Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway

Bridge of Dreams in Brinkhaven

The Mohican Valley Trail is a nature trail built on an abandoned Penn Central railroad bed at the eastern edge of Knox County. This trail is 4.8 miles long and connects the villages of Brinkhaven and Danville. At Brinkhaven the trail crosses the beautiful Mohican River through a 370-foot covered bridge, the Bridge of Dreams. About a mile east of the covered bridge the trail connects with the Holmes Country Trail. The Mohican Valley Trail has a surface of crushed stone and sand.  The Bridge of Dreams was completed December 18, 1998 and dedicated April 17, 1999. The trail officially opened on June 15, 2001. The trail goes from East Street in Danville to the Holmes County Line, connecting the Kokosing Gap and the Holmes County Trails. The outhouse at the covered bridge resembles the bridge. Future plans are to build a park area at the covered bridge and drill a water well, install benches, hitching posts, more fencing, and improve parking areas along the trail and create a rest area at the Danville end of the trail.

Kokosing River

Fall Foliage Along SR 514 Near Greer

The Gateway to Amish Country Byway follows U.S. 62 from four miles south of Martinsburg to four miles east of Danville. The byway also follows State Route 514 from Danville to 1.5 miles north of Greer. The total mileage for this byway is 30 miles and the entire byway is located in Knox County.

Koksing River Water Trail

US 62 in Millersburg

Sites of Interest Danville

Opportunity is the operative word in the village of  Danville and all of Eastern Knox County. That opportunity comes from the convergence of roadways and trails that lead to and through this rural area. With the development of volunteer-led projects such as the Kokosing Gap Trail and the Mohican Valley Trail at a trail head in Danville and with the construction of the Bridge of Dreams in Brinkhaven, the area is ripe for those travelers and tourists looking for a quaint place to spend the day or afternoon on a trip to Amish Country.  Considered the “Gateway to Ohio’s Amish Country,”  Danville is truly becoming one of the biggest draws to Knox County as thousands of visitors extend their trips into Holmes and Ashland Counties with an exploration of one of county’s oldest villages.

Danville Antique and Flea Market has been offering the finest in antiques and those unusual gifts that are often hard to find. Anything from lawn and garden tools to glassware can be found here.

Dale’s Cardinal Market is the oldest grocery store in Knox County that has been owned and operated by the same family. A perfect stop for those on a camping trip or those wanting to picnic in nearby Danville Memorial Park. Home to businesses owned by friends and neighbors, it is easy to see why residents are eager to buy their groceries, hardware needs or farming supplies in their own community.

Just outside of Danville, an auction house has turned into an incredible source of fantastic items ranging from farm animals and equipment to homemade baked goods and quilts. Auctions take place at Danville Auction the first and third Saturday of each month. In addition to these auctions, Danville Auction is also home to Pine View School Benefit Auction which raises money for local Amish schools. The 2006 benefit auction will take place Saturday, Aug. 5.

There is no better way to see the most scenic and breathtaking views of Knox County than to travel along its rails-to-trails. Two new trails are in the future for Knox County as the Kokosing Gap Trail and the Mohican Valley Trail have paved the way to transform additional vacated railroad beds into recreational trails. Two trails have been in full swing for  years connecting Mount Vernon to eastern Knox County as well as Holmes County. The paved Kokosing Gap Trail, converted from the former Pennsylvania Railroad right of way, meanders through the heart of the county and crosses the Kokosing River twice. No matter what your transportation desires — inline skates, bicycling or pure foot speed — the 14-mile Trail will lead you through Knox County’s splendid country side as well as the villages of Gambier, Howard and Danville. 

No matter where you schedule your start or finish on the Trail, be sure to include time for stops along with way. Rest on one of the benches and watch the animals play or enjoy the wildflowers and scenic terrain, enjoy breakfast or lunch in any of the small towns or visit the 1940 Alco 0-6-0 steam locomotive and a restored 1924 Chesapeake & Ohio wood caboose in Gambier or the stone arch and playground in Howard. The award-winning Kokosing Gap Trail is one of the largest trails in the United States that operates solely with donations and volunteers. Free parking is adjacent to the Trail and available adjacent to the Trail in Mount Vernon, Gambier, Howard and Danville with smaller lots scattered along country roads. Most lots are also equipped with handicapped spaces. The Mohican Valley Trail connects in Danville with the KGT and travels to the edge of Holmes County. This crushed aggregate trail is suitable for all types of transportation  including horses. The trail is also home to the Bridge of Dreams, a covered bridge that spans 370 feet, making it the second largest covered bridge in the United States. The Heart of Ohio Trail is moving right along in its development. The acquisition of new grants will help For more information call 1-800-837-5282 or visit www.VisitKnoxOhio.org or email  info@VisitKnoxOhio.org

Knox County Agricultural Museum - Take a trip back in time and experience the heritage of Knox County at the Knox County Agricultural Museum. Devoted almost exclusively to farm and home lifestyles of the 1800s and early 1900s, the Museum houses more than 3,000 items, each depicting how our forefathers lived and worked. The Agricultural Museum is believed to be the only one of its kind in Ohio.  Adjacent to the Museum is a log house, a one-room schoolhouse and the Hiawatha Building. The log house was home to the Calvin Lepley family and was originally built on Hazel Dell Road near Gambier in 1881. The Tiger Valley School was a one-room schoolhouse located in eastern Knox County. The Hiawatha Building once served as a house for wild animals and is the last remaining building of the Lake Hiawatha Park. Visit the Knox County Agricultural Museum during the Knox County Fair or by appointment for groups and experience times past in Knox County. To schedule a tour call (740) 397-1423.

Fredericktown Historical Museum - The museum is a non-profit association which houses nineteenth-century artifacts including clothing and photos from area homes. Our hours are 2:00 to 4:00pm on Sundays, during the Tomato Show, all local events, and private showings by appointment.  The museum is located at 11 East Sandusky Street, Fredericktown, OH 43019  (740) 694-0332

Knox County Historical Society Museum - There is something for everyone to enjoy at the newly expanded Knox County Historical Society Museum, located at 875 Harcourt Road in Mount Vernon.  The museum represents many aspects of Knox County’s history, including industry, arts and entertainment, transportation, and communication. Specific exhibits tell the story of our educational religious, business, military, industrial, financial, social, and cultural institutions. The museum features notable collections of 19th century Cooper farm engines, area post office and telephone history, locally made quilts and coverlets. Memorabilia of comedian Paul Lynde and composer and minstrel Daniel Decatur Emmett are also on display. The Knox County Historical Society Museum is open from February through mid-December on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Schools and other group tours should be scheduled in advance. An admission donation is appreciated. Additional information is available by calling (740) 393-5247.

Knox County Visitors Guide

Additional Sites of Interest

 

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