When one thinks of Northeast Ohio, Cleveland is often the first landscape to come to mind. This bustling community abounds with greenery, adding credence to its Forest City nickname. Even with such vibrancy, Cleveland is a far cry from forested, and even its parks can feel just as crowded as its streets at times. Fortunately, there are still pristine examples of untouched and wild Ohio habitats in and around Greater Cleveland. One park located about 90 minutes away from Cleveland has a landscape that is, in fact, so pristine and verdant that it’s now a National Natural Landmark. Its allure is one you’ll find you simply can’t resist.
Lace up your hiking boots and grab some sunscreen, because we’re about to trek deep into the wilderness of Mohican State Park.
Mohican State Park/Facebook Located about 90 minutes away from Cleveland, Mohican State Park is a 1,110-acre gem in Ashland County.
While the entire park is enchanting, nothing is quite as mystical as a trip to the deepest gorge in the state.
Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves/Facebook Clear Fork Gorge is still unbeknownst to many, but its 1000-foot width and 300-foot depth make it one of Ohio’s hidden geological gems.
Clear Fork Gorge is a 29-acre state nature preserve characterized by its old-growth White Pine and Eastern Hemlock forest, one of many enchanting places throughout Mohican State Park.
Diane B/TripAdvisor This plot of land has changed very little since before Johnny Appleseed arrived, and the pristine milieu it creates offers an incredible way to reconvene with nature.
This enchanting gorge was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1967, and it has remained relatively untouched ever since.
Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves/Facebook There’s nothing quite like a trip to an old-growth forest. Landscapes like these include trees of significant age and minimal evidence of human impact, something that’s a rarity in this developed modern world.
Gorge Overlook offers the most breathtaking view of this steep and rolling landscape…
Ohio State Parks/Facebook At the end of Gorge Overlook Road, you’ll find one of the state park’s most coveted attractions. This view allows you to peer right into the steep expanse of the park, a sight that’ll take your breath away in every season.
…But the best way to enjoy the gorge is by exploring its ravines and hemlock-framed trails.
Steve P/TripAdvisor It might be wise to bring some bug spray on this journey, as you’ll be surrounded by environments where mosquitoes thrive.
Hemlock Gorge Trail offers one of the loveliest hikes in the Mohican area, and it connects with Lyons Falls Trail to offer you a chance to extend your trek.
B Vrtacnik/AllTrails Lyons Falls Trail leads to Big Lyons Falls and Little Lyons Falls, two lovely waterfalls that trickle over sandstone bedrock exposed by glacial meltwater. These hikes are truly mystifying, as they reveal one of the most pristine landscapes anywhere near Cleveland.
This landscape features babbling brooks, deep ravines, and an incredibly vibrant forest community… all features that make this journey from Cleveland worth the while.
Lori Summers/AllTrails While Mohican can feel like a bit of a trek from The Land, the 90-minute journey is a small price to pay for such indescribable beauty. This gorge is truly a destination you have to see to believe.
Beauty awaits in the emerald-hued area in and around the state’s deepest gorge.
Lori Summers/AllTrails Address: Mohican Park Road # 51, Perrysville, OH, 44864
There’s an abundance of beauty in and around Cleveland, but this incredibly gorge is one of the most geologically significant anywhere in the state. Have you ever hiked this pristine and beautiful gorge near Cleveland?
Mohican State Park/Facebook
Located about 90 minutes away from Cleveland, Mohican State Park is a 1,110-acre gem in Ashland County.
Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves/Facebook
Clear Fork Gorge is still unbeknownst to many, but its 1000-foot width and 300-foot depth make it one of Ohio’s hidden geological gems.
Diane B/TripAdvisor
This plot of land has changed very little since before Johnny Appleseed arrived, and the pristine milieu it creates offers an incredible way to reconvene with nature.
There’s nothing quite like a trip to an old-growth forest. Landscapes like these include trees of significant age and minimal evidence of human impact, something that’s a rarity in this developed modern world.
Ohio State Parks/Facebook
At the end of Gorge Overlook Road, you’ll find one of the state park’s most coveted attractions. This view allows you to peer right into the steep expanse of the park, a sight that’ll take your breath away in every season.
Steve P/TripAdvisor
It might be wise to bring some bug spray on this journey, as you’ll be surrounded by environments where mosquitoes thrive.
B Vrtacnik/AllTrails
Lyons Falls Trail leads to Big Lyons Falls and Little Lyons Falls, two lovely waterfalls that trickle over sandstone bedrock exposed by glacial meltwater. These hikes are truly mystifying, as they reveal one of the most pristine landscapes anywhere near Cleveland.
Lori Summers/AllTrails
While Mohican can feel like a bit of a trek from The Land, the 90-minute journey is a small price to pay for such indescribable beauty. This gorge is truly a destination you have to see to believe.
Address: Mohican Park Road # 51, Perrysville, OH, 44864
Love the Mohican area? Following your trip to the gorge, end your day by relaxing on a float trip down the Mohican River.
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