Lyons Falls Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 2.05 miles one-way (3.29 km)
- Hiking Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 239 feet
- Route: Out-And-Back or Loop
- Best Season: Fall. Beautiful fall foliage with amazing waterfall flow.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for those who can hike hills, stairs, and uneven trails.
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: ODNR Mohican #58, Perrysville, Ohio 44864
Lyons Falls Trail (Mohican State Park)
Lyons Falls Trail is a 2.05-mile one-way hike within Mohican State Park. You can make this an out-and-back trek for approximately 4 miles or a loop passing Pleasant Hill Dam for an approximate 3.5-mile hike. This is a moderately strenuous hike, with rolling hills, uneven trails, several different sets of stairs, and views of the Clear Fork Mohican River. Best of all, it takes you right next to Big Lyons Falls and Little Lyons Falls.
Like most trails in Mohican State Park, you will want to get to the trailhead early in the morning in the summer and Fall as there are few parking spots and lots of visitors. During the spring and winter, you can visit any time without having to worry about a lot of hikers on the trail. We were even there during a recent winter hike and had the whole trail to ourselves!
To begin your hike, start at the parking lot across from Lyons Trailhead, right next to the covered bridge. You will start the hike by walking a few hundred feet on a boardwalk through evergreen trees, where you can quickly get views of the river to your right and lush forest to your left.
You will then continue for about 1/2 mile on a single uneven path (that sometimes becomes double-wide). During this section of the hike, be extra careful for roots, rocks, and at times slippery or muddy sections of the trail. You will pass around numerous trees, walk over a few boardwalks, and will even see some beautiful rock formations where kids will have a fun time exploring.
After about 1/2 mile, you will come upon your first intersection, where you can take the trail to the left leading to Big Lyons Falls or continue straight towards Pleasant Hill Dam. My recommendation is to head left towards the falls. This is also a great spot to sit by the river, skip a few stones, bring a picnic, or even fish!
Once you are done relaxing by the river, head left up your first gentle incline. You will follow this trail for another 1/2 mile, where you will come up to another intersection. Follow the Lyons Falls sign and continue straight (which will bring you to the falls even if you miss the sign). Within a few minutes, you’ll be able to see what looks like a large overhang in the distance. As you get closer, you’ll realize it’s Big Lyons Falls.
This is an amazing waterfall in the spring and fall after a hard rain. It also provides a unique perspective during the winter, but rarely has an overflow in the summer. No matter the time of the year, this is an amazing area to explore, and we’ve spent up to an hour here on certain trips. Best of all is that there is even a selfie holder if you want to get a picture of the whole family.
Once you’ve completed this section, you will continue up the stairs to your right. Although there are quite a few stairs, almost every kid I’ve seen do it enjoys it for some reason. Once you have reached the top, you will cross a bridge and come up to the next sign. At this point, you have the option to continue towards Little Lyons Falls or take a detour to Stage Coach Trail. You’ll want to continue to Little Lyons Falls.
You’ll continue to hike through another section of beautiful evergreen that looks even more special after a hard snow. Before you know it, you will approach what many Ohioians consider one of the best waterfalls in Ohio, Little Lyons Falls. This is another amazing area where you can have a picnic, explore the waterfalls from numerous angles, and walk over another amazing footbridge.
Once you have explored the area, you’ll continue to hike for another 5 to 10 minutes before you approach the last intersection that can be a little tricky. When you see the sign below, you have the chance to go left or right. Most hikers get this wrong. If you go left, you will approach Pleasant Hill Dam and add an additional 1/2 mile to your hike. If you go right (sometimes it doesn’t look like a trail), it will loop you back to the main section of the trail.
This is the biggest descent of the trail and can be quick and treacherous in the winter if the ground is frozen or wet. You continue down a couple of small switchbacks before you reach the bottom of the trail, where you’ll be right next to the river. At this point, you’ll continue back to the trailhead following the same path you took out. Within 3/4 mile, you will reach your car, and you can spend additional time fishing in the river, playing in the river, or just sitting at the picnic tables, enjoying Mohican State Park.
Expert Tip
Lyons Falls Trail is the most popular trail in Mohican State Park and one of the best hiking trails in Ohio. It also has some of the most popular waterfalls, Big Lyons Falls and Little Lyons Falls. When visiting this trail, there are numerous access points to the waterfalls.
In order to have the most enjoyment, minimize the chance of getting lost, and have the least amount of elevation, I recommend making this a loop trail. For this, you will want to start at the Lyons Trailhead near the covered bridge. You will then do a clockwise loop where you can see Big Lyons Falls first and then Little Lyons Falls thereafter. If you want to make it an even better trip, add the Pleasant Dam as an extended loop to see this amazing man-made feature
Frequently Asked Questions
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, fall and spring are the most beautiful times to visit for unbelievable colors and a high chance of water flow.
This hike is considered moderate and achievable for novice to moderately experienced hikers. Expect an uneven dirt trail, stairs, rolling hills, waterfalls, and creek crossings.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
Yes, this is a moderate hike for kids five and up. They will love the waterfall, the streams to play in, and the different plants and animals they may experience. You should take numerous breaks and bring a picnic, as there are a lot of rolling hills and stairs.
Yes, trail runners of all levels will love how hilly this trail is. It is a very popular running trail in the Mohican State Park, Ohio, and for ultramarathoners who want to attempt the Mohican 100-mile run.
Yes, the Lyons Trail is marked, making it the perfect navigation for novice hikers.
Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and other small critters frequent this trail. Near the creek you may see a wide range of birds, too.
No, you can hike this trail any day and at any hour.
It is always recommended to carry a phone, a backpack, water, hiking boots or shoes, and a light snack. In the summer, it is recommended to carry 2 liters of water when it is hot and humid due to the altitude and heat.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
You should park at the Lyons Falls Trailhead, next to the covered bridge at Clear Fork Mohican River
This is one of the most popular trails in the park and one of the most crowded locations. To ensure you get a parking spot and minimize traffic, it is recommended that you go on a weekday, before noon, or after 5 pm on the weekends. The best time of year is early spring or winter when there are few crowds.
Lyons Falls Trail Map
Lyons Falls Trail Driving Directions
The easiest way to get to the Lyons Falls Trailhead is to input Lyons Falls into your phone (there is actually no address to the trailhead)
Driving Directions (most common route):
- Take I-71 to Exit 165 for State Route 97 near Ashland, OH
- Turn east (right) onto State Route 97
- Continue on State Route 97 for over 10 miles (you’ll enter Mohican State Park)
- Turn left onto County Road 939 (Park Road) when you reach it.
- Drive about 1 mile down County Road 939
- You’ll see a small parking/stopping area just before the covered bridge over the Clear Fork Mohican River — this is the Lyons Falls Trailhead
Learn More About Mohican State Park
While the Lyons Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails for visitors, hikers, and local trail runners in Mohican State Park, numerous fulfilling hikes can be enjoyed during a day or a long weekend. Check out Mohican State Park for more hikes, natural attractions, and activities.
