I have traveled to so many places and have had so many adventures in my twenty three years of living. However, there is one park that my roots are planted in, and I will forever come back to. Mohican Memorial State Forest/Park has been my home park my whole life. This is the park that started the spark of me loving wildlife. This park has practically been my backyard my whole life. Mohican State Park is not just well known for being part of the "camp and canoe capital of Ohio", but has some incredible species of plants and wildlife that you can't find anywhere else. The ecosystems and untouched land gives you that back country feel sometimes.
The Clear Fork river (who runs through the park) is the second cleanest river in Ohio, and harbors some pretty unique species of aquatic insects and fish. You will find mayflies, darters, stonecat mad tom catfish (the little guys only get an inch or two long), black dragon dragonfly nymphs, etc. I could go on for hours what I have found in this river. My brother honestly won't go back in after finding out what was in the river. I will tell you about two creatures you may encounter. The Clear Fork river is so clean that I've found fresh water mussels, which are becoming critically endangered in areas around the world. If you ever find a fresh water mussel please never disturb these amazing creatures. Another creature that one might find in the Clear Fork river would be the Northern water snake. Most people get these confused with a water moccasin, who happens to not live in these neck of the woods. I would advise anyone who ever comes across these snakes to leave them alone because although they are not venomous they are aggressive.
When venturing into the park one might find themselves on the trails to Big Lyons falls and Little Lyons Falls. I've heard two stories as to why the falls were named Lyons. First story I heard was a farmer with the last name of Lyons who happened upon the falls, but accidentally fell to his death because he got to close to the edge. The other story was about Tom Lyons who harbored the nickname Leather Lips because he had big lips. This man was a Delaware Native American, who was a warrior in many of the famous battles in the area. He was around during the time that the Native Americans were being driven off this part of Ohio. He vowed to try and force the settlers off the land for quit some time. Legend has it that he was finally captured at the ripe old age of 75 and was murdered at the big falls. Now there is many stories and legends that go with this Native American. No one really knows the true story of Tom Lyons life. One thing is for certain is the name stuck to these falls.
The best time to see Big Lyons and Little Lyons Falls is early spring. They are flowing from all the snow melt perfectly, which gives great photo opportunity. This past year we got so much rain that they were flowing more than I have ever seen in my life. Some years there is a huge ice formation under Big Lyons Falls if you are lucky enough to see it. During the summer and fall months you are lucky to see a trickle out of the falls. But don't let that stop you from coming to see the huge amount of black hand sandstone.
The Covered Bridge is another staple to see in the park. This bridge was built in 1969 that replaced an old bridge in the park that was put there in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. You can not only drive across the bridge, but also walk across it too and get views of the Clear Fork River while you are at it. Honestly a beautiful way to get started on the trail to Big Lyons Falls, and the fire tower.
The fire tower is another landmark that people flock to when coming to the park. This is one of the last fire towers in Ohio, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps to watch for fires at that time. You can still climb the tower and get some incredible views of the hills that are all around you. You have an option to walk from the covered bridge to the fire tower on a little trail called Hogs Hollow, or drive your car. I would suggest going down the trail. There are little waterfalls while walking down the trail that are just pretty and the ecosystem is amazing to be engulfed in.
The last most popular place in the park would have to be the Clear Fork Gorge. This is an overlook of the steep hills of the park that were deemed unusable years before by the settlers. The deep valley is a result of glaciers back thousands of years ago, and boy are we glad that happened. There is beautiful views all the way around. If you want to hike in the valley there is a trail down there that is not traveled by many honestly. There is also a picnic area that gives you a little more of a view of the gorge in the park called Vista Point.
I could go on and on about Mohican State Park. I could share a whole ton of photos (which I will probably work on this week so keep an eye on the gallery), but I will leave you with my experiences. Since I was really little my grandma would load my cousins, brother, and I in a van most summer days and go to the river. We had our own "special spots" that we would stop at and play in. Since I turned sixteen any chance I would get I would drive to the park and hike. I knew an area in the park that not many people were on, and considered it my special place to hike. I've even hiked those trails in the winter. I would just bundle up and go, walking in ankle deep snow sometimes. Since I've gotten my camera I have brought it with me every time I step foot on those trails. I know those trails like the back of my hand. I've even hiked them in cheap flip flops (not the best idea). I will always consider the park as my home for how much time I have spent in it.
I hope this post will encourage you to come out to the camp and canoe capital of Ohio. Thousands of people from all over the world come to the park to see it. They come to enjoy the rivers. To hike the trails. To enjoy the history that this park has to offer. Who knows maybe I'll even run into you sometime on the trail.
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