The Small Town River In Ohio That's An Idyllic Summer Day Trip
By Sarah McCosham|Published July 05, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Did you know that Loudonville was the Canoe Capital of Ohio? Or that Ohio even *had* a canoe capital? This was news to me — and great news, at that, as my husband and I have gotten really into kayaking in the last few years. While my corner of the Buckeye State is home to canoe-able bodies of water such as the Little and Great Miami Rivers, I’m always up for exploring new parts of the state with a paddle in hand. All of this is to say that, if you’ve yet to plan a trip to Loudonville, Ohio, to experience the charm of this small town and its marvelous Mohican River, well, summer is the perfect time to do just that!
Tucked away in north-central Ohio, Loudonville is a town of around 2,800 that's fondly referred to as the "Heart of Mohican Country" *and* the "Canoe Capital of Ohio."
The reason for these nicknames, of course, is the Mohican River, a principal tributary of the Walhonding River that's roughly 40 miles long and rife with opportunities for aquatic activity and adventure.
The outfitter offers a robust menu of adventures for water-loving Ohioans: a seven-mile canoe, kayak, or raft trip; a three-mile "lazy river" style tube trip; and an aerial park that's a veritable "choose-your-own-adventure" in the tree canopies of Mohican Country.
One of the best things about the Mohican River is that its waters are generally calm and peaceful -- but if they're not, Mohican Adventures has its own ratings system for river conditions -- and if the waters are too rough, they don't offer rentals.
Of course, for those looking to experience aerial adventures *while* on (or, over, as it were) the water, Mohican State Park's suspension bridge is quite the thrilling experience!
Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
The bridge spans 120 feet and leads hikers across the Clear Fork of the Mohican State Scenic River, connecting the Hemlock Gorge Trail with the Gorge Overlook Trail. Once across the bridge, visitors have the option to take a long, gradual climb to the west or a short, steep climb to the east to the Overlook. It's an exhilarating experience sure to feed and fan the flames of any Ohioan's wanderlust!
Of course, this Ohio State Park has options for all sorts of adventure-seekers -- including those who prefer to wander on two feet with the ground beneath their feet. (Hi, it's me!) The 1,110-acre Mohican State Park and its adjacent 4,525-acre state forest showcases some of Ohio's most stunning natural regions; and personally, there's nothing I enjoy more than simply wandering along the river and finding the perfect rock to sit and watch the water babble by.
And in Loudonville, Ohio, rest assured that you'll have many, many opportunities to do just that... whatever "that" type of activity on (or above... or around) the water speaks to you!
This summer, plan a trip to the Canoe Capital of Ohio for a day of fun in the sun! Loudonville is a tiny-but-mighty little waterfront town in Ohio that’s sure to capture your heart.
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