Locals extol journey down the Mohican
Holmes County has many attractions that are enticing for visitors to enjoy, especially as the trees turn to gold, orange, red and a host of colors in between.
As one of Ohio’s major tourist destinations, Amish Country’s allure is one of serenity that people can’t otherwise find during the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This October a pair of Holmes County officials took to the waterway to explore one of the area’s treasures, the Mohican River.
For Holmes County commissioner Dave Hall, the 16.9-mile kayaking trip along the Mohican River was one he vowed to experience for two reasons. First, he wanted to let people know the Mohican River was clear and open to travelers via water, even with the bridge rebuild going on near Loudonville.
Secondly, he wanted to find a place to relax, unwind and be at peace, something he said was easily accomplished as he traveled the river, enjoying the scenery and moving along at his own pace as he traveled by himself on Oct. 5.
“First and foremost, I wanted everyone to understand that the rebuilding of this bridge won’t stop the flow of people kayaking and canoeing,” said Hall, who traveled from Mohican State Park to Greer, traversing the counties of Ashland, Holmes and Knox on his way. “It’s open for business, and it’s beautiful.”
Hall said by sharing his adventure through social media, he has heard from many people, some of them officials from other counties and even at the state level, who are eager to give the trip a try.
On the perfect, sunny day, Hall said he encountered all types of wildlife, from various species of birds, fish and frogs to deer, and the sights and sounds of nature were well worth the effort.
In addition to the wildlife, the changing fall leaves on trees provided a kaleidoscope of colors that made for an engaging backdrop to his trip.
“I can’t recommend it enough,” Hall said of the trip. “People can move along at their own pace. It’s a fun adventure. People are friendly along the way, and the experience was special. It’s a perfect way to enjoy nature and relax.”
Hall said considering the river has been there for his entire life, he was glad he finally took the trip but saddened he hadn’t done it numerous times before this.
The second Holmes County official to enjoy the serenity of the river was Misty Burns, Holmes County human resources director, who took to the water on Oct. 5.
Burns, who lives near Loudonville, has had to utilize the detour to get to Millersburg with the work on Wally Road taking place. She said she too wanted people to understand how stunning the trip along the Mohican River is, not just in its sheer beauty, but also to gain some perspective.
She went with a friend and had an experience akin to Hall’s trip in that the chance to get away from everything and enjoy a peaceful trek on the water was invigorating.
“The calmness of the river just melts away all the tenseness that gets built up over time,” Burns said. “Nature has a way to heal the soul, and that day was also National Mental Health Day, and it was exactly what I needed to rejuvenate myself. I think everyone should take some time off and experience the trip. It’s an opportunity to experience things you don’t normally get to feel.”
Hall said following this trek, he will embark on another trip next spring, and his next step on his waterway travel agenda will be to cruise along the Killbuck Creek, an excursion that is seeming more likely as Holmes Soil & Water Conservation District continues its efforts to clean up that waterway, which will allow for easier access and travel.
“We’ve been blessed to have some highly attractive and fun places for canoers and kayakers and even people who enjoy relaxing in inner tubes to spend a day with family and friends or even by themselves,” Hall said. “I want to take full advantage of that, and I hope others will as well.”
