Paddle and splash-it’s a long tradition on the Mohican
By Joanne Lehman
For the first Americans, the Mohican River was vital to travel and commerce. It was a source of food and a link to civilization. In our time, the river is important for other reasons. Today we live in towns and cities where asphalt covers the fields our great great grandparents cleared and where cement obscures the vast sandstone quarries under our feet.
In an afternoon, the peaceful enjoyment of the Mohican River can bring a refreshing change of scenery to anyone willing to take the plunge. Families will enjoy the chance to splash in this natural outdoor playground or imagine they are Indians and pioneers paddling downriver. The Loudonville Canoe Livery is one of the area’s most versatile companies and is Ohio’s oldest family-owned canoe outfitting leasing business from the same location. The livery offers trips of a couple of hours or up to a week’s worth of fun on the river.
The company offers six different canoe trips--from a nine-mile, two-hour excursion, to a three-day, 60-mile over-nighter. They are also able to accommodate special requests for longer camping and fishing trips by canoe.
An up-river shuttle transports guests via the Walhonding Railroad bed on convenient busses and vans. From there, passengers set out on their adventurous voyage downstream. Float under the shade of the hardwood forest and linger awhile, taking in the sights created by layers of sandstone stacked up on the river bank, as you slip through this ravine carved long ago by water pushing its way through this wilderness. Let your eyes follow the resident great blue heron or the circles of a red-tailed hawk as she precedes you down your watery passageway.
The Loudonville Canoe Livery offers other modes of transportation if canoeing isn’t your style. Try one of the rafts for a three- or nine-mile outing. Maybe tubes are just the thing-one person per tube-for your next expedition. It’s a great way to enjoy the river on a hot summer day. For the solitary floater, the single kayak ensures a peaceful getaway. Or, bring a kayaking companion and rent a double. Kayak trips can be nine, 14 or 23 miles in length. Rates start at $18 per person and vary depending on time and distance. August’s moonlight canoe trip is a popular event for adventurers with a taste for romance. Call for dates and details.
The Loudonville Canoe Livery now offers river front camping at the New Greer Landing. Water and electric are available at this site. Another service they can provide is catering-food and beverages are easier than they ever were for the early pioneers. The River Room Lounge in downtown Loudonville offers food, spirits and pizza, and has a carryout menu if you left home without your picnic basket or cooler. They also offer an outdoor river patio, a fun menu with sandwiches, pizza and wings, beverages and live entertainment on the weekends. Check out their schedule and menu on the Web or call 419-994-7447.
The livery also sells new and used canoes and accessories. Nearby there are quaint shops and restaurants within walking distance from the livery.
The Loudonville Canoe Livery is open seven days a week, April 1 through Nov. 1. All explorers must sign a release form before embarking on their river adventure. The livery operates rain or shine but reserves the right to refuse service or cancel any trip due to weather or river conditions.
Contact the Loudonville Canoe Livery at 424 W. Main St., Loudonville. Advance reservations are recommended. Plan to arrive at the office a half-hour before departure. Pre-arranged times are available on request. Coming in July are moonlight rafting trips. See them on the Web at www.loudonvillecanoe.com or call 888-CANOELO, for more information.
