Biking Mohican

Why am I in Ohio riding at Mohican? Long story. In any case, on the journey back from the University of Michigan after dropping Ben I was visiting the family in Oberlin only an hour north of the premier mountain bike trail in Ohio. With no other commitments other than to be back in State College by dinner, how could I not?  It was even highly recommended by another mountain bikin' Ohio boy, Jim Meese. And darn if that didn't look just like Jim's truck in the parking lot. I had to check the license plate to be sure he hadn't come down from Houghton for another ride.

It was going to be another hot day, and I didn't get to the the trail till 10 am - I was already sweating. A quick turn from the gravel parking lot under the bridge and along the Black Fork River, right on the pavement to the park entrance, and I was at the trailhead.

The trail is single loop over 24 miles long that follows the ravines and gorges along the Black Fork River. And it starts with a vigorous 300' climb. Well benched and twisting up the side of the gorge in a series sinuous climbing grade turns, it has the look of the trails back home - narrow tread, occasional exposed roots and rocks, trees close in but not in the way.

Excellent flow and lots of variety in forest type - hardwoods, mature pine plantations, upland oak, ferns, dense hemlock stands, and ravine bottoms. Tread was mostly clay and fine broken rock, with regular exposed surface roots and rock, a couple interesting rock gardens, but nothing I couldn't ride with a second try (unlike a lot of Rothrock here in State College, but that's another posting).

Some log ramps over obstacles, and a few wide bridges. Did I mention the climbing? There's a lot of climbing in this trail. At least 2 big 300' climbs up from the river, interspersed by lots of rolling, flowing rise and descent along ravine side isoclines. When you're not climbing, you're descending. Several big descents too, with repeated tight, steep descending grade turns added lots of fun challenge. A few of these were the only points in the 24 miles of trail that needed some work. They were too steep to be sustainable, and skidding bikes and water had eroded challenging groves in the preferred line. If these were rebuilt as switchbacks (admittedly lots of work), the trail would be nearly perfect.

Halfway through the trail crosses to the other side of the Black Fork on a covered bridge. I was all psyched to ride the bridge, but alas it was in the throes of major repairs and I ended up wading beneath it - not bad on a hot, dry summer like this. Hopefully repairs will be complete by the time spring river levels return.


There's also a few nice rock outcrops. The only thing missing aesthetically was distant views. Like many trails in the east and midwest, most were obscured by trees. Fall or spring when the leaves are down should bring out more views. But beware the clay in the wet season.

The trails were very well marked at each intersection and at every mile. They had a simple marking system using PVC pipe and "u" post. With full height tubing it would look even nicer. I was pretty tired by this point. Amazingly, this is just the start of the Mohican 100 mountain bike race. It goes on for another 76 miles on local two tracks, gravel roads and single track open only for the race.

And when you're done, you can wash up in the river by the parking lot. Or stop at the local outfitters, rent an inner tube, and float off the trail grime in the Black Fork. Then head into nearby Loudenville for a bite and a drink. Also, if you plan on spending the night Mohican State Park has a very nice lodge and cabins. I spent several family vacations there in my youth.

In all, it took me about 3.5 hours (including photo stops), and left me tired, sweaty, and very happy. Highly recommended if you're in Ohio with your mountain bike.