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.  A great year-round destination. With six public liveries, Loudonville has been officially designed as “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 stream is appropriate for all ages and skill levels.  Canoe season starts in April running through October.

Mohican Adventures

 In 2011 the area celebrated the 50th anniversary of canoeing in Mohican with the 1961 opening of Ohio’s first canoe livery, Mohican Canoe Livery, by Dick Frye. now called Mohican Adventures, also includes 400 campsites, rustic cabins from basic to deluxe, a conference center, indoor swimming pool, go carts, miniature golf and a lot more.

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 and 1000 feet wide!  The view of Clear Fork from the Pleasant Hill Dam is stunning.  Pleasant Hill Lake is not too shabby either.

Loudonville Bicycle Path

 The Bicycle Path (2 mile paved)begins in downtown Loudonville at Riverside Park at the striking Pathway Bridge. The Path follows the, Mohican River, a state Scenic River, past canoe liveries, restaurants, campgrounds, and stores along South Market Street, SR 3.  In 2011 the Path was extended past Mohican State Park Campground to the northern side of Wolf Creek Grist Mill.  The Grist Mill is an authentic mill first constructed 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.  Bike rental is available downtown.

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 tours are offered throughout the year.  Visitors can also enjoy a tour of the farm, the Visitors Center, hiking & horseback riding trails, fishing, a horseman campground, even cross country skiing and ice fishing in winter.  Malabar Farm Restaurant, located near the Farm, is a restored historical building dating back to 1820.  Today the Restaurant features fresh home-style cooking using many foods grown on the Farm.  Malabar is alive all year long with special events, fairs and festivals.

Victorian downtown

The 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!  Browse for a keepsake, funky gift, or who knows what today at the Resellable Thrift Shop. Don’t miss the century and a half year old Raby’s Hardware, Buzzard’s Family Shoes, and more traditional stores.  Many of these stores have been the same families for generations, so customer service and a friendly smile are always the norm.  Browse fine art galleries such as Cooper Top Gallery, and near downtown at Annette’s Clay Creations plus Stonewall Studio.

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 dining at Hanover House Diner, fine dining at Stepping Stone at Landoll’s Mohican Castle, and Bromfield’s at Mohican State Park Resort.

Central Park downtown 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 century and a quarter year old Loudonville Free Street Fair to town followed by the spectacular Fall Foliage tour.  There are over 70 different, fairs and festivals in the area almost every month of the year, most free to the public.

Ohio 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. New to the area is Tree Frog Canopy Tours, Ohio’s longest, highest and fastest zip line.  Tree Frog tours 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 run from April through October and is located on Wally Road, just 9 miles south of Loudonville.

When was the last time you spent a lazy afternoon enjoying the sights and sounds from high atop a tree? New in 2011 is Natural Fit Outdoor Adventures.  Natural Fit provides an environmentally friendly method of ascending the trees using techniques once reserved for professional arborists.  It is located on the grounds of Tree Frog Canopy Tours.  Recreational tree climbing is fun and challenging for the “kid” in us all.

Got your interest?  Then spend the night.  Loudonville area offers many choices to “rest your head” from primitive camping, RVing, cozy and deluxe cabins, a Victorian quaint bed and breakfast, hotel, 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 4500 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.

When the price of gas is just a little too high or you just want to stay close to home, plan a Loudonville 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 always affordable, all year around!  Loudonville is located between Cleveland and Columbus off Interstate 71, a few miles east of Mansfield.

Article provided by Bob Yun- .DiscoverMohican.com