Best hiking trails in Ashland County for late fall and winter

Samantha Whidden, Ashland Times-Gazette
·4 min read

As the peak of the 2023 fall season and preparation for winter nears, activities such as pumpkin patches and hayrides tend to taper off. Halloween decorations get taken down to prepare for the holiday season and, of course, the Northeast Ohio snow season.

Luckily, for those living in or around Ashland County, there isn't a shortage of activities to do. This includes hiking and other outdoor fun. Since Ashland County is nestled right around Mohican State Park, there are numerous trails that are still available in late fall as well as winter.

Here is the list of hiking trails that are not only safe to be during this time of the year but also full of beautiful scenery.

Hikers walk the trail to Big Lyons Falls in Mohican State Park in early February this year.
Hikers walk the trail to Big Lyons Falls in Mohican State Park in early February this year.

City of Ashland

River Walk Nature Trail - According to the Ashland County Park District, the River Walk Nature Area is lcoated along the Jerome Fork of the Mohican River. The area has more than 1500 feet of river access as well as hiking and bird watching along the 3/4 mile trail.

Audubon Wetland Trails - This is a 1.5-mile loop located in Ashland's Audubon Wetlands Preserve. The trail includes a 250-foot boardwalk that was notably built across the marsh. Ashland County Park District notes that the boardwalk is the only access to the main body of the park. Those on the trail will get a look at the woods, meadows, wetlands, and the Jerome Fork River. All Trails notes that the best time to take this trail is between February and the end of November.

Byers Woods Loop - According to All Trails, the Byers Woods Loop is considered a bit longer than most of the trails in Ashland County. It is approximately 2.6 miles and on average takes close to an hour to complete. The area is great for running, hiking, and walking dogs (make sure they are leashed at all times). Ashland County Park District also reports the area was once a landfill but has been repurposed into a park. It is noted that Byer Woods has fenced-in 50-acre landfill mounds that are off-limits to the public until the 30-year EPA closure is finished, which will be in 2030.

Freer Field Walking Trail - This trail is located in Ashland's Freer Field and offers a 2.3-mile paved loop. Ashland County Park District reveals that the walking trail is surrounded by 30 acres of woods, which is noted to be full of various types of trees including hickories, oaks, and other hardwood.

Sandusky Hollow Trail - Noted to be a shorter walk, the Sandusky Hollow Trail is located in Ashland's Scott Street. The trail is a simple dirt trail so walking during the winter's peak is not recommended. All Trails notes that the trail is a 1.3-mile loop and takes on average 24 minutes to complete.

Mohican State Park trails

Located in Loudonville, the Mohican State Park has numerous of trails full of beautiful scenery, animals, and calmness. These trails are the Grist Mill Overlook Trail, Hemlock Gorge and North Rim, Lyon Falls, and Hog Hollow Trail. Note: most of the trails in Mohican State Park are not paved and may be difficult to hike on during the winter months.

Grist Mill Overlook Trail - This is a 0.7-mile loop and is considered the shortest trail in the park. It is located at the Wolf Pine Run Grist Mill.

Hemlock Gorge and North Rim - Considered the longest trail at 2.5 miles, this trail starts at the front of the main camping area and goes to the covered bridge. Mohican State Park notes this is an easy-to-moderate trail.

Lyon Falls - Noted to be a 2-mile loop, the trail is moderate to difficult and goes from the covered bridge (where Hemlock Gorge and North Rim ends) and goes to the dam.

Big Lyons Falls is a 2-mile loop at Mohican State Park in Loudonville.
Big Lyons Falls is a 2-mile loop at Mohican State Park in Loudonville.

Hog Hollow Trail - Following up the hillside to the fire tower, this 2.1-mile trail is considered more difficult than the other trails.

Pleasant Hill Trail - A 1.5-mile (round trip) trail that goes along the river. It starts at the covered bridge and goes to the Pleasant Hill Trail. Mohican State Park notes that this trail is easy.

Discovery Forest - This is a 2-mile educational trail that takes hikers through "previous clear cut, a selective cut, and other forest management techniques." Mohican State Park adds that this trail is easy and great for hikers of all ages and fun for children. However, this trail may be difficult to hike in the winter.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Best hiking trails in Ashland County for late fall and winter