There are many unforgettable experiences around Mansfield. Whether you’re hiking, driving, cycling, or sipping your way through the region, we’ve made it easy to explore at your own pace and discover local favorites along the way with nine trails and byways.
Adventure Trails
The ultimate The Shawshank Redemption experience! This internationally known trail features 16 movie sites from the No. 1 movie of all time (IMDb) and attracts fans from all over the world. Don’t let your love of The Shawshank Redemption end once the movie is over—This drive-it-yourself trail allows you to tour everything from The Shawshank State Prison (Ohio State Reformatory) to the Shawshank Woodshop, site of the famous opera scene. The trail even features Shawshank-themed foods and souvenirs. Get busy living and join fans from around the world for The Shawshank Redemption 25th Anniversary celebration, August 16-18, 2019.
Begin your journey on The Shawshank Trail with the trail brochure, which includes information about each of the 16 filming sites and directions.
Discover history one sip at a time in a historic mortuary, vintage bank vault, blueberry plantation, and old-world cask ale brewery. All stops regularly feature live entertainment. Don’t forget to ask for Shawshank Redemption-themed wines and beer like Reformatory Red or Redemption IPA; they make great souvenirs and gifts. Make it a weekend and explore them all!
To request a Wine & Ale Trail Brochure, click here.
Mansfield is no stranger to paranormal activity and has been featured on multiple ghost hunting shows. Hunt on your own or accompany a professional ghost hunter through any of the five documented haunted sites that have earned Mansfield the name “The Haunted Capital of Ohio.” Walk the elegant marble floors of the Renaissance Theatre and listen for disembodied voices, laughter, and music. Learn about firefighting history at the Mansfield Fire Museum & Education Center, but keep your eyes peeled for unexplained shadows or flickering lights while you’re there.
Nature Trails
The Richland B&O Trail is a paved 18.4-mile bike trail connecting the quaint communities from Mansfield to Butler. Hop off the trail in Lexington to shop at Crafty Clutter Inc. or in Bellville to grab a bite at Black Dog Tavern. At the northern end of the bike trail, you can find and ride the 5.7-mile Mansfield City Bike Loop. For a nature walk on foot, hike from Malabar Farm State Park to the Mohican State Forest along the primitive hills of the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail.
Horse lovers will enjoy the eighty-eight miles of bridle trails connect Malabar Farm, Pleasant Hill Lake Park, and Mohican State Forest. They are open year-round from dawn to dusk and are suitable for riders with all levels of experience. Malabar Farm and Pleasant Hill Lake Park include a horse camp with campsites large enough for your truck and trailer. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic table, with high lines, restrooms, and drinking water nearby.
For more information on the specific trails…
Historic Byways and Scenic Trails
Two Ohio Scenic Byways and the Continental Divide traverse Richland County. Whether you are a guest to the area or just passing through, take the time to enjoy restaurants, attractions, and quaint shops on or near these routes. For more historical locations, visit our history page.
Drive America’s first coast-to-coast road, The Lincoln Highway, which started the “road trip” craze across the country. Enjoy the scenic views and small-town finds as you travel.
Ohio’s newest Byway pays tribute to a true pioneer and American legend: Johnny Appleseed. The Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway passes many of his land holdings, apple tree nursery sites, and other significant historical locations associated with Appleseed’s life.
Take a scenic drive along a major watershed boundary through Richland County; water flows to Lake Erie on one side and the Ohio River on the other. Enjoy the beautiful scenery at a leisurely pace while discovering new places and forgotten favorites.
If you’re arranging a road trip along these routes, head to Ohio.org for help with planning and a list of destinations that you’ll love.
Walking Tours
9. Historic Downtown Walks
Start at Oak Hill Cottage and take a 2-mile self-guided walk by calling 419-496-2112 and following the prompts. A new downtown walking tour established by the Richland County Historical Society, Track #4 is a self-guided tour from Vasbinder Fountain in Central Park to the cemetery and back.
How many of these trails have you traversed? Share photos of your experiences by tagging us with #DestinationMansfield. Need more adventure trails? Visit Ohio Adventure Trails for additional trails throughout Ohio.