View Two Waterfalls while Hiking the Pleasant Hill and Lyons Falls Loop in Mohican State Park, Ohio
Hiking at Mohican State Park in Ohio
An exciting hike awaits at Mohican State Park. Combine two waterfalls, a stair climb, a wooden covered bridge and a trail that leads along the river for an invigorating hike surrounded by nature. You’re bound to love the Pleasant Hill Lyons Fall Trail.
Located in Loudonville, Ohio, Mohican State Park is approximately 75 miles from Columbus and 90 miles from Cleveland, Ohio. It’s a perfect location to experience nature in an easy day trip from Ohio Amish Country or the city.
An ideal place to visit or camp, Mohican State Park is rich with history and features covered wooden bridges, a grist mill, waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails through Mohican Memorial State Forest.
You can easily spend the whole day exploring the trail system and park. On this particular day in early December, my husband and I only had a couple hours so we set our sights on the falls.
Mohican State Park sees a lot of foot traffic on the three main trails and can be quite busy, especially during the weekends. Luckily we visited in December and had the trail to ourselves for the vast majority of the time. One of our favorite hikes at Mohican State Park is undeniably, Pleasant Hill and Lyons Falls Loop.
Pleasant Hill and Lyons Falls Loop at a Glance
Distance 2.3 miles loop
Difficulty Level Rated moderate due to steep elevation and stairs
Dogs are allowed
Children I would feel comfortable taking children, but keep a close eye on them while near the falls.
Entrance Fee: None, Ohio continues to be one of the few states in the United States that doesn’t charge admission or a parking fee for its state parks. Day use areas, hiking trails, and beaches have no fees for use, which makes it a budget-friendly family adventure.
Parking/ Trailhead A small parking area is located on the side of the Mohican Covered Bridge. This is also where the trailhead to Little and Big Lyons Falls is located. Additionally, you can drive or walk across the covered bridge spanning Clear Fork River. There are bathrooms and a picnic area nearby. The bridge can be reached off state Route 97.
Mohican Covered Bridge
On AllTrails, the hike is called Covered Bridge to Pleasant Hill Dam. You can find additional parking by the Pleasant Hill Dam, but we prefer starting from the Mohican Covered Bridge.
TIP We recommend starting on the left side of the bridge by the large information sign, so you tackle the elevation first and then finish with an easy hike out.
History: The task of rebuilding the park was given to the Civilian Conservation Corp to effectively restore the land to a rich, thriving woodland after harsh farming practices desecrated the land.
What To Wear
TIP Wear footwear with plenty of tread to navigate the rocky, steep terrain. The key to an enjoyable hike is to be prepared with the right clothing, hiking shoes and gear. Check out our essential packing list.
What To Expect
The trail head and parking can be found next to the Mohican Covered Bridge. The 2.3 mile trail allows you to view not one, but two waterfalls and leads along the Clear Fork River. The trail is clearly marked and easy to navigate.
Boardwalk at Lyons Fall Trail
It follows along the Clear Fork Mohican River bank for half a mile before turning into the Mohican Memorial Forest. At the beginning of the trail you will encounter boardwalks and a few foot bridges. Get your fill of hemlocks, pines, and beeches, as well as, abundant wild life. Throughout your hike you will be surrounded by towering trees and interesting rock formations.
Big Lyon's Fall
Big Lyons is the larger waterfall with an 80 foot drop. After following the well marked white blazed trail you will come to a towering u-shaped rock formation.
Big Lyons Falls
When we visited in December the falls were a mere trickle of water that created a small pool below. Unless it’s the rainy season, don’t expect a huge amount of water. Thankfully, you are rewarded with beautiful sandstone cliffs rising up, creating a spectacular amphitheater as the backdrop to the falls.
TIP A Ohio wooden ledger is provided for you to set your phone and get a great photo.
To the right of Big Lyons Falls lies a series of stairs upward, that provides a great view from the top.
Little Lyons Falls
Stairs leading up at Big Lyons Falls
After ascending the stairs, the trail continues at a gradual incline, until you arrive at the smaller, Little Lyons Falls. A footbridge leads over the top of the water’s source. Whereas the larger falls you come out at the base of the falls, Little Lyon’s vantage point is from the top of the falls. Little Lyons drops into a box canyon. Once again don’t expect a rushing waterfall, a trickle is a more accurate description, unless it’s during the wet season. You can climb down and explore additionally, but be careful because it is slippery.
Little Lyons Falls
Continuing upward, you will have the option to take the 0.2 mile trail up to view the Pleasant Hill Dam and Morning Glory Spillway, which I highly recommend. Once you cross the road, you can explore the bridge and Pleasant Hill Dam.
Pleasant Hill Dam & Morning Glory Spillway
Morning Glory Spillway
The trail continues after Little Lyons Falls to the Pleasant Hill Dam, which provides scenic views of the man-made lake. A Stonehenge looking structure immediately caught my eye when exploring. This unusual structure is known as the Morning Glory Spillway and was designed specifically by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding in the area.
Afterward the dam, follow a long, long staircase back to the main trail and along the Clear Fork River.
Stairs down from Pleasant Hill Dam
Once down the stairs, the trail leads alongside the Clear Fork River’s banks, where you can absorb the tranquil sounds of the river flowing and view wildlife. This section of the trail is wide and easy terrain. You will exit the trail on the opposite side of the Mohican Covered Bridge to finish the loop.
This enjoyable and invigorating hike allows you to delve into the beauty of the area, as well as, enjoy the beautiful views within this Ohio State Park. It’s well worth the effort.
Other Recommended Hikes at Mohican State Park
A swinging bridge and stunning overlook is one reason the Gorge Overlook Trail is a favorite at Mohican State Park. The trail is a 2.5 mile loop that begins and ends on opposite sides of the Gorge. This is no easy hike and is rated moderate - difficult.
Nearby Restaurants/ Attractions
I recommend packing a picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy along the river bank at the picnic area. This rural area has a few restaurants for food, which we’ve listed below.
FAQ’s
How to Get to Pleasant Hill and Lyons Fall Loop? A small parking area is located on the side of the Mohican Covered Bridge. This is also where the trail head to Little and Big Lyons Falls is located. You can drive or walk across the covered bridge spanning Clear Fork River. There are bathrooms and a picnic area nearby. The bridge can be reached off state Route 97.
Are dogs allowed on the Pleasant Hill and Lyons Fall Loop Trails at Mohican State Park?
Yes, but they must remain on a leash.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully this hiking guide has inspired you to hike Mohican State Park’s trails and experience the beauty of one of the most popular Ohio State Parks.
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