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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Northeast Ohio Region
Mohican State Park
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Mohican State Park © Drrosenrosen / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Clear Fork of the Mohican River and the Clear Fork Gorge, as seen from Mohican State Park Gorge Overlook on October 13, 2008.
Mohican State Park © Aaron Zhu / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Clear Fork River at Mohican State Park
Mohican State Park Mohican State Park © Dennis Deitrick
Autumn at the Covered Bridge
Mohican State Park © Aaron Zhu / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Near Small Lyons Fall at Mohican State Park
Mohican State Park © Aaron Zhu / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mohican State Park Fire Tower
Mohican State Park © Victor F Artigas
Mohican State Park Mohican SP Lodge © Victor F Artigas
View of Pleasant Hill Lake from Mohican Lodge dining
Mohican State Park Lyons Falls trail near dam © Victor F Artigas
Mohican State Park © Gene Shirk
Mohican State Park © Gene Shirk
Mohican State Park © Gene Shirk
Mohican State Park © Gene Shirk
Mohican State Park © Gene Shirk
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MOHICAN STATE PARK
MOHICAN STATE PARK
3116 OH-3
Loudonville, Ohio   44842-9526
(lat:40.6092 lon:-82.2647) map location

Phone: (419) 994-4290
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Mohican State Park and the adjacent state forest are outstanding in their beauty and offer limitless opportunities for visitors to explore one of Ohio's most unique natural regions. The striking Clearfork Gorge, hemlock forest and scenic Mohican River offer a wilderness experience while the resort lodge and cottages provide luxurious accommodations.
Park Map (pdf)
Nature of the Area
The scenic beauty and natural features of the Mohican region can be attributed to events that occurred over 12,000 years ago during the ice age in Ohio. The last glacier to enter Ohio, the Wisconsinan, ended its advance in the Mohican region forming a glacial boundary. Several moraines, linear ridges of soil and rock till deposited along the ice edge, are evident in the area.

The erosional forces of glacial meltwaters hastened the carving of the narrow gorge of the Clear Fork of the Mohican River. This gorge cuts into the sandstone bedrock exposing huge outcroppings and creating steep cliff walls. The gorge is more than one thousand feet wide at the top and over three hundred feet deep. The striking Clearfork Gorge with its towering hemlocks and stands of old-growth white pine are of national significance. The National Park Service has thus dedicated the area as a Registered National Natural Landmark.

The Mohican State Memorial Forest surrounds the park and contains great plant and animal diversity. Ridge tops contain stands of white, red and black oaks, red maple and white pine. Beech, ash and tulip can be found in the middle and lower slopes with hemlock and yellow birch. The bottomlands contain sycamore, willow, buckeye, hawthorn and dogwood. The diversity of ferns in this region is astounding with as many as fifteen different species identified, including the rare walking fern.

Mohican is home to numerous mammals including raccoon, white-tail deer, skunk, opossum and red fox. Reptiles such as the box turtle, black rat snake and the poisonous copperhead are present in the area. Dusky salamanders, American toads and the gray tree frog are samples of local amphibians. The wild turkey has made a tremendous comeback in Ohio after being totally extirpated at one time. Significant numbers of this magnificent bird can be found in the surrounding forest.

Of particular interest is the abundance of nesting warblers in the Clear Fork Gorge. More than fifteen species including Northern Parula, Hooded, Cerulean and American Redstart nest here during spring and summer.
History of the Area
The Mohican State Park area was once the hunting grounds of the Delaware Indians, whose more famous warriors included Janacake, Bill Montour, Thomas Lyon (reportedly the ugliest man alive!) and James Smith, who was the first white man to come to this area. Smith was captured by the Indians and later adopted into their tribe. Several Delaware villages were located in the Mohican vicinity. Settlement by non-Indians began at the turn of the nineteenth century, but settlement did not increase until the Indians were driven from the area during the War of 1812. John Chapman, immortalized as Johnny Appleseed, frequented the region during the 1800's, caring for his apple tree nurseries. His name and the date, carved in the wall of Lyons Falls, were an attraction for years. Unfortunately, the etchings have been obliterated with the passage of time.

Prior to 1949, most of the area that comprises the present Mohican State Park was part of the Mohican State Forest (also known as Mohican State Forest Park). The forest lands were administered by the Ohio Division of Forestry. In 1949, when the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was created, Mohican and several other state parks were developed from existing state forests. The new park was named Clear Fork State Park. Years later in 1966, the name was changed to Mohican State Park in order to alleviate confusion between Mansfield's Clearfork Reservoir and the state park. Even before this official move, visitors referred to the area as Mohican.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres1,110
 Nearby State Forest, acres5,109
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles13
 Backpack Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #4
 Bridle Trailsyes
 Nature Centeryes
 Nature Programsyes
CampingPrimitive, #35
 Electric Sites, #118
 Full Hookup Sites, #33
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Camp Commissaryyes
 Camper Cabins, #2
 Group Camp, capacity100
 Campground Poolyes
 Rent-A-Teepee, #2
 Walk-In Campsites, #12
WinterSnowmobilingyes
AccommodationsLodge Rooms, #96
 Family Cottages, #25
 Game Roomyes
 Indoor Swimming Poolyes
 Tennisyes
 Outdoor Swimming Poolyes
 Restaurantyes
Cottages
Twenty-five family cottages are located along the river in a wooded area. Each of the cottages will accommodate six people. The cottages are heated for year-round use and contain cooking utensils, towels, bed linens and blankets.
Camping
The family campground at Mohican offers 153 campsites with electricity, fire rings and picnic tables. Full service hookups are available at 33 campsites. The main campground is equipped with showers, flush toilets, dump station and a camp commissary. A second campground with 24 sites has pit latrines, tables and firerings. The group camp can accommodate organized groups of up to 100 people.
Campground Map (pdf)
Lodge
The lodge at Mohican offers luxurious seclusion and comfortable resort accommodations. There are 96 air-conditioned rooms, each with a private balcony and color television. The lodge is equipped with private meeting and banquet rooms for groups up to 425, a dining room, sauna, gift shop, lounge, and olympic-size indoor and outdoor pools.
Swimming
An olympic-size pool is located in the campground for use by campers and cottage guests. Lodge guests may use the two pools located at the lodge.
Boating
Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy boating activities on Pleasant Hill Lake, which spans 850 acres. The lake allows for all types of watercraft including power boats and jet skis as well as canoes and kayaks. There are boat ramps available for launching personal vessels while rental options exist at nearby marinas if visitors don't bring their own equipment.
Canoeing
The Mohican River, which flows through the park, is one of the finest canoeing rivers in Ohio.
Fishing
Mohican State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing options for both experienced and novice anglers. The Clear Fork River, which runs through the park, is home to several species including smallmouth bass, white crappie and channel catfish. This river provides excellent opportunities for fly-fishing as well.

In addition to the river, Pleasant Hill Lake also presents an ideal spot for fishing within Mohican State Park. It's stocked with largemouth bass along with other fish like bluegill and walleye making it perfect for those who enjoy lake fishing.

For trout enthusiasts there are two designated trout streams - Pine Run Creek & Switzer Creek where you can try your luck at catching brown or rainbow trouts during their respective seasons.

Fishing from boats is allowed on Pleasant Hill Lake but they must be operated at no-wake speed while within 300 feet of any shoreline inside state parks according to regulations set by Division of Parks & Watercrafts

The park does not provide equipment rental so visitors need bring their own gear; however bait shops nearby offer supplies if needed.

Remember that all individuals aged 16 years old or older will require valid Ohio Fishing License before casting lines into these waters whether resident or non-resident alike


Location
Mohican State Park is located near Mansfield, Mount Vernon and Wooster

Picnicking
Picnic areas are located around the park and offer tables, latrines and drinking water. Four shelterhouses may be reserved. Contact the park office for details.
Trails
Over twelve miles of trails take the visitor to the more interesting areas of the park and forest. Lyons Falls trail follows Clear Fork Gorge and features two waterfalls. The Hemlock trail leads to the scenic wooden bridge, and Pleasant Hill trail follows the lake shoreline and offers beautiful views of the lake. Other trails are available in the adjacent state forest for horsepeople as well as hikers.
Trail Map (pdf)
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy over 25 miles of challenging trails. Be aware, these are shared with hikers.

The terrain varies greatly from flat to steep inclines, requiring a moderate fitness level for some areas.

Mountain biking is permitted on designated bridle paths and snowmobile routes outside the winter season only.

For safety reasons, cycling isn't allowed on hiking-only tracks or nature preserve lands within this park's boundaries.

Helmet use while riding is highly recommended due to rough terrains and potential hazards along the way.

Ensure you have adequate water supplies as there aren't many refill stations available throughout most trail sections.

Check local weather conditions before setting out; certain trails may be closed after heavy rainfalls or storms.

Nighttime bicycling requires proper lighting equipment since visibility in forested regions becomes significantly reduced after sunset.

Remember that wildlife encounters are possible so stay alert at all times during your ride through these scenic landscapes.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities, with over 100 species to spot. It is home to the endangered Eastern Hemlock and several rare birds such as Bald Eagles, Red-Shouldered Hawks, Barred Owls and Pileated Woodpeckers. The Clear Fork Gorge Overlook provides an excellent vantage point for spotting raptors during migration season while hiking trails offer chances to see woodland songbirds like warblers or thrushes in their natural habitat. Birdwatchers can also explore the hemlock forest along Big Lyons Falls Trail where Blackburnian Warbler nests are often found.
Area Attractions
Malabar Farm State Park which is northwest of Mohican was the home of Louis Bromfield -- noted author, farmer and conservationist. Visitors can tour Bromfield's "Big House" or take a wagon tour of the farm. Mohican State Memorial Forest, located adjacent to the park, offers public hunting and trails for horseback riding, snowmobiling and hiking. Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve which is north off State Route 13, is a mixture of mature beach-maple forest and swamp forest. There is a rich display of spring flowers in the woods. Visitation during daylight hours only.

Downhill skiing is offered at Clear Fork and Snow Trails ski resorts and water recreation is provided at Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill lakes. There are several fine canoe rivers and liveries in the area. For more information, contact Loudonville-Mohican Area Tourist Association, P.O. Box 122, Loudonville, Ohio 44842 or call 1-800-722-7588.

Picnic tables and grill sites are located in scenic areas throughout the park. A concession stand offers limited picnic supplies. Fires are permitted only in the grills provided.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 30 Memories
park review stars; one to five My family lived in Lexington from around 1958-1963 and we often picnicked at Mohican State Park. Have many great memories of this place.
August 10 Our favorite place by The Starkeys
park review stars; one to five We have been coming here for the past 6 years. my husbands family every year for almost 40 years. This is a great park. beatuiful area. a must do!!!
January 11 A great place to hike and get away. by string bean
park review stars; one to five I,ve been hiking in Mohican for several years and it never seems to amaze me to what it has to offer in all seasons. Winter is one of my favorites because your alone to enjoy nature at its rawest form.
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Area Campgrounds
Whispering Hills Jellystone Park Camp Resort
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Rainbow Springs Family Campground
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Arrow Point Campgrounds Inc
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Kokosing Valley Camp & Canoe
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River Trail Crossing
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Wally World Riverside RV Resort & Camping
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River Run Family Campground
3070 County Highway 3175
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Cherokee Park Campground
3064 State Route 43
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419-368-6885
Mohican Adventures Campground & Cabins
3058 Ohio 3
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419-994-2267
Mohican Reservation Campgrounds and Canoeing
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740-599-6631
Mohican Wilderness
22462 Wally Road
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Lake Wapusun RV Resort
10787 Molter Road
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Charles Mill Lake Park
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419-368-6885
Toodik Family Campground Cabin & Canoeing
7700 Township Road 462
Loudonville, OH
419-994-3835
Long Lake Park Campground
8974 Long Lake Dr
Lakeville, OH
419-827-2278
Pleasant Hill Lake Park Welcome Center
3431 Ohio 95
Perrysville, OH
419-938-7884
Butler / Mohican KOA Journey
Butler, OH
419-883-3314
Lake Wapusun RV Resort
10787 Molter Road
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Big Pines of Pleasant Hill Inc
3911 State Route 95
Perrysville, OH
(419) 938-3474
Area Cabins and Lodges
Walley World Resort Inc
16121 County Road 23
Loudonville, OH
(419) 994-4828
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Hidden Cave Cabin - Rockbridge, OH
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
77.1 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
72.4 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
3116 State Route 3, Loudonville, Ohio 44842

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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