AUTUMN SMILES LOUDONVILLE STYLE

            "Thanks to steep gorges and hills, acres and acres of forests and woodlots, rolling countryside, and the meandering Mohican River, fall foliage is on brilliant display every year here in Loudonville," explained Bob Yun, Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau Executive Director.  "With apples hanging heavy in the orchard, pumpkins, gourd, corn mazes, crisp nights and warm days, autumn in Mohican Country is a  "not to be missed" experience."  How can autumn in Loudonville bring smiles to your family?

            The official Canoe Capital of Ohio, Loudonville is home of six canoe liveries.  "As a State designated Scenic River, the gentle Mohican River has gorgeous scenery that is even more memorable as a river trip that is ablaze with the colors of the season," Yun said.   Most Loudonville area liveries are open daily until the end of October.  Trips can be from 30 minutes to 3 hours, even longer.  Depending on the weather and river conditions, guests can rent a canoe, kayak, or raft.  All liveries are located at or near campgrounds, so plan to spend the day on the river and the night in a camper, tent, RV, even a cabin.  Five other area campgrounds have free canoe livery shuttles.

            Don't miss a leisurely autumn stroll through Mohican State Park & Forest 1,100 wooded acres on 45 miles of scenic hiking trails.  The two mile hike on Lyon Falls Trail to Pleasant Hill Lake and Dam is particularly scenic this time of year. A 24 mile mountain bike trail circles the Park's Clear Fork Gorge, a 300 foot deep and 1,000 foot wide National Natural Landmark showcases the colors from another perspective.

            Other great places to enjoy the fall colors in Mohican State Park is Overlook Gorge, the 80-foot Fire Tower, the Covered Bridge, Pleasant Hill Lake Dam and Wolf Creek Grist Mill.  Download a State Park map from the Loudonville's Visitor Bureau's website at www.DiscoverMohican.com or pick up one at the Visitors Info Center on SR 3 across from the main Campground entrance.

               How about a scenic driving trip down Wally Road Scenic Byway, off State Route 3 south of town. It follows the Mohican Scenic River from Loudonville to Greer and is great for coloring viewing too.  This 10 mile trip is one of the most scenic in the area.  Wally Road was constructed on the railroad bed of old Walhonding Valley Railroad that once connected Loudonville to Coshocton.

            "For even more smiles why not enjoy the foliage from the treetops on the Tree Frog Canopy Tours zip line," Yun added.  "Guests spend two and one-half to three hours 125 feet off the ground to get a real bird's eye view of the virgin forests near the Mohican River off Wally Road south of Loudonville."    It is Ohio's fastest, longest, highest canopy tour over 4,000 feet of thrilling fun! In September and October Tree Frog Canopy Tours is open Thursday through Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday through October 27. Reservations are highly recommended with weekends being the most popular.  Weekdays have special rates for adults and children. 

            This year Tree Frog has a special offer for past Tree Frog guests.  Organize a group of two to three and get your ticket for half price.  Bring five or more friends and you can zip for free!  The offer is available until October 27.  In addition, they have added a thrilling "Zip at Twilight" too.  For more information go to their web page at  www.TreeFrogCanopyTours.com or call 740-599-2662.

            The Loudonville Mohican Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau celebrates the season with their  annual Fall Foliage Tour, Friday October 11 through Sunday October 13.  The Tour, which includes more than 20 stops, guides visitors on a self drive exploration of the best scenery and foliage of the season.

            The Tour begins in downtown Loudonville.  "Our quaint Victorian downtown greets visitors with a streetscape of colorful awnings," Yun said.  From shoes and electronics, to hardware and jewelry, customers are treated to small-town service rarely experienced today.  Specialty shops feature hand-crafted Amish furniture, Native American art, gifts, clothing, and jewelry, art and craft galleries and antiques, gift shops, florists, year-round Christmas decorations and more.  Of course, don’t forget to enjoy a bite to eat at one of our many downtown eateries.  From down home to upscale and fast food.  And don't skip on great desserts including fresh baked pies, ice cream, even custard.  Not all downtown stores are open Sunday October 13. 

            The Tour continues by following the signs to Mohican State Park with stops in Clear Fork Gorge, Fire Tower, Memorial Shrine, Mohican State Park Lodge, Wolf Creek Grist Mill and more.   Free downloads of the Fall Foliage Tour booklet and Mohican State Park are available at www.DiscoverMohican.com  in the October Area Events section or pick-up a copy at area merchants in October.  

            For even more fall fun how about Horsetail Run, a family-owned farm located next to the Mohican State Park on State Route 97?  Horsetail Run features a petting zoo, crafts, farm stand, hay rides, orchard, and pumpkin patch.  For a special treat in October enjoy Horsetail Run's Haunted Hay Ride starting at 7:30 pm and Corn Maze Fridays and Saturdays starting October 11.  Horsetrail Run is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday through October 27.  More info call 419-994-4696 and online at www.HorseTailRun.com.

Need more reasons to visit Loudonville to enjoy the fall foliage?   How about country markets brimming with the bounty of summer's h
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