Ohio’s Mohican State Park is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Buckeye State, especially those eager for outdoor adventures and exploration. Ideally located just 60 miles southwest of Akron and 80 miles from Cleveland, the park provides a peaceful retreat from city life, while offering plenty of opportunities for adventure lovers too.
Covering just over 1,100 acres, Mohican State Park offers more than many larger outdoor spots. Visitors are often captivated by the stunning landscapes, which include the breathtaking Clear Fork Gorge—a thousand feet wide and 300 feet high. You’ll also find lush hemlock forests along the Mohican River, creating a picturesque setting year-round, particularly vibrant in the fall.
For nature and adventure enthusiasts planning a trip to Ohio, Mohican State Park is a worthy addition to your itinerary. Here’s what you need to know before you go:
There’s no shortage of activities at Mohican State Park. You can explore 13 miles of trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and trail running. While most paths are for those on foot, a few are shared with horseback riders. The park even hosts the Mohican Trail 100, one of the country’s oldest ultramarathons since 1989.
Mountain biking fans will enjoy the 25-mile Mohican Mountain Biking Trail, also open to hikers. It winds through Clear Fork Gorge, showcasing some of the area’s most impressive scenery. Known as one of Ohio’s top mountain biking trails, it also hosts the annual Mohican MTB100.
On the water, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing on the Mohican River are popular, especially in summer. The gentle river allows for a peaceful float, perfect for taking in the park’s unique beauty.
For fishing enthusiasts, the park’s rivers, lakes, and streams offer bass, bluegills, and white crappie. The Clear Fork River is notably one of Ohio’s few spots for brown trout fishing, but remember to follow state regulations and have a valid fishing license if you’re 16 or older.
Mohican State Park is open all year, offering activities in every season. In winter, the trails are open for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing when there’s adequate snowfall.
Despite having just 13 miles of hiking trails, each route at Mohican offers a unique chance to explore the surrounding landscapes, from lakes and rivers to forests and waterfalls. The 2.5-mile Gorge Overlook Trail is a standout, offering a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views, particularly along the Clear Fork River. Proper hiking gear is recommended.
Other notable trails include the 2-mile Hemlock Gorge Trail with its charming covered bridge, and the Lyons Fall Trail with two delightful waterfalls. For a quicker hike, the .7-mile Gristmill Overlook Loop is short but steep and ends with a scenic view.
The Mohican Mountain Bike Trail is also a great spot for hiking and backcountry camping, though be mindful of mountain bikers. It’s a loop trail, ideal for an extended hike or shorter day trips.
Campers will find excellent facilities at the Mohican State Park Campground, accommodating tents, cars, and RVs with well-maintained cabins available too. The campground boasts 184 sites, some with electricity or full RV hookups, plus hot showers, flush toilets, a camp store, and a range of recreational facilities. Reserve campsites up to six months ahead and cabins a year in advance, especially during peak summer months, either online or by phone at (866) 644-6727.
While there aren’t any hotels or lodges within the park, nearby Mansfield, Ohio offers a range of accommodations. The Mohican Lodge and Conference Center is located just outside the park, providing comfortable lodgings and a variety of activities.
If you’re driving from Akron, Cleveland, or Columbus, the park is accessible via several main routes, with clear signage leading to the entrance. All three cities have airports with frequent flights.
For guests with accessibility needs, most of the park’s facilities are wheelchair-friendly. However, the trails are generally not suitable for wheelchairs due to natural terrain and inclines. In nearby Loudonville, there is a fully paved, accessible 1.5-mile pedestrian and bike path as an alternative.
