Take In The Landscape Outside Of Cleveland Atop The Mohican Fire Tower Overlook
By Nikki Rhoades|Published August 25, 2021
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Northeast Ohio is full of fabulous attractions, particularly when it comes the natural landmarks and features. Ashland County, which is southwest of Cuyahoga County and can be found on bordering Medina County, is particularly rich in natural attractions. With 427 square miles of landscape within its borders, the Ashland area is encircled by miles of forests. Here, visitors will also find Mohican Country and, in it, they’ll spot one of the best scenic overlooks near Cleveland. Are you ready to be enchanted by pure natural beauty? This local landmark belongs on your bucket list!
Afraid of heights? Then the Mohican State Park Fire Tower probably doesn't belong on your bucket list.
Located in the Mohican-Memorial State Forest, this landmark is a bit of a hike from Cleveland. However, the 4,500 acre state forest in Ashland county is a hiker's dream! Rich with local wildlife and overflowing with magnificence, this park is a fan favorite for a reason.
If you aren't too bothered by heights, then climbing this local landmark is sure to delight.
Believe it or not, the Mohican Fire Tower is a historic structure. It was built in 1934 to help fire wardens and foresters keep an eye out for signs of fire, as its name implies.
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Though it's only 80 feet tall (and is dwarfed by Cleveland landmarks like the 947 foot tall Key Tower), you'll almost feel like you're amidst the clouds at its peak.
It's easy to imagine foresters of yore feeling on top of the world as they sat in this lookout tower. Once upon a time, it was filled to the brim with tools like binoculars and alidades, which is a surveying instrument to help determine exactly where wildfires were blazing.
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From its lookout, the fire tower offered rangers of yore an opportunity to look out over 200,000 acres for signs of fire.
While fire towers were once an excellent method of keeping an eye on the local landscape, aircrafts have since made them obsolete. The last of Ohio's towers was closed in the late 1970s.
If you make it to the top, don't look down . . . unless you're really brave!
If you're planning to visit the fire tower, be sure to check the weather before you visit. Visitors climb at their own risk, and it's dangerous when weather conditions aren't favorable. Use your best judgement, however, and you're sure to have a great visit!
Find it at 950 ODNR Mohican Road 60, Perrysville, OH 44864.
While it’s a bit of a hike from home, this historic tower remains one of the best scenic overlooks near Cleveland. The natural landscape surrounding it is full of beauty that’s worth hiking after you take it all in.
