State parks considered among the nation's best are gemstones sprinkled throughout Ohio

LOUDONVILLE, Ohio - If it is peace and quiet you are looking for, or breathtaking views, or a relaxed place to have fun, one of Ohio's 78 state parks, campgrounds or lodges is for you. In my continuing television series, "My Ohio with Leon Bibb," I look for stories that are interesting. A look at the state parks system fits that bill.

Friday on NewsChannel5's "Live On Five" broadcast, you will see the wonder of one of the areas, Mohican State Park and Forest, which is in southern Ashland County. The nearest town is Loudonville, which is a picturesque community in the rolling hills of Ohio, not far from I-71 between Cleveland and Columbus.

In my television report Friday, you will see fly fishermen trying to lure trout out of the Clear Fork River, which crooks its way through the heart of Mohican. There are views which will make you pause and drink in the landscape, which was carved in the land millions of years ago when glaciers cut through this part of Ohio.

Mohican was the center point of my story on the entire state parks system.

"You get to enjoy the beauty in a state park," said Kelly Overly, park manager, "whether it is Mohican, Salt Fork, Shawnee or even Cleveland Lakefront."

With the changing seasons, all the state parks are putting on a show with foliage turning to orange, brown and gold. You will see how leisurely life can be in the state parks system when my "My Ohio" segment runs Friday, Oct. 5, at 5 p.m. on WEWS NewsChannel5.

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