Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Ohio
62

Ohio State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Ohio
Northeast Ohio Region
Mohican State Forest
Mohican State Forest Church © Eric Hoffman
Cardinal © stateparks.com
Cardinal
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
MOHICAN STATE FOREST
MOHICAN STATE FOREST
975 O D N R Mohican Rd 51
Perrysville, Ohio   44864
(lat:40.6048 lon:-82.2975) map location

Phone: (419) 938-6222
Mohican-Memorial State Forest is located in southern Ashland County, midway between Columbus and Cleveland. It is easily reached from I-71 and State Routes 97 and 3. The natural attributes of the area combined with state and nearby commerical facilities have made this region one of the more popular year-round attractions of the state. Mohican-Memorial State Forest is managed under the multiple-use concept for timber and wildlife habitat, forestry research and demonstrations of good forest land management, primitive recreation and natural beauty, tree seed for forest nurseries and protection of soils and watershed. Timber products obtained from harvest, stand improvement and thinning operations include saw logs, veneer logs with some pulpwood and firewood. Pine plantation thinnings yield fence and guard posts and poles. During the spring and fall fire seasons, a major objective of the forest organization is to prevent, detect and suppress wildfires that occur on state and private land within the protection district. The many gas wells and transmission lines that you see are a result of the development of a natural gas storage field underlying the forest. Land acquisition for the forest began in 1928 and has continued with the accumulation of over 4,500 acres (exclusive of state park land). The land use history of the forest is typical of eastern Ohio. Original forests were cleared for agriculture, but eventually erosion ensued and fertility decreased. Farms were abandoned and subsequently reverted to brush and woodland. At the time of acquisition, planting of trees on abandoned land was a high priority activity. This resulted in the many plantations of white and red pine and mixtures of these and other pine species that you see today. Much of the tree planting was done by personnel of the Civilian Conservation Corps whose camp was located on the the forest during the 1930s. Native hardwood of the oak-hickory and beech-maple types and associated species of gum, aspen, ash, cherry and walnut occur on unplanted areas. Native white pine and hemlock are also found.
History of the Area
The history of Mohican State Forest in Ohio dates back to the 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Delaware and Mohican tribes. However, after the Treaty of Greeneville in 1795, white settlers began to move into the region.

In the early 1800s, settlers began logging the dense forests of the area, seeking valuable timber resources such as beech, maple, and oak. The logging industry thrived in Mohican, and by the mid-1800s, much of the forest had been cleared.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the federal government initiated several conservation and restoration programs under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. One of these programs was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which aimed to provide employment to young men while also restoring and developing natural resources.

In 1933, the Ohio Division of Forestry and the federal government collaborated to establish Mohican State Forest. The CCC played a crucial role in the development of the forest, employing approximately 200 men who worked on reforestation, trail construction, fire control, and other conservation projects. They planted thousands of trees and built recreational amenities still in use today, such as campgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a scenic overlook tower.

The hard work of the CCC and subsequent conservation efforts allowed the forest to flourish once again. Today, Mohican State Forest covers an area of about 4,525 acres and is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for camping, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

In addition to its natural beauty, the forest is home to historical landmarks like the Lyons Falls, a 300-foot waterfall, and the Wolf Creek Grist Mill, a working 19th-century grist mill reconstructed in the 1970s.

The history of Mohican State Forest is a story of early settlement, rampant logging, conservation efforts, and the restoration of a once-depleted forest to its current state. It remains an important natural and recreational area in Ohio, preserving its rich history and serving as a sanctuary for both humans and wildlife.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres4,498
Day-UseHiking Trail, miles24
 Mountain Bike Trailsyes
 Bridle Trails, miles22
WinterSnowmobilingyes
Camping
1. Mohican State Park Campground: This campground offers over 100 campsites, including electric sites for RVs and non-electric tent sites. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with showers and flush toilets.

2. River Run Family Campground: Located on the banks of Black Fork river in Loudonville near to the state forest area offering full hook-up RV spots as well as primitive camping options.

3. Wally World Riverside Resort: Offers a variety of accommodations from cabins to tents along with amenities like swimming pool access and fishing opportunities nearby.

4. Smith's Pleasant Valley Family Camping & Cabins: It is located just outside the park boundaries but still within easy reach of all that Mohican has to offer - hiking trails, canoeing etc.

5. Mohican Reservation Campgrounds & Canoeing: They provide both campsite rentals (primitive or water/electric)and cabin rentals.

6. Charles Mill Lake Park: A bit further away than some other options but it provides great lake:side camping experience.

7. Austin's Landing at Paddler's Paradise: Another riverside option which also includes facilities such as hot shower houses, laundry room etc.

8. Long Lake Outdoor Center: Provides rustic style group lodging facility perfect for large groups who want an outdoor adventure together.

9. Loudonville/Mohican KOA Holiday: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere this place features deluxe patio pull-through site perfect if you are traveling by your own vehicle.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Search for a vacation rental
Boating
The forest offers a variety of boating options for visitors. The Clear Fork River, which runs through the area, is perfect for canoeing and kayaking with several local businesses offering rentals. Additionally, Pleasant Hill Lake provides opportunities for motorized boating as well as sailing activities. Fishing boats can also be rented at this location.


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

Trails
1. Lyons Falls Trail: A 2-mile loop trail that features two waterfalls, the Big and Little Lyon falls.

2. Mohican State Park Bridle Trails: Over 22 miles of trails designed for horseback riding but also open to hikers; offers scenic views of Clear Fork Gorge and Pleasant Hill Lake.

3. Hemlock Grove Boardwalk Trail: An easy half-mile boardwalk path through a beautiful hemlock forest with interpretive signs about local flora and fauna along the way.

4. Hog Hollow Loop Trail: This moderate difficulty trail is approximately four miles long, offering stunning vistas over valleys filled with hardwood forests.

5. North Rim Hiking/Bridal Pathway: Approximately five miles in length featuring breathtaking overlooks into Clearfork River Valley below.

6. Pine Run Creek Area: Offers several short hiking loops ranging from one to three:miles-long each passing by creekside habitats rich in wildlife sightings including deer, squirrels etc.

7. Grouse Haven Nature Preserve: Features an easy-to-navigate mile-long nature walk showcasing diverse plant species native to Ohio's woodlands.

8. Covered Bridge Scenic Byway:A picturesque six:mile hike leading up towards a historic covered bridge crossing Blackhand creek.

9. Mohican:Memorial Forest Shrine Tree Tower & Fire Watchtower:Offers panoramic view points after steep climbs on this challenging yet rewarding route spanning around seven kilometers.

10. Big And Little Lions Waterfall Route:A moderately difficult trekking pathway winding down rocky terrains reaching upto twin waterfall sites amidst dense greenery.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 30
park review stars; one to five Your website looks beautiful,,, I am a first time visitor, and will attend a wedding this fall at The Mohican School of the Outdoors,,, need directions from entry into the park please
October 26 New things to see each time by Batteredhat
park review stars; one to five A brilliant place to play! Mohican provides a forest alive with age, new and old growth, and beauty. It can get crowded on the weekends, but there so many trails and ways to be alone in the woods. This is a great place for all ages. Good for slow easy walks, and also allowing for some tougher hiking.
July 13 great if it does not rain
park review stars; one to five We have been to Mohican several times and enjoyed it tremendously. There are so many activities, not the least the Naturalist program is fantastic. That being said we found out the hard way that some of the camp spots flood after a decent rain, nothing serious by the way. Note: the non-reserveable spots are not reserveable for a reason, but the spots next to them flood as bad. The bitter pill was that the campground is so completely booked out (we made these reservations 5 months in advance!) that there is no alternative than to leave.
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Whispering Hills Jellystone Park Camp Resort
8181 Ohio 514
Big Prairie, OH
330-567-2137
Rainbow Springs Family Campground
3435 Ohio 3
Loudonville, OH
419-994-5095
Arrow Point Campgrounds Inc
6270 Township Road 208
Loudonville, OH
419-994-5374
Kokosing Valley Camp & Canoe
25860 Coshocton Avenue
Howard, OH
740-599-7056
River Trail Crossing
1597 Ohio 97
Butler, OH
419-883-3888
Wally World Riverside RV Resort & Camping
16121 County Highway 23
Loudonville, OH
855-432-8457
River Run Family Campground
3070 County Highway 3175
Loudonville, OH
419-994-5257
Cherokee Park Campground
3064 State Route 43
Mansfield, OH
419-368-6885
Mohican Adventures Campground & Cabins
3058 Ohio 3
Loudonville, OH
419-994-2267
Mohican Reservation Campgrounds and Canoeing
23270 Wally Road
Loudonville, OH
740-599-6631
Mohican Wilderness
22462 Wally Road
Glenmont, OH
740-599-6741
Lake Wapusun RV Resort
10787 Molter Road
Shreve, OH
330-496-2355
Charles Mill Lake Park
1277A Ohio 430
Mansfield, OH
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
Shreve, OH
330-496-2355
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.
76.5 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.
71.8 miles from park*

Directions
1. Start by heading towards Loudonville, Ohio.
2. From Loudonville, take State Route 3 south.
3. Continue on State Route 3 for approximately 7 miles.
4. As you approach the town of Butler, turn right onto County Road 939.
5. Follow County Road 939 for about 3 miles.
6. Look for signs directing you to the entrance of Mohican State Forest.
7. Turn left into the forest entrance and follow the road to reach the designated parking area or visitor center.

state route ranger badge
Ohio
62

Ohio State Parks

X