CANOE SEASON AND ZIP LINE OPEN IN LOUDONVILLE

April 11, 2013 - Loudonville, Ohio

            Spring brings with it the swallows to Capistrano and the buzzards to Hinckley Ridge.  April also sees outdoor enthusiasts from all over returning to Ohio's Canoe Capital, for the official beginning of canoe season in Loudonville.  And the town is ready to help visitors enjoy another great season on the gentle waters of the Mohican River.

            "Since 1961, when the first canoe livery opened in Ohio, Loudonville has been among the most popular places for canoeing in Ohio," explained Bob Yun, Executive Director of the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau.  "With six canoe liveries within minutes of downtown, the Mohican River offers a variety of trip experiences.  As the River has been designated a Scenic Byway, Mohican canoe trips are always scenic and memorable." 

            Length of canoe trips can vary from 30 minutes to two or three hours are popular, depending on the livery.  In addition, visitors have a choice of watercraft - canoes, kayak, tubes, or rafts.  As a Class One river, the Mohican usually flows gently and is forgiving for novices.

            In April two liveries, Loudonville Canoe Livery in downtown Loudonville and Mohican Adventures are open seven days a week.  By early May all six liveries are open daily.  Check with your favorite livery for exact operating days and times.

            To help visitors plan their Loudonville canoe trip, the Visitors Bureau's web site provides a Mohican River Water Condition Report, which is updated daily throughout the season.  As river conditions can change quickly, it is always a good idea to check on current water conditions with a favorite livery.  In addition, the canoeing section on the home web page provides detailed information about each area livery.  Information includes operating season, hours, length of trips offered, type of water craft (canoe, kayak, raft, tube) and more.  The web site has hot links to each livery.  The canoeing season lasts until the end of October, depending on weather.

            As most liveries offer group discounts, canoeing is affordable for families and a great activity for school and youth groups, family reunions, churches, even as a corporate team building.  Discounts are usually for 6 or more canoes or groups of 12 or more guests.  Reservations for these large groups are highly recommended any day of week.  Some liveries offer food service and facilities for groups.  A number of liveries provide camping, full service for RV's, and cabins, so visitors can spend the night and also enjoy the many exciting activities in Mohican State Park and shopping in Loudonville's Victorian downtown.  Five campgrounds also provide free shuttle service to area liveries.  Before the vacation season kicks in, now is a good time to make summer plans.

            Last year a 28 mile section of the Mohican River was named a River Water Trail by the State of Ohio.  The Water Trail starts at the Visitors Info Center in Mohican State Park at the intersection of State Route 97 and 3.  The Trail travels south to the Kokosing River east of Mount Vernon.  A map has been produced detailing put-in and take-out locations along the River which includes available services such as drinking water, camping, parking, picnic facilities, restrooms and emergency phone numbers.  Maps are available for free at the Info Center and the Loudonville Visitors Bureau downtown office.

            Canoeing is not the only seasonal outdoor activity now open in Loudonville.  Tree Frog Canopy Tours, northern Ohio's only zip line, is scheduled to open in April too.  "Since Tree Frog opened in 2010, it has been a big hit with visitors.  They are looking forward to offering visitors an another thrilling season on Ohio's "longest, highest, fastest" zip line," Yun added.  April operating days and hours depends on the weather.

            Guests zip through the tree tops by means of the zip lines, sky bridges, and rappels connected to platforms suspended hundreds of feet in the trees.  Tours last 2½ to 3 hours and include educational information about area nature and wildlife.  This year will again be popular, so reservations are always recommended, especially for busy summer weekends.  Discounts available for groups of 16 or more persons.  Special pricing for youngsters ages 10-17 is available Tuesday through Thursday, when accompanied by an adult.  Weekday adult discount pricing is also available.

            For more information on planning your family summer getaway in Loudonville and to request a free  2013 Getaway Planner, contact the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau toll-free at 877-2MOHICAN or email requests to Info@DiscoverMohican.com.  The 2013 Guide is packed with 52 pages of family fun including a  special canoe livery map.   A virtual Getaway Planner Guide and River Report is also available on their web page, www.DiscoverMohican.com.

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