Lyons Falls Trail

Lyons Falls Trail descends into the heart of Clear Fork Gorge, a federally designated National Natural Landmark that contains one of the finest examples of hemlock-hardwood gorge forest in the eastern United States. The Clear Fork of the Mohican River has carved a dramatic canyon through the glaciated Allegheny Plateau, its walls draped in massive eastern hemlocks that create a cathedral-like environment even in the heat of summer. The trail passes twin waterfalls — Big Lyons Falls and Little Lyons Falls — both plunging over sandstone ledges into shaded plunge pools. The gorge maintains temperatures 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the surrounding uplands, making it a reliable summer refuge. Rhododendron and mountain laurel bloom along the lower gorge in June. The return portion of the loop climbs the gorge wall via switchbacks before traversing the rim through upland forest. The trail is well-maintained with log steps on the steepest sections. Mohican State Park encompasses over 4,500 acres of mixed forest, and the gorge area sees high visitation; the Lyons Falls trailhead parking lot fills by mid-morning on summer weekends. An $8 vehicle fee applies at the covered bridge picnic area entrance.