Ohio is full of beautiful state parks that are just waiting to be explored.
If you live here, you already know that this state has so much more to offer than cornfields. Mohican State Park is located in one of the most beautiful regions of the state, offering rolling hills, stunning forests, and impeccable views.
If you are a lover of the great outdoors, then a visit to the park should absolutely be on your to-do list.
From hiking to canoeing to camping, there is no shortage of incredible adventures awaiting you at Mohican State Park.
FAQ About Mohican State Park
We already know what you’re going to ask, so let’s get into a little breakdown of the most frequently asked questions about the park.
Where is Mohican State Park?
Mohican State Park is located in Loudonville, Ohio. The park is conveniently located between both Columbus and Cleveland, making it an easy weekend or day trip from either city. You can find the park at 3116 State Route 3, Loudonville, OH 44842.
Is it free to visit Mohican State Park?
Yes. The park is completely free for visitors to explore the park, hike on trails, and to park your vehicle. Of course, there are some activities and programming that do have costs, but we’ll get into all of that below.
Is there a campground at Mohican State Park?
Yes. Mohican State Park offers a variety of overnight accommodations. There’s a large campground with electric and non-electric sites, as well as camper cabins and Sherman cabins. You can get all of the info you need about reserving a campsite or cabin by visiting the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ website.
Does Mohican State Park have waterfalls?
The park is home to some beautiful waterfalls and there are also waterfalls that exist outside of, but nearby to, the park. Within Mohican State Park, you’ll find Big and Little Lyons Falls. The best time to visit to see the waterfalls at their full potential is anytime after significant rainfall.
Does Mohican State Park allow dogs?
Dogs are allowed at the park, both on the hiking trails and in the campground. Your furry friends have to be on a leash and you are responsible for cleaning up after your pet.
Does Mohican State Park have cell service?
Like any rural area, there are some spots in the park and nearby areas where cell service can get a little spotty. That said, if you’re staying at the campground, there is wifi available.
Does Mohican State Park have a beach?
Although there isn’t a designated beach area within Mohican State Park, there are nearby lakes and campgrounds that offer beaches and other water amenities.
When is the best time of year to visit Mohican State Park?
There’s no bad time of year to visit this gorgeous park. In the spring, you can hike to the waterfalls and enjoy the abundance of wildflower blooms. While visiting in the summer, you can use the longer days to your advantage to spend all day on the trails, hiking to unique spots like the Fire Tower for incredible views.
The fall at Mohican State Park is its own form of heaven, especially if you visit during peak fall foliage. Winter may not seem like the perfect time of year to head out into the great outdoors, but it’s a stunning time to visit Mohican State Park, with snow and ice transforming the park into a winter wonderland.
Now that we’ve answered all of your pressing questions, let’s dive into the best things to do during your visit to Mohican State Park.
Hiking
There are a variety of trails to hike at Mohican State Park, all of which have varying levels of difficulty.
The park is also home to one of the oldest ultra marathons in the country, The Mohican Trail 100.
Canoeing and Kayaking at Mohican State Park
The beautiful Mohican river runs directly through the park. There are plenty of ways to explore this pristine waterway, including tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting.
Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon trip or you’d like to spend the whole day paddling along, there are multiple routes and companies to choose from when canoeing at Mohican State Park.
River Run Canoe Liveries, Mohican Adventures, and Shipley’s Canoe Livery all offer canoe and kayak rentals.
Tubing in the Mohican River
Tubing is the most popular water activity at the park, especially for families. Access points are located throughout the park, offering you plenty of spots to hop in and out between floats.
The longest float in Ohio is found at the park. Mohican Adventures offers a 7-mile floating trip, which takes about 5-6 hours to complete.
P.S. Keep your eyes peeled while you’re on the water. You might just spot a Sasquatch!
Visiting the covered bridge
The Mohican State Park covered bridge was built in 1968 and offers a unique experience for park-goers. You can cross the bridge by car or foot. The views of the river from the bridge are beautiful, but if you’re looking to get a great view of the bridge itself, there are hiking trails that lead down to the riverbank.
The drive across the bridge also happens to be one of The Best Fall Drives in Ohio, so consider visiting once the leaves start to change for a truly spectacular sight.
Swim at the beach at Pleasant Hill Lake
If your idea of water fun involves less paddling and more laying out at the beach, you’re in luck. Pleasant Hill Lake has what they call the WhoaZone, an aquatic adventure area complete with inflatable obstacle courses, slides, climbing walls, and more. You can purchase hourly sessions or day passes.
Enjoy breathtaking views
Whether you’re hiking one of the many trails in the park or climbing to the top of the firetower, Mohican State Park is full of incredible views. The park is home to osprey and bald eagles, making it the perfect place to do a little bird watching.
Explore historical sites
The land that makes up Mohican State Park today was once home to the Delaware Native American people. The area provided rich hunting grounds and supported Native villages and communities. Most of the historical sites within the park today date back to the period just after the War of 1812, when white colonists began moving into the region after the Native Americans were driven out.
The historic Wolf Creek Grist Mill has been restored to its original 1830s splendor, offering a glimpse at 19th-century life at their working museum.
One famous visitor to the park area was John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed, who planted several apple tree nurseries along the Mohican River. He even carved his name into the wall of Lyons Falls, although the carving has long since eroded away.
Go ziplining
If adventure is what you’re after, zooming through the canopy of the trees surrounding Mohican State Park is one easy way to find it. Tree Frog Canopy Tours and Mohican Adventure both offer visitors the chance to get their feet off the ground for a day of aerial fun.
Explore surrounding Amish Country
Mohican State Park happens to be neighbors to one of the most popular rural destinations, Amish Country. While visiting this unique region of Ohio, you can learn about local history, enjoy yummy Amish food, shop for beautiful handcrafted items, and just enjoy the rolling hills and pastures.
READ MORE: The Best Things To Do In Amish Country
Mountain biking at Mohican State Park
There is a massive mountain biking trail that runs through Mohican State Park. It’s actually Ohio’s longest singletrack, coming in at over 25 miles. It’s a long ride, full of steep climbs and occasionally smooth downhill sections. But the scenery is incredible and it’s truly one-of-a-kind around here.
Where to stay when visiting Mohican State Park
If you aren’t camping at Mohican State Park, you should consider booking a stay at the Berlin Resort, a modern storage container build in the woods, or an epic treehouse nestled in the canopy of the forest.
Of course, you can’t talk about unique places to stay and not mention Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The massive hotel and restaurant are full of magical, whimsical vibes and it just happens to be one of the best places to visit if you’re headed up to Mohican State Park around the holidays. They decorate the castle with thousands of lights and it’s the perfect family adventure.
