Historic Trails, Culture and Rivers Intertwine, Speaking To The Past

The 30-mile Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway begins at the Knox-Licking county boundary on US Route 62 and continues to Brinkhaven where it connects with the Amish Byway at the Knox-Holmes county boundary. Another segment of the byway begins at State Route 514 in Danville, which also connects to the Amish Byway via Greer.

Trail Towns

Many of the quaint village and hamlets along the byway served as railroad towns in days past. The communities now offer full service as "trail towns," providing lodging, dining and shopping experiences to travelers along the byway, bike trails and Kokosing water trail.

The Mohican Valley and Kokosing Gap trails offer distinct recretional experiences. Horse riders and fat-tire bicyclists enjoy sharing the trail with Amish buggies on the Mohican Valley Trail. Visit the longest covered bridge in Ohio, the Bridge of Dreams, while traveling the Mohican Valley Trail.

Users of the Kokosing Gap enjoy a paved trail with a fully restored locomotive engine in Gambier. Both trails converge in the charming village of Danville.

Cultural Fabric

Imagine giving up life's "conveniences," such as an automobile, refrigerator or television. As you travel the byway, observing partoral scenery and horse-powered buggies, ponder a life lived like our Amish neighbors. Consider the hardships endured, wover into a quilt of voluntary simplicity. Knox County citizens place great weight on community cohesiveness. Leave the hectic pace of life behind and return to a simpler time while visiting us.

Reflect on the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the Knox County experience, as you dine and shop locally-owned stores and locally-crafted Amish and artisan products.

Ancient Paths

Stop for a moment and listen to the sounds of our rivers and creeks, such as the Honey Run Waterfall. Think about how the power of water sculpted the spectacular valleys thousands of years ago, and how their ever-flowing conditions influenced human activities on the landscape.

Prehistoric peoples and settlers used the Mohican and Kokosing Rivers to transport goods, harvesting game and fish and forming the basis for a cohesive community, one which still stands today.

Explore, engage and enjoy two state scenic rivers, the Kokosing and Mohican. Float Ohio's first designated water trail on the Kokosing and observe nature in quiet reflection. The hamlets of Millwood, Greer and Brinkhaven offer good river access points.

Visit the Ohio Department of Transportation's site regarding the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway for additional information. The Knox County Convention and Visitor's Bureau offers information on activities, events and festivals along the byway.

Most photos on this page are compliments of the Mount Vernon News.