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- Aug 21, 2018
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Independence Day provided an opportunity to venture out and get more outdoors time in.
Mrs. TractorDoc and I headed to Mohican State Park in Richland County Ohio, about 30 minutes South of home. I have been here before but do not remember a lot of detail from past visits.
I tried looking for information about the area before leaving; from the little I could find online I thought the Lyons Falls Trail would be a good start.
We navigated our way to the trailhead and found this map posted there.
![0O7A9997.JPG 0O7A9997.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122496-b9ef9b45bbacf0c0649aa1454da1ebb4.jpg)
Looks like we parked at the right place.
![0O7A9999.JPG 0O7A9999.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122497-42ddfae343a1d8497bedfae7baf396cd.jpg)
The day was hot and humid, so the cool and shady vibe offered by the towering hemlocks was welcome.
![0O7A0003.JPG 0O7A0003.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122494-29cd34006ed60fa91f2529e4cfcaf6c9.jpg)
Warnings as we approached the first waterfall.
![0O7A0006.JPG 0O7A0006.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122495-9bea6ec4d0471159abdad1f4ffd57d80.jpg)
Little Lyons Falls. It was about half a mile in, but this little waterfall felt peaceful and (for the time being) isolated. It was one of my favorite experiences of the day.
![0O7A0007.JPG 0O7A0007.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122498-c8cc59b7f8878e6463f35c5c40ab9b9b.jpg)
Another half mile walk thru the hemlocks brought Big Lyons Falls into view. A sharp eye may notice someone's lost sandal. . . I suppose it provides some scale.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![0O7A0031.JPG 0O7A0031.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122499-c8fd3851c9c85877d9039197f9958901.jpg)
Big Lyons Falls was interesting in that you could walk behind the falling water. It would have been a nice place to hang out, but several other people had the same idea and they brought some boisterous children with them, so we moved on. I was glad the kids were having a good time -- I'd rather they be here enjoying the outdoors (vs. playing video games) even if they were a bit much for me.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
A couple more waterfall pictures.
![0O7A0039.JPG 0O7A0039.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122501-f893d9f244bad8ff4730a61898e44d06.jpg)
Mrs. TD leading us away from the falls.
![0O7A0052.JPG 0O7A0052.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122503-7c3b2180cd6421f204614756b4873a44.jpg)
Napping(?) on the boardwalk. I do not know which end is the head, but I would not want to sniff my feet when I am sleeping.
![0O7A0054.JPG 0O7A0054.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122504-4606556893dfb265c3eaff41fb89361e.jpg)
Some interesting ground cover on the forest floor.
![0O7A0059.JPG 0O7A0059.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122505-0920c42d7d40df1b8d554393a03ae0bc.jpg)
View of the trail.
![0O7A0063.JPG 0O7A0063.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122506-a0440d7e688e2673089c8f53d0335dc1.jpg)
At the bottom of the gorge is the Clearfork of the Mohican River.
![0O7A0065.JPG 0O7A0065.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122507-73d0739967ac2374ea0f39b4776407b5.jpg)
More wildlife.
![0O7A0068.JPG 0O7A0068.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122508-c9afe32c3e0a08677cca1eacf40f7c49.jpg)
No Grizzlies in this cave.
![0O7A0073.JPG 0O7A0073.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122509-1d916db24a567405831602e31ac76341.jpg)
I checked thoroughly.
![thumbnail_image2.jpg thumbnail_image2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122510-7b572f07739933b0ef5a900a90ee1b89.jpg)
The trail eventually led us to the dam at Pleasant Hill Lake. The trailhead we left from is at the top.
![0O7A0079.JPG 0O7A0079.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122511-0ccbcaaae5cc5afdb7b81b579d9c7c70.jpg)
This was definitely leg day.
![DamStairs1.jpg DamStairs1.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122512-5786a738ba83d67f30d758ffea05c95c.jpg)
The loop trail to the waterfalls totaled about three miles. We wanted to get more distance in so we headed to the Gorge Overlook Trail. It is a relatively recent addition to the park and did not appear on some of the maps.
Looks promising. I like a challenge.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![0O7A0086.JPG 0O7A0086.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122513-9d58defff302a7fc8a181bd81bb31713.jpg)
The upper portion of the trail follows cliff edges. I do not like heights, so I kept my distance. It looks much steeper in person.![Wink ;) ;)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![0O7A0090.JPG 0O7A0090.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122514-286bd3e63531443a2c6b9c5a0b760cb5.jpg)
![0O7A0092.JPG 0O7A0092.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122515-d4db5519fc03c42d465b3a28c4fc9a23.jpg)
![0O7A0093.JPG 0O7A0093.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122516-18bb6aeaa1ee8f9d2becf81e83312d26.jpg)
Eventually you bottom out and find yourself at the Clearfork of the Mohican River (again). Trail crews have installed a nice suspension bridge to allow dry foot access to the other side of the river.
![0O7A0103.JPG 0O7A0103.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122517-63b7648a14913ea4026a7eb93acd7ce9.jpg)
We tested the bridge out -- it had more sway and bounce than I was expecting. We will have to make a return trip to explore more of what the other side of the river has to offer.
Mrs. TractorDoc worked on her balance skills. She snuck in a picture of me with her phone.
![thumbnail_image01.jpg thumbnail_image01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122523-e0b497a89139d8aeeac22aa501de001b.jpg)
The return trip followed a number of switchbacks up the hill. I believe it was only 300 feet of elevation change, but it felt like more with the heat, humidity, and weighted pack.
Many impressive trees lined the trail, including this massive oak. (I think).
![0O7A0109.JPG 0O7A0109.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122519-51523afbb360070178030b37a7fec70d.jpg)
The view from the gorge overlook once we were back on top.
![0O7A0111.JPG 0O7A0111.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122520-a1501b38dfed7beb4595bea0911ab671.jpg)
This trip also included ice cream! Stela's in Jeromesville served up this fine bowl of Cappuccino Crunch.
![Ice Cream.jpg Ice Cream.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122522-8a19b2c03125372b60dc6ea470a7b6ff.jpg)
GAIA GPS overview. Not the biggest mile day, but definitely a good terrain/leg workout.
![GAIAGPS.jpg GAIAGPS.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122521-9a88a0ed8a8fba06db380f69c6ff0b38.jpg)
The End.
Mrs. TractorDoc and I headed to Mohican State Park in Richland County Ohio, about 30 minutes South of home. I have been here before but do not remember a lot of detail from past visits.
I tried looking for information about the area before leaving; from the little I could find online I thought the Lyons Falls Trail would be a good start.
We navigated our way to the trailhead and found this map posted there.
![0O7A9997.JPG 0O7A9997.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122496-b9ef9b45bbacf0c0649aa1454da1ebb4.jpg)
Looks like we parked at the right place.
![0O7A9999.JPG 0O7A9999.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122497-42ddfae343a1d8497bedfae7baf396cd.jpg)
The day was hot and humid, so the cool and shady vibe offered by the towering hemlocks was welcome.
![0O7A0003.JPG 0O7A0003.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122494-29cd34006ed60fa91f2529e4cfcaf6c9.jpg)
Warnings as we approached the first waterfall.
![0O7A0006.JPG 0O7A0006.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122495-9bea6ec4d0471159abdad1f4ffd57d80.jpg)
Little Lyons Falls. It was about half a mile in, but this little waterfall felt peaceful and (for the time being) isolated. It was one of my favorite experiences of the day.
![0O7A0007.JPG 0O7A0007.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122498-c8cc59b7f8878e6463f35c5c40ab9b9b.jpg)
Another half mile walk thru the hemlocks brought Big Lyons Falls into view. A sharp eye may notice someone's lost sandal. . . I suppose it provides some scale.
![0O7A0031.JPG 0O7A0031.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122499-c8fd3851c9c85877d9039197f9958901.jpg)
Big Lyons Falls was interesting in that you could walk behind the falling water. It would have been a nice place to hang out, but several other people had the same idea and they brought some boisterous children with them, so we moved on. I was glad the kids were having a good time -- I'd rather they be here enjoying the outdoors (vs. playing video games) even if they were a bit much for me.
A couple more waterfall pictures.
![0O7A0033.JPG 0O7A0033.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122500-4895adbf5a9096df26cc3aec39d1d8d8.jpg)
![0O7A0039.JPG 0O7A0039.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122501-f893d9f244bad8ff4730a61898e44d06.jpg)
Mrs. TD leading us away from the falls.
![0O7A0052.JPG 0O7A0052.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122503-7c3b2180cd6421f204614756b4873a44.jpg)
Napping(?) on the boardwalk. I do not know which end is the head, but I would not want to sniff my feet when I am sleeping.
![0O7A0054.JPG 0O7A0054.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122504-4606556893dfb265c3eaff41fb89361e.jpg)
Some interesting ground cover on the forest floor.
![0O7A0059.JPG 0O7A0059.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122505-0920c42d7d40df1b8d554393a03ae0bc.jpg)
View of the trail.
![0O7A0063.JPG 0O7A0063.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122506-a0440d7e688e2673089c8f53d0335dc1.jpg)
At the bottom of the gorge is the Clearfork of the Mohican River.
![0O7A0065.JPG 0O7A0065.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122507-73d0739967ac2374ea0f39b4776407b5.jpg)
More wildlife.
![0O7A0068.JPG 0O7A0068.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122508-c9afe32c3e0a08677cca1eacf40f7c49.jpg)
No Grizzlies in this cave.
![0O7A0073.JPG 0O7A0073.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122509-1d916db24a567405831602e31ac76341.jpg)
I checked thoroughly.
![thumbnail_image2.jpg thumbnail_image2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122510-7b572f07739933b0ef5a900a90ee1b89.jpg)
The trail eventually led us to the dam at Pleasant Hill Lake. The trailhead we left from is at the top.
![0O7A0079.JPG 0O7A0079.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122511-0ccbcaaae5cc5afdb7b81b579d9c7c70.jpg)
This was definitely leg day.
![DamStairs1.jpg DamStairs1.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122512-5786a738ba83d67f30d758ffea05c95c.jpg)
The loop trail to the waterfalls totaled about three miles. We wanted to get more distance in so we headed to the Gorge Overlook Trail. It is a relatively recent addition to the park and did not appear on some of the maps.
Looks promising. I like a challenge.
![0O7A0086.JPG 0O7A0086.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122513-9d58defff302a7fc8a181bd81bb31713.jpg)
The upper portion of the trail follows cliff edges. I do not like heights, so I kept my distance. It looks much steeper in person.
![0O7A0090.JPG 0O7A0090.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122514-286bd3e63531443a2c6b9c5a0b760cb5.jpg)
![0O7A0092.JPG 0O7A0092.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122515-d4db5519fc03c42d465b3a28c4fc9a23.jpg)
![0O7A0093.JPG 0O7A0093.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122516-18bb6aeaa1ee8f9d2becf81e83312d26.jpg)
Eventually you bottom out and find yourself at the Clearfork of the Mohican River (again). Trail crews have installed a nice suspension bridge to allow dry foot access to the other side of the river.
![0O7A0103.JPG 0O7A0103.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122517-63b7648a14913ea4026a7eb93acd7ce9.jpg)
We tested the bridge out -- it had more sway and bounce than I was expecting. We will have to make a return trip to explore more of what the other side of the river has to offer.
Mrs. TractorDoc worked on her balance skills. She snuck in a picture of me with her phone.
![0O7A0107A.JPG 0O7A0107A.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122518-4a2dd43a4c6754e80609be2091713ad9.jpg)
![thumbnail_image01.jpg thumbnail_image01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122523-e0b497a89139d8aeeac22aa501de001b.jpg)
The return trip followed a number of switchbacks up the hill. I believe it was only 300 feet of elevation change, but it felt like more with the heat, humidity, and weighted pack.
Many impressive trees lined the trail, including this massive oak. (I think).
![0O7A0109.JPG 0O7A0109.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122519-51523afbb360070178030b37a7fec70d.jpg)
The view from the gorge overlook once we were back on top.
![0O7A0111.JPG 0O7A0111.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122520-a1501b38dfed7beb4595bea0911ab671.jpg)
This trip also included ice cream! Stela's in Jeromesville served up this fine bowl of Cappuccino Crunch.
![Ice Cream.jpg Ice Cream.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122522-8a19b2c03125372b60dc6ea470a7b6ff.jpg)
GAIA GPS overview. Not the biggest mile day, but definitely a good terrain/leg workout.
![GAIAGPS.jpg GAIAGPS.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/122/122521-9a88a0ed8a8fba06db380f69c6ff0b38.jpg)
The End.