The Small Town River in Ohio That’s an Idyllic Summer Day Trip

Did you know that Loudonville was the Canoe Capital of Ohio? Or that Ohio even had a canoe capital? This was news to me—and great news, at that, as my husband and I have gotten really into kayaking in the last few years. While my corner of the Buckeye State is home to canoeable waterways such as the Little and Great Miami Rivers, I'm always up for exploring new parts of the state with a paddle in hand. All of this is to say that, if you've yet to plan a trip to Loudonville, Ohio, to experience the charm of this small town and its marvelous Mohican River, well, summer is the perfect time to do just that! It's one of the best places to kayak in Ohio.

Why Loudonville Is One of Ohio’s Best Waterfront Towns

Tucked away in north-central Ohio, Loudonville is a town of around 2,800 that's fondly referred to as the "Heart of Mohican Country" and the "Canoe Capital of Ohio." The reason for these nicknames, of course, is the Mohican River, a principal tributary of the Walhonding River, roughly 40 miles long and rife with opportunities for aquatic activities and adventure. There are several canoe liveries along the Mohican River, and the eponymous Mohican Adventures is certainly the most well-known.

Tubing, Kayaking, and River Adventures on the Mohican River

The outfitter offers a robust menu of adventures for water-loving Ohioans: a seven-mile canoe, kayak, or raft trip; a three-mile "lazy river" style tube trip; and an aerial park that's a veritable "choose-your-own-adventure" in the tree canopies of Mohican Country. One of the best things about the Mohican River is that its waters are generally calm and peaceful—but if they're not, Mohican Adventures has its own rating system for river conditions. If the waters are too rough, it doesn’t offer rentals.

In addition to all kinds of paddle and float trips, the outfitter offers an aerial adventure park that's sure to appeal to thrill-seekers of all ages. There are six courses—each varying by difficulty—that will give you a newfound appreciation for the surrounding landscape. And a healthy respect for heights!

Other Adventures in Nearby Mohican State Park

Of course, for those looking to experience aerial adventures while on (or, over, as it were) the water, Mohican State Park's suspension bridge is quite the thrilling experience! The bridge spans 120 feet and leads hikers across the Clear Fork of the Mohican State Scenic River, connecting the Hemlock Gorge Trail with the Gorge Overlook Trail. Once across the bridge, visitors can take a long, gradual climb to the west or a short, steep climb to the east to reach the Overlook. It's an exhilarating experience sure to feed and fan the flames of any Ohioan's wanderlust!

As you can see, this Ohio state park has options for all sorts of adventure-seekers—including those who prefer to wander on two feet, with the ground beneath them. (Hi, it's me!) The 1,110-acre Mohican State Park and its adjacent 4,525-acre state forest showcase some of Ohio's most stunning natural regions, and personally, there's nothing I enjoy more than simply wandering along the river and finding the perfect rock to sit and watch the water babble by.

And in Loudonville, Ohio, rest assured that you'll have many, many opportunities to do just that... whatever "that" type of activity on (or above... or around) the water speaks to you! This summer, plan a trip to the Canoe Capital of Ohio for a day of fun in the sun! Loudonville is a tiny but mighty waterfront town in Ohio that's sure to capture your heart. Be sure to come back and visit Loudonville during the holidays and see how magical it is.