tower at one time, and the very top is closed during part of the year. The view is spectacular, and worth the effort for the wary.
The Covered Bridge area also has bald eagles nests. The best time to visit is in the early morning, but visitors may catch the birds floating in the area at any time of day, especially if there are not many people nearby.
Hiking at Mohican
Mohican has over 13 miles of trails that begin at the main parking areas and lead to the park’s hidden areas. Little Lyons Falls and Big Lyons Falls are only accessible on foot by the two-mile Lyons Falls Trail.
Other trails include the Grist Mill and Songbird Trails. There are several bridle trails for horseback riding and an eight mile mountain bike trail for experienced two-wheel riders.
Mohican Activities
As with most Ohio Parks, there are a number of other activities at Mohican. Hunting is permitted in the adjacent State Forest only, but fishing is great inside the park and in nearby Pleasant Hill Reservoir.
There are several day picnic areas to choose from. The Clear Fork Mohican is probably best known as a great river for canoeing. There are several canoe liveries in close by Loudonville.
Places to Stay in and near Mohican
For accommodations in the park, there is a state campground with 118 full and partial service campsites, and 25 two-bedroom family cottages with the comforts of home. The Lodge at Mohican offers 96 rooms with all the modern conveniences of a fine hotel overlooking Pleasant Lake.
Whether your taste runs to fine dining in a luxury lodge or rough camping and a hike through nature’s beauty, Mohican State Park offers fun for the whole family.
