Mohican State Park
Stand at the Gorge Overlook and gaze 300 feet down into a wilderness that seems impossible in Ohio—a forested chasm carved by the Clear Fork of the Mohican River, lined with ancient hemlocks and white pines. Cross the swinging bridge suspended over the river. Paddle the waterway that earned Ohio’s “Canoe Capital” reputation. This is Mohican State Park—a sprawling outdoor adventure complex that combines the state park, state forest, and a legendary network of trails into one of Ohio’s most complete outdoor destinations.
Whether you’re here to hike the 13 miles of state park trails, tackle the epic 25-mile mountain bike loop, stay at the lakeside lodge, kayak family-friendly river sections, or climb the fire tower for panoramic views, Mohican delivers. The Clear Fork Gorge—a Registered National Natural Landmark—anchors it all: a 1,000-foot-wide, 300-foot-deep geological wonder that protects one of Ohio’s finest old-growth hemlock-pine forests.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | 3116 State Route 3, Loudonville, OH 44842 |
| 🗺️ Region | Central Ohio / Ashland County |
| 📐 State Park | 1,110 acres |
| 🌲 State Forest | 4,525 additional acres |
| 🥾 Hiking Trails | 13+ miles (park) + 32 miles (forest) |
| 🚵 MTB Trail | 25-mile EPIC Mohican loop |
| 🏨 Lodging | Lodge, cabins, campground |
Clear Fork Gorge
The Clear Fork Gorge is the crown jewel of Mohican—a Registered National Natural Landmark featuring dramatic cliffs, ancient forest, and the scenic river below.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📐 Dimensions | ~1,000 ft wide × 300 ft deep |
| 🌲 Ecosystem | Old-growth white pine & hemlock forest |
| 🏆 Status | Registered National Natural Landmark |
| 🌿 Nature Preserve | 29 acres protected (8 acres old-growth) |
| 👀 Best Viewpoint | Gorge Overlook parking area |
Iconic Landmarks
| Landmark | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌉 Swinging Bridge | 120 ft suspension bridge over the river; rebuilt 2021; connects Gorge Overlook & Hemlock Gorge trails |
| 🏚️ Covered Bridge | Historic covered bridge dating to 1968; scenic photo spot |
| 🔭 Fire Tower | Climb for panoramic views; end of Hog Hollow Trail |
| 💧 Lyons Falls | Two waterfalls along Lyons Falls Trail |
Popular Hiking Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💧 Lyons Falls Trail | 2 mi loop | Moderate | Two waterfalls; follows Clear Fork Gorge |
| 👀 Gorge Overlook Trail | 2.5 mi loop | Strenuous | Ladder section; dramatic gorge views; Swinging Bridge |
| 🌲 Hemlock Gorge Trail | 2.4 mi | Moderate | Old-growth hemlocks; leads to Swinging Bridge & Covered Bridge |
| 🔭 Hog Hollow Trail | 2.1 mi | Moderate-Hard | Climbs to fire tower; panoramic views |
| 🏞️ Pleasant Hill Trail | 0.8 mi | Easy | River walk to Pleasant Hill Dam; family-friendly |
| 🏭 Grist Mill Overlook Trail | 0.7 mi loop | Extreme | Restored Wolf Creek Pine Run Grist Mill views |
EPIC Mountain Bike Trail
The 25-mile EPIC Mohican Mountain Bike Trail is considered one of Ohio’s best—looping through Clear Fork Gorge with challenging terrain and stunning scenery.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📏 Length | 25 miles (full loop) |
| ⚠️ Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced |
| 🚶 Also Open To | Hikers (counterclockwise direction) |
| 🏆 Reputation | One of Ohio’s best MTB trails |
Canoeing & Kayaking
Mohican is known as the “Canoe Capital of Ohio”—the Mohican River offers excellent paddling with multiple liveries providing rentals and trips.
| Livery | Trip Options | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 🛶 Mohican Adventures | 3-mile, 7-mile trips | ~2 hours |
| 🛶 Mohican Wilderness | Various river trips | 1.5-2 hours |
| 🛶 Mohican Reservation | 8-mile river trip | ~3-4 hours |
💡 Tip: The 3-7 mile trips are ideal for families and beginners. Pleasant Hill Lake (no horsepower limits) is also great for calm paddling.
Zip Line & Aerial Adventures
Beyond traditional hiking and paddling, Mohican offers thrilling aerial adventures:
| Adventure | Provider | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 🧗 Aerial Adventure Park | Mohican Adventures | 6 courses; 12-42 ft above ground; varying difficulty |
| 🪂 Zip Line Canopy Tour | Tree Frog Canopy Tours | 2.5-3 hours; multiple zip lines, sky bridges, rappels |
Accommodations
Mohican State Park Lodge
The Mohican Lodge sits on the shore of Pleasant Hill Lake, offering full-service amenities in a beautiful natural setting.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Pleasant Hill Lake shoreline |
| 🏊 Pools | Indoor + Outdoor pools |
| 🍽️ Dining | On-site restaurant |
| 🎮 Amenities | Gift shop, arcade, fitness room |
| 👨👩👧 Programs | Kids activities, naturalist programs |
Cabins & Camping
| Type | Details | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 🏡 Deluxe Cabins | Full kitchen, A/C, sleeps 6 | $220/night (peak) |
| 🐕 Pet-Friendly Cabins | Selected cabins allow dogs | +$10/night pet fee |
| ⛺ Family Campground | 150+ electric sites; pool; showers | Varies |
| 🏕️ Primitive Camping | Streamside sites; state forest | Lower rates |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Activities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr-May) | Waterfalls at peak; hiking; wildflowers | River can run high—great for experienced paddlers |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Canoeing/kayaking; swimming; camping; zip lines | Peak season; book lodge/cabins early |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Fall foliage hiking; MTB; gorge views | Spectacular colors in gorge; fewer crowds |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Mar) | Cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; lodge stays | 8 miles snowmobile trails in state forest |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clear Fork Gorge and why is it special?
Clear Fork Gorge is a Registered National Natural Landmark—a 1,000-foot-wide, 300-foot-deep canyon carved by the Clear Fork of the Mohican River. It protects one of Ohio’s finest old-growth white pine and hemlock forest communities, with an 8-acre section recognized as one of the state’s best.
Is the Swinging Bridge safe?
Yes! The Swinging Bridge was rebuilt in 2021 and spans 120 feet over the river. It’s a suspension bridge that sways gently—part of the adventure! It connects the Gorge Overlook and Hemlock Gorge trails.
What’s the difference between the state park and state forest?
The State Park (1,110 acres) offers developed facilities—lodge, cabins, campground, and main hiking trails. The State Forest (4,525 acres) offers more rugged terrain with 32 miles of additional hiking, 22 miles of bridle trails, and the EPIC mountain bike trail.
Why is it called the “Canoe Capital of Ohio”?
The Mohican River offers some of Ohio’s best recreational paddling, with multiple liveries offering canoe, kayak, and tube rentals. The family-friendly 3-7 mile trips are perfect for beginners, making it one of the state’s most popular paddling destinations.
Are dogs allowed in Mohican State Park?
Yes! Dogs are allowed on trails in both the state park and forest (on leash). Pet-friendly cabins are available—though they cost an extra $10/night fee. Up to two dogs are permitted per cabin.
Can I hike the mountain bike trail?
Yes! The 25-mile EPIC Mohican Mountain Bike Trail is also open to hikers traveling in the counterclockwise direction. It offers a challenging wilderness experience through Clear Fork Gorge.
Plan Your Visit to Mohican State Park
Experience Ohio’s adventure heartland—Clear Fork Gorge, legendary paddling, epic mountain biking, and lakeside lodge accommodations in one unforgettable destination.
📍 Address: 3116 State Route 3, Loudonville, OH 44842
🌐 Official Website: Ohio DNR – Mohican State Park
🏨 Lodge: MohicanLodge.com
📞 Park Office: (419) 994-5125
