Lots of Quiet, Lots of Fun. Loudonville Rocks!
Loudonville Mohican
Welcome to Loudonville – Canoe Capital of Ohio ~ Lots of Quiet, Lots of Fun. That’s Loudonville. For beautiful landscapes unlike anywhere in Ohio, come to Loudonville. From gently-sloping farmland to the breathtaking Clear Fork George, the deepest gorge in Ohio, these Appalachian foothills form the scenic Mohican Valley. Visits to the area can be as serene or active are guests choose. Loudonville is located east of Mansfield off Interstate 71, midway between Cleveland and Columbus. It’s great year-round destination, yes even winter.
Canoe Capital of Ohio!
With six public liveries, in 2011 Loudonville was officially designated as the official “Canoe Capital of Ohio” by the State of Ohio. Much of the water fun takes place on the Mohican River, an Ohio Scenic River. This slow, lazy Class I river is usually appropriate for all ages and skill levels. Trips can last from 45 minutes to 2 days or longer. Visitors can enjoy a scenic river trip on canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes. Canoe season starts in April running through October. Liveries are typically open at 9 am with the last canoes leaving at 5 pm.
The Visitors Bureau web page River Report provides detailed information on all six canoe liveries and direct links the liveries for more info. The River Report also includes river water conditions and in-season is updated daily. Summer weekends are prime canoe season, so reservations are suggested.
Area Features Two State Parks & Bicycle Path
A long-time area jewel is Mohican State Park and Forest. With almost 6,000 acres of rugged woodland, the park and forest are an outdoor lover’s paradise. Hikers can explore 45 miles of trails, with the most popular leading to the scenic Lyon Falls. Experience nature by horseback on a bridle trail or challenge yourself on the highly rated 24.5 mile mountain bike trail. Don’t miss Clear Fork Gorge, a National Natural Landmark that is 300 feet deep and 1000 feet wide! The view of Clear Fork from the Pleasant Hill Dam is stunning. There are numerous and very scenic areas for a family picnic, reunion, even a wedding!
Wolf Creek Grist Mill is an authentic grist mill built in 1831. It was moved from north of town to its’ current site in Mohican State Park. It was restored by a group of tireless volunteers who operate the Mill today. It is open most summer weekends. However, guests are welcome to stroll the grounds anytime. Park your car in the lot at the intersection of SR 97 & SR 3 and walk to the Mill, Village, and scenic overlook platform behind the Mill.
There are a number of choices to spend the night in Mohican State Park. Camping, both primitive and in an RV are quite popular. Camping is available year ’round, with limited services like showers, in the off-season. Pamper yourself in Mohican State Park Lodge, a deluxe resort with 96 rooms on Pleasant Hill Lake in the heart of the park. The Lodge is a full-service resort that includes indoor and outdoor pools, restaurant, lounge, game room, outdoor activities, and award-winning service.
Another area highlight is Malabar Farm State Park, a real, live working farm. Built by Pulitzer Prize- winning author and conservationist, Louis Bromfield, Malabar Farm reflects the agricultural tradition of Ohio while focusing on Bromfield’s life and philosophies. The stunning 32-room Big House is a blend of architectural styles where, for a small fee, tours are offered throughout the year. Visitors can also enjoy a self-guided tour of the farm, the Visitors Center, hiking & horse back riding trails, fishing, a horseman campground, even cross country skiing and ice fishing in winter. Located near the Farm, Malabar Farm Restaurant is a restored historical building dating back to 1820. Today the Restaurant features fresh home-style cooking using many foods grown on the Farm. In season, stop by the self-serve roadside market, next to the Restaurant, for locally grown produce.
Malabar is alive all year long with special events, fairs, festivals and workshops. For fabulous views of the surrounding Farm and Pleasant Valley, don’t miss a trip to Mt. Jeez Scenic Overlook, highest point in on the farm.
Back in Loudonville, visitors can ride the 2 mile long paved Loudonville Bicycle Path. It starts downtown in Riverside Park at the dramatic Pathway Bridge following the Mohican River going past canoe liveries, restaurants, campgrounds, stores, and Wally Road Scenic Byway. It passes by Mohican State Park and the seasonal Visitor Info center, ending just north of the Wolf Creek Grist Mill. Bicycle rental is available at Kim’s Bike downtown & Mohican Little Brown Inn on South Market Street. (Mountain bicycle rental for the off-road Mohican State Park mountain trails are also available at Kim’s Bike.)
Downtown Loudonville – Main Street USA
Another Loudonville highlight is its’ quaint Victorian downtown which greets visitors with a streetscape of colorful awnings and flower-filled baskets. Just take a leisurely stroll along the sidewalk. Amish Oak Furniture offers a vast selection of high quality furniture. Down the street, choose from Native American gifts and jewelry at Creative Outlets. Stop at Lingenfelter Jewelers or Rhoades Jeweler for a memorable keepsake. Pamper yourself at Avon Beauty Center, one of the few retail Avon shops in Ohio. Stop by the new Four Seasons for flowers, quality antiques, Henn Pottery, unique gifts, xmas decorations, and a little of this, a little of that. They’ve expanded to a huge new location – an entire city block deep!
Don’t miss the 126 year old Raby’s Hardware, Buzzard’s Family Shoes, and more traditional stores to enjoy personal service rarely found today. Browse fine art galleries such as Cooper Top Gallery, and near downtown at Annette’s Clay Creations plus Stonewall Studio. Many of these stores have been the same families for generations, so customer service and a friendly smile are always the norm. Resellables Thrift Shop offers “treasurers” such as used furniture, tools, dishes, collectables, home decorations, kitchen “stuff”, and who knows what they have today.
Don’t leave town hungry! There are restaurants in Loudonville to please every palate. From pizza, fast food, to upscale casual at West Main Café and Mohican Tavern & Grille, chinese, family fare, to fine dining at Stepping Stone at Landoll’s Mohican Castle and Bromfield’s at Mohican State Park Resort. Hanover House Diner, a new downtown restaurant and Trails End Pizza Company on South Market near Wally Road recently opened! Most restaurants offer carry-out service. So buy lunch and enjoy on the hiking trails, in a canoe, or river-side picnic.
Year ‘Round Fairs & Festivals
Central Park bustles with activity throughout the year, especially summer weekends. The water fountain and historic log cabin are backdrops to everything from art and craft shows to music & rib fest and more. Fourth of July begins with an antique show including one of the finest classic car shows in Ohio. October brings the 124 year old Loudonville Free Street Fair to town followed by the spectacular Fall Foliage tour.
There are over 100 different fairs, festivals, and special events in the area every month of the year from January 1 through December 31, most are free to the public. Our web site has detailed info on all the events and is updated regularly, as new events are announced.
Enjoy Wally Road Scenic Byway
In recognition of its beauty, history and recreational opportunities, Wally Road has been designated an Ohio Scenic Byway. The 10.5 miles Byways begins in Ashland County just south of Loudonville and runs through parts of Holmes and Knox Counties ending in Greer. Regarded as the “Largest Outdoor Recreation Complex” in Ohio, Wally Road follows the Mohican River Scenic Byway. Use Wally Road as your gateway to Amish country in nearby Holmes County. Many of the canoe liveries and campgrounds are located along Wally Road. It’s great for a scenic drive, especially during fall foliage season.
“Loose Your Lunch” on our Zip Line or Go Climb a Tree
New to the area is Tree Frog Canopy Tours, Ohio’s longest, highest and fastest zip line. Tree Frog tours include two sky bridges, two rappels and seven zip-lines ranging from 145 feet to the final 1100 foot final traverse. Tours last from 2 ½ to 3 hours with groups departing the Welcome Center every half hour. The tour is not only designed to be fun but gives guests an appreciation of the biodiversity of the Mohican area. Tree Frog tours typically run from May through October and is located on Wally Road, just 9 miles south of Loudonville. Reservations are suggested. If the zip line is a little too “thrilling” for some, Natural Fit Outdoor Adventures offers tree climbing. They use techniques developed by professional arborists. Really cool! It is located on the grounds of Tree Frog.
Even More Water Fun
The primary source of water for the Mohican River is two lakes, Charles Mill Lake and Pleasant Hill Lake. But they are destinations in themselves. Both Lakes have marinas to rent kayaks, pontoon boats, waverunners, ski boats, fishing boats, even a house boat or bring your own equipment. They are also great for swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing and hunting. Cabins and camping are also available. Pleasant Hill Lake also features a special horse campground. Both Lakes are located just west of Loudonville in Richland County near Malabar Farm State Park.
Spend the Night
Got your interest? Spend the night. The Loudonville area offers many choices to “rest your head” from primitive camping, RVing, cozy and deluxe cabins, a Victorian quaint bed and breakfast, houses, hotels, a luxury resort, even a castle. Rough it, soak in a whirlpool, enjoy a refreshing massage, take a private carriage ride, relax around a crackling campfire or in front of a fireplace, enjoy our spectacular scenery and wildlife. With more than 4400 campsites within minutes of downtown, there is plenty of “room at Loudonville’s inn” for visitors to rough it or pamper themselves while visiting the area.
During busy summer week-ends, area lodging sells out quickly. So mark overnight reservations and make them early
When the price of gas is just a little too high or you just want to stay close to home, plan a Loudonville Ohio getaway. It is a great place for families, young adults, outdoor enthusiasts, couples, family reunions, grandparents with the grandkids, and the young at heart. And we’re affordable, all year around!
For more information call 877-2MOHICAN or visit our award-winning web page at www.DiscoverMohican.com. Email info requests to Info@DiscoverMohican.com. If you’re already in the area, stop by the Visitors Bureau’s year-round downtown office or the self-serve seasonal Visitors Info Center in Mohican State Park for help planning your visit.
Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau
877-2MOHICAN
www.DiscoverMohican.com
Nestled in the Southeastern Ohio foothills of the Appalachians, Vinton County offers natural beauty and hometown charm that has delighted visitors for generations.
