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Mohican State Park in Ohio is a wonderland of outdoor activities, historic sites and scenic landscapes. Long one of the favorite places to visit in the state of Ohio, we’ve rounded up a list of the top things to do at Mohican State Park.
Growing up in Columbus, Mohican was always a fun destination with family and friends. Camping, hiking and canoeing in Mohican State Park, Ohio rank as top activities – but there are so many incredible adventures to be had at the park!
Mohican Ohio FAQs
Before we get into what to do at Mohican State Park, we want to answer a few of the frequently asked questions so that you can best prepare and plan for your trip.
Where is Mohican State Park?
Mohican is located in the village of Loudonville, Ohio. It is halfway between Columbus and Cleveland – about 70 miles from either city – and fairly easy to get to from Interstate 71.
Is Mohican a State Park or State Forest?
It’s both! Mohican State Park actually sits within the Mohican-Memorial State Forest. The State Park encompasses about 1,100 acres of land, while the surrounding Mohican State Forest covers 4,500 acres. The activities that we discuss on our list of things to do in Mohican are located within the State Park, the State Forest and the surrounding area.
Is Mohican State Park Free?
Yes! There is no charge to visit the park or hike on the trails – and no fee for parking either. That said, there are fees to participate in some of the activities. However, we do include many activities that are free things to do in Mohican throughout our list.
Are there Mohican State Park Activities for Kids?
Absolutely! I loved visiting Mohican when I was a kid (and it’s just as much fun as an adult, too!). The park is very family-friendly with many activities suitable for children.
Are there Places to Stay in Mohican?
Yes! Accommodations in Mohican range from rustic campsites to a luxury castle…and everything in between! We cover top picks for various Mohican lodging options at the end of the article.
When is the Best Time to Visit Mohican State Park?
The natural beauty of the area is prevalent year-round. When you decide to visit, however, will depend on your desired activities.
The summertime offers the best Mohican State Park weather for outdoor activities. Plus, many attractions are only open during the peak summer months.
Autumn, when the weather is cooler and the leaves start to change, is ideal for hiking at Mohican State Park and some other activities are still open. In the winter, guests can cozy into a cabin and experience the park covered in snow. Springtime visitors can witness the beautiful wildflower blossoms.
Pro Tip: In order to stay organized as you make your travel plans, use our Printable Travel Planner!
BEST THINGS TO DO AT MOHICAN STATE PARK
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s jump into all of the fun things to do in Mohican! We include a useful Map of Mohican Attractions at the end of the article.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Mohican Travel Guide to plan your trip to Ohio!
#1 Mohican River Activities
The 40-mile Mohican River runs through the park – and getting out on the water is one of the top Mohican State Park Things To Do!
Of all the ways to enjoy the river, Mohican State Park canoeing is the top choice – but visitors can also rent kayaks, tubes and rafts for river exploration.
Canoeing Mohican River
Hands down, one of the best things to do in Mohican is renting a canoe for a trip down the river. Canoeing at Mohican State Park is fun for couples, friends and families.
There are varying length trips for Mohican River canoeing (3-, 7-, 11- and 23-mile trips) – but how long the trip will take depends on the current water depth and flow. Short trips last about 2 hours, but longer trips can last all day.
A few different companies offer Mohican Sate Park canoe rental services. Although they offer similar trips at comparable prices, you will want to research which canoe rental in Mohican State Park is right for you and your group.
Mohican Kayaking
Mohican State Park kayaking is another top way to explore the waterway! Kayaking in Mohican State Park is ideal for paddlers who want to maneuver their own boat. The routes to kayak Mohican State Park are the same as the canoe trips. On a group outing, it is possible to rent a combination of both canoes and kayaks for the downriver trip.
Mohican State Park Tubing
Mohican State Park river tubing is a fun and relaxing way to spend a day at the park! Floating downstream – rather than paddling – takes longer, but it requires very little effort. Tubing at Mohican State Park is only offered in the summertime.
Mohican Rafting
Rafting is one of the fun things to do in Mohican for kids. While there are no rapids, per se, rafting at Mohican State Park is a good activity for groups and families with kids who want to paddle together in a single boat.
Renting Rafts, Tubes, Kayaks and Canoes in Mohican State Park
As we already mentioned, there are several places where visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, tubes and rafts at Mohican.
While Mohican Adventures is the most popular rental company, other companies – like Shipley’s Canoe Livery – offer shorter and longer trips.
#2 Hike Mohican State Park Trails
One of our favorite things to do is to hit the trails! Although there are not an abundance of Mohican State Park hiking trails, there are paths of various lengths and difficulty levels – offering something for everyone.
A great thing about Mohican hiking trails is that trekkers can opt to hike a single trail or combine several trails into looping jaunts through the woods for a longer hike.
Hike to Lyons Falls Mohican State Park
There are two Mohican State Park waterfalls – Big Lyons Falls and Little Lyons Falls – and hiking to see them is one of the top things to do at Mohican State Park.
Big Lyons Falls in Mohican State Park is an 80-foot-tall waterfall that cascades over a recess cave (but without recent rain, it really only trickles). The smaller Mohican State Park Waterfall – Little Lyons Falls – is a 25-foot tumbling waterfall through a gorge.
The roundtrip hike to the waterfalls, which can be accessed from the covered bridge or the Pleasant Hill Dam, is about 2 miles. The trek is rated easy to moderate, due to some inclines and rough paths.
Pleasant Hill Trail
Perhaps the easiest of all hiking trails at Mohican State Park, Pleasant Hill Trail is a wide, flat trail that follows the bank of Clear Fork Mohican River from the covered bridge to the Pleasant Hill Dam. The total length of the trail is 3/4-mile.
The Pleasant Hill Trail is easy to combine with the Lyons Falls Hike. We recommend starting on the Lyons Falls Trail, continue to the dam, then take the stairs down to Pleasant Hill Trail to complete the loop back to the covered bridge and parking lot.
Hemlock Gorge Trail
The Hemlock Gorge Trail is another one of the beautiful hiking trails at Mohican State Park. The out-and-back trail follows the Clearfork Mohican River – and can be connected to other trails, like Lyons Falls, Pleasant Hill and North Rim. The Hemlock Gorge Trail itself is only a 2-mile stretch, but when combined with other trails it can be extended to a 7.5-mile roundtrip hike.
Gorge Overlook Trail
A recently revived Mohican hiking trail, the Gorge Overlook Trail is classified as difficult – as parts of the trail are narrow and follow the edge of the gorge without rails. The 1.5-mile loop, which begins at the Gorge Overlook, is less strenuous (but still moderate to difficult) if completed clockwise.
Hog Hollow Trail
A less-trafficked trail in Mohican, Hog Hollow is a 4.5-mile out-and-back trek that begins at the covered bridge and ends at the fire tower. The hike features decent elevation change. It follows a creek through a forest of Hemlocks and Evergreens.
Mohican State Park Trail Map
While the trails are fairly well marked, it’s always a good idea to look at a Mohican State Park hiking map before beginning a trek. Download and print a Mohican Trail Map to help you find your way!
#3 Walk Across the Mohican Covered Bridge
Walking across the Covered Bridge is one of the fun things to do at Mohican State Park, Ohio – and an activity that should be enjoyed by one and all!
The Mohican State Park covered bridge was built in 1968 using wood from the forest (along with steel and concrete). Visitors can drive across the bridge – or walk along either side of it.
Pro Tip: To get a better view of the covered bridge in Mohican State Park, take one of the paths down to the riverbank.
#4 Peer over the Pleasant Hill Dam
The Mohican State Park dam on Pleasant Lake was built in 1936 for flood control, recreation and wildlife management. The earth dam – which uses natural elements instead of concrete – sits 113-feet-high and stretches 775 feet across. The Morning Glory Spillway, a uniquely engineered flood structure designed for overflow, sits next to the dam, but it has never been used.
The Pleasant Hill Lake Mohican recreational area offers an abundance of outdoor adventures. Visitors can swim at the beach, have a picnic or rent a boat – to name just a few activities on the Mohican lake! There is a small fee to enter the park; you can find details on the park website.
#5 Climb the Mohican Fire Tower
The Mohican State Park Fire Tower stands as a landmark in the park. The 80-foot-tall tower was constructed in 1934 – and views from the top stretch 10 miles in every direction.
Brave visitors can climb the steps to the top of the fire tower in Mohican State Park. It is free to make the climb, but it is not for the faint of heart!
#6 Take in the View at the Mohican State Park Gorge Overlook
One of the best natural Mohican State Park attractions is the Gorge Overlook. From both viewing platforms, visitors have an unobstructed view across the valley and into the 300-foot-deep Clear Fork Gorge (although, we think the views from the platform on the right are best!).
The vista is beautiful in any season, but it is definitely most colorful in the autumn when the trees’ leaves are changing.
#7 Pay Respects at the Memorial Shrine
Visiting the Memorial Shrine, which stands as a monument to Ohio soldiers lost in military conflicts, is one of the unique things to do at Mohican.
Built in 1947, the stone building features stained-glass windows. Inside, guests will find two books containing the hand-written names of the more than 20,000 Ohio military men and women who have lost their lives defending our country.
#8 Visit the Historic Grist Mill
Going to the historic Wolf Creek Grist Mill is one of the incredibly interesting things to do around Mohican State Park.
Originally built in the 1830s, the mill and surrounding buildings have been renovated to house an educational history museum – which is enjoyed by kids and adults, alike. Visitors learn how the grist mill on Pine Run worked and can experience life as it was in the 1800s.
#9 Shop at the Mohican County Market
If you are looking for things to do near Mohican State Park, put the Country Market on your list! The old-fashioned grocer carries quality bulk products and locally made goods.
While it is fun to peruse the merchandise, we love grabbing delicious to-go deli sandwiches from the market for our hikes. Oh – and be sure to pick up some of the Amish bakery items, like the enormous apple fritters or Ho Ho Cake!
#10 Zipline through the Mohican Canopy of Trees
Ziplining is one of the thrilling activities near Mohican State Park! Adventurous visitors can join one of the fun Mohican State Park zipline tours by Mohican Adventures. Activities also include rock climbing, rappelling, a spider net and crossing sky bridges.
The Mohican State Park zip line adventure is family-friendly and ideal for groups.
#11 Go Fishing at Mohican State Park (and Hunting, too!)
Fishing is another one of the fun Mohican State Park area attractions. With rivers, streams and lakes, anglers have ample opportunity to reel in a catch! Largemouth bass, bluegill and white crappie are abundant – and Clear Fork River is stocked with brown trout, too.
Keep in mind that Mohican State Park fishing requires an Ohio fishing license for those aged 16 and older.
Hunting is permitted, not in the Mohican Ohio State Park but in the adjacent state forest. Read the Ohio Department of Natural Resources guide to the Mohican Memorial State Forest for rules and information.
#12 Bike Your Way through Mohican Park
Cyclists can navigate the park on two wheels! The Mohican State Park bike trails are some of the best in the state. In fact, the Mohican State Park MTB trail is Ohio’s longest singletrack – totaling more than 25 exhilarating miles.
For a more leisurely ride, bikers can hop on one of the biking trails near Mohican State Park – like the Loudonville Pathway.
#13 Saddle Up for Mohican State Park Horseback Riding
At Equestrian Valley Farm, a 200-acre farm north of the park, they offer horseback riding tours. Guests can ride horseback on trails at Equestrian Valley Farm through the woods and across rolling hills on an hour-long tour.
Horseback riding in Mohican State Park is also possible on the designated bridle trails.
#14 Spend a Day at Malabar Farm State Park
Malabar Farm State Park, which is just northwest of Mohican, is a historic working farm that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Guests at Malabar Farm can tour the farmhouse, hike on the trails, drive to the top of Mt. Jeez, meet the farm animals, go on tractor tours and buy farm products.
#15 Discover the Village of Loudonville
Visiting the Village of Loudonville is another one of the things to do near Mohican. Main Street is lined with historic brick buildings that house boutique shops and locally owned restaurants.
Discovering downtown Loudonville on foot is a great way to get a feel for it! We recommend walking down Main Street (start at Central Park) and up Water Street to the Ohio Theater Opera House – which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Other things to do in Loudonville, Ohio include shopping, dining and visiting the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum – which details the history of the area and residents.
#16 Explore Ohio Amish Country
One of the unique things to do near Mohican State Park, Ohio is exploring Amish Country. Take a scenic drive through the countryside east of Mohican into the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country. Go on a cheese tour at Heini’s Cheese Chalet, get a behind-the-scene look at a working Amish farm at the Farm at Walnut Creek or visit the Victorian House Museum that features information on Ohio’s largest Amish settlement.
#17 Sip Local Wine on a Vineyard
Sipping local wine is a fantastic way to wind down after a day of hiking or sightseeing – and the Ugly Bunny Winery is an ideal place to do it! The UB Winery is one of the best wineries near Mohican State Park.
Visitors can sample fine Ohio wine at the Mohican area winery while gazing over the beautiful vineyard and listening to live music!
#18 Participate in Mohican State Park Events
Programs and events are offered at the park throughout the year – and are one of the great things to do in Mohican State Park. Guests can join guided hikes and demonstrations – or participate in special holiday festivities. Find current happenings on the Official Programs Calendar.
Mohican State Park Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Mohican Map of Attractions below.
Tips for Your Mohican Trip
Now that you know what to do in Mohican State Park, we have a few more tips to help you plan your trip!
Best Restaurants near Mohican State Park
While there are no restaurants in the park (except at the Mohican Lodge), there are a couple of options nearby.
Mohican Country Market
We have already mentioned the market as an excellent place to pick up take-away deli sandwiches, but the on-site cafe is also a top choice for a simple (but delicious!) sit-down lunch. Map.
Trails End Restaurant
Open for lunch and dinner – and really close to the park – Trails End Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that offers a range of classic American eats (the fried pickles get rave reviews!). Map.
Black Fork Bistro in Loudonville
A modern restaurant featuring specialty pizzas, gourmet burgers and delectable entrees, Black Fork Bistro is a fantastic option for a proper dining experience. Map.
Malabar Farm Restaurant
Malabar Farm excels at dishing up country favorites with a fine dining flair. Located in a historic farmhouse, the menu features farm-to-table food in a cozy atmosphere. Map.
Mohican State Park Lodging
Visitors have abundant options when it comes to where to stay in Mohican! From a famed Mohican State Park Castle to nearby hotels to Mohican campgrounds, there are accommodations to suit all types of travelers.
Mohican Castle
Whimsical and chic, Landoll’s Castle in Mohican offers exceptional accommodations. Rooms range from Castle Suites to cabins – and each room is stylishly decorated. Getting to the off-the-beaten-path castle is half the fun (but, seriously, use this Google Map for a Landoll’s Castle map and directions).
In addition to being a place to sleep, there are fun things to do at the Castle – like ghost hunts, classic car shows and festive dinner parties. Check rates for your trip!
Mohican State Park Lodge
The Mohican State Lodge and Conference Center is a great place to stay within the park. The lodge offers clean and comfortable rooms with heaps of amenities – like indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness room, game rooms and campfires. Check availability for your trip!
Mohican Campground
The Mohican State Park campground offers both tent and RV camping sites and cabins. The campgrounds have full hook up sites, electric sites and non-electric sites. Additionally, the campground has an on-site pool, playground area, general store and nature center.
There are a few types of Mohican State Park cabins: Fully furnished cabins with a kitchen, basic cabins with kitchenette and rustic cabins with sleeping cots.
Mohican State Park Reservations
Both the Mohican State Park camping sites and cabins can be reserved on the official park reservation system.
Cabins and campsites can also be booked outside of the park from private owners – like at River Run and Mohican Adventures.
Mohican State Park Treehouses
Staying in a Mohican Sate Park Treehouse is a unique experience! At The Mohicans, guests can choose to stay in one of the luxury treehouses or cabins. Check rates!
Hotels near Mohican State Park
Besides the Lodge and Castle, there are not many Mohican hotels. The nearby cities of Bellville and Mansfield both have modern hotels. Check Booking.com for great deals on area accommodations.
What You Will Need for Your Trip
Our final tips cover what you will need to pack for your trip. Check out all of our Packing Hacks and complete Packing List as well!
Appropriate Hiking Shoes
Whether you are hiking in Mohican, saddling up for a horse ride or shopping in Loudonville, you will want to be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
I was comfortable wearing my everyday trainers for the Mohican State Park hikes that we did – but anyone tackling the Gorge Overlook Trail will want proper hiking boots. Hikers going on one of the longer hikes may also want to bring hiking poles.
Travel Camera
The rolling landscapes in the region are absolutely stunning – and if you are anything like us, you will be taking a lot of pictures! We use our favorite travel camera – a DSLR Canon Rebel with an 18-135mm lens – for our trips. It is easy to use, comes with heaps of accessories and is an overall great budget camera as well.
Binoculars
A good pair of binoculars is something else you will want to bring on our trip to Mohican! They are great for seeing details in the vast gorge and for birdwatching.
Day Bag
Whenever we are out exploring – whether it is in a city or in a forest – we like to make sure we have everything we need tucked away in a convenient day pack. We like to carry lightweight backpacks, but a hip pack is great for hiking, too. Read more of our tips on Travel Day Packs.
Gear to Camp Mohican State Park
Of course, any visitors planning to camp at Ohio Mohican State Park will want to bring their own camping gear – from tent to sleeping bags to lanterns.
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