A parade of natural and human history is etched in the beautiful landscape of the Mohican River and its surrounding hills. In ancient times, the swift waters of the Clear Fork of the Mohican River cut a deep gorge through soft shale and sandstone. Tens of thousands of years later came the stealthy footsteps of Erie, and then of Delaware Indians who set arrows to whizzing flight in these fertile hunting grounds. Soon after, this earth felt the tread of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, wandering the forest and sowing the seeds of his beloved apple trees. Most recently, the imprints of modern sneakers are left by the new adventurers who come to marvel at the stunning scenery and sense the presence of those who came so long before them.

Mohican State Park and adjacent Mohican State Forest, located in Ashland and Richland counties are as full of natural beauty as they are of history. The Clear Fork gorge was named a National Natural Landmark in 1970 by the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, because of the towering stands of hemlock and white pine, as well as the area's exceptional scenic beauty. The ancient geologic process that carved the unique steep-walled gorge created a climate that harbors an unusual north woods plant community in the heart of natural Ohio woodlands. The deep gorge itself is uniquely formed, with sheer sandstone walls narrowing, rather than widening, downward from the rim toward the swift stream three hundred feet below.

The Mohican River is well-suited for canoeing, with its unspoiled natural character. A number of canoe liveries in the area rent equipment. The Mohican River is also noted for its smallmouth bass and trout fishing. Family cabins located along the river's edge have an atmosphere of remoteness and privacy.

Nature trails reward hikers with breathtaking views from the top of the gorge. Excursions into the forest take hikers to Big Lyons Falls and Little Lyons Falls. The falls were named for Paul Lyons, a pioneer who was killed by a falling tree while helping a neighbor cut logs to construct a cabin, and was buried near the waterfalls. Another colorful character, Tom Lyons, also lived in the area and was said to be the ugliest man alive. Legend has it that Tom wore a necklace of 99 dried human tongues and boasted that he would make it an even 100 before he died. Before he had the opportunity, he was ambushed and killed while traveling through the forest along the stagecoach road.

Bridle trails and backpacking trails in the adjacent state forest allow for more in-depth exploration of the rich and diverse plant and animal life of the area. Observant hikers may see traces of the old stagecoach road abandoned after 1820. The road, which followed the path of an ancient Indian trail, connected the town of Mount Vernon to the bustling city of Cleveland, and was a vital route for the settlement of northeast Ohio.

The park's large family campground offers full facilities. A smaller, more private camp with more primitive facilities may appeal to those who prefer to rough it. Mohican State Park's Resort Lodge combines luxury and seclusion with comfortable guest rooms, a fine dining room, lounge, sauna and indoor and outdoor pools.