MUSKINGUM RIVER PARKWAY
The Muskingum River Parkway and its 160-year-old navigation system were designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in July 2001. Along with such majestic institutions as Hoover Dam, The Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge, the Muskingum River's 10 hand-operated locks are now recognized as one of America's great engineering accomplishments.
In its day, the system of locks and dams that extends 112 miles through southeastern Ohio, helped open the state and the entire Midwest to trade and development. Today, it serves the needs of more than 7,000 recreational boaters each year who come to fish, picnic and play in the scenic Muskingum Valley.
Parkway Map (pdf)The Muskingum River is formed by the confluence of the Walhonding and Tuscarawas rivers in Coshocton, Ohio. From there, it flows south through Zanesville where it is joined by the Licking River until it eventually drains into the Ohio River at Marietta. This mighty river travels 112 miles in all, traversing the scenic hill country.
The rich floodplains of the Muskingum provide suitable conditions for walnut, elm, cottonwood and sycamore. Dense paw-paw thickets line the banks of the river. A rich diversity of bird life and mammals share the wooded shores. The Muskingum provides a remarkable fishery including catches of huge shovelhead catfish. The mighty Ohio muskellunge was once abundant in the Muskingum and its tributaries, but its population has declined in recent years. A number of rare fish share the waters such as sanddarters, northern madtoms, mooneyes and channel darters. The Muskingum and its tributaries have long supported large and diverse populations of freshwater mussels. Dissolved limestone in the river is used by the mussels in constructing their shells. The Muskingum River system supports the last remaining Ohio populations of mussels such as monkeyface shell, fan shell, Ohio pigtoe and the butterfly shell.
The Muskingum River, because of its size and location, has played an important role in Ohio's history. It is the largest river lying solely within Ohio, draining an area equal to one-fifth of the entire state.
Missionaries settled along the headwaters of this picturesque river in 1761. The first permanent settlement in Ohio was established in 1788 at Marietta. One of the city's founders, General Rufus Putnam, recognized the economic potential of the Muskingum River for transporting raw materials to eastern markets and brought in New England shipbuilders. In 1824, steam-powered paddle wheelers joined the flatboat and keelboat traders, generating public support for river navigation.
West Point graduate Major Samuel Curtis designed a system of 10 dams and 11 locks to connect the Muskingum River to the Ohio and Erie Canal at Dresden. Opened in 1841, the system provided navigable waterways from Marietta to Lake Erie.
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
GeneralLand, acres120
Water, acres-13
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trail, miles1
Picnickingyes
Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoating LimitsUnlimited HP
Launch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitive, #28
Pets Permittedyes
A camping area is provided at Lock 11. There are 20 campsites off State Route 60 and County Road 49 in Muskingum County. Water, picnic tables, fire rings and latrines are provided. Pets are permitted in the camping area at Ellis. There are eight boaters-only, primitive campsites at Lock #5, Luke Chute.
The Muskingum River Parkway in Ohio offers various swimming options for visitors. The parkway features several public access points along the river where people can swim and enjoy the water. Some popular swimming spots along the Muskingum River Parkway include the boat ramps and picnic areas at the Dillon State Park, the Bryan's Place Park in Philo, and the lock and dam areas such as Lock 9 and Lock 10. These locations provide opportunities for swimming, as well as other water activities such as fishing and boating. Visitors can also explore the scenic beauty of the river while swimming and have a memorable experience in the Muskingum River Parkway.
It is suggested that prior to departing for a boat trip on the Muskingum River, boaters contact the park office to check on river and lock conditions. Boats with unlimited horsepower motors, house boats, pontoon boats, canoes and rowboats travel the river. Public launch ramps are provided at Locks 4, 5, 6 and 11. Private ramps are located near Locks 2, 7 and 10.
The Muskingum River is navigable from Dresden to Marietta. However, the river channel from Dresden to Ellis is unmarked and difficult to follow. Information on navigation charts can be obtained at the parkway office.
Some of the tributaries which empty into the Muskingum River are also navigable for short distances and provide excellent fishing. The Licking River which joins the Muskingum River in Zanesville, is navigable only by canoe or rowboat.
All three species of black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted), saugeye and various species of catfish are taken from the river. Bass are also found in several tributaries. Fishing is permitted from boats and at each of the lock sites; however, fishing is prohibited from the lock walls. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Muskingum River Parkway is located near Newark, Zanesville
Picnic tables, grills, latrines, and drinking water are available at all locks except Lock 9 at Philo in Muskingum County. Visitors are requested to build fires only in the grills provided and to dispose of all litter properly.
1. Lock 2 Trail: A short, yet challenging trail that takes you through dense forests and along the river's edge with stunning views of historic lock structures.
2. Luke Chute Conservation Area Trails: Offers a variety of trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels; features include lush greenery, diverse wildlife sightings, and breathtaking vistas overlooking the Muskingum River.
3. Beverly Ohio Rail-Trail: An exhilarating hike on an old railway line offering panoramic views over rolling hillsides dotted with quaint farmhouses and barns in rural Ohio countryside settings.
4. Stockport Mill Inn & Restaurant Loop Trail: This moderately difficult loop offers hikers scenic overlooks at every turn - including waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs into serene pools below - as well as access to historical sites like the restored mill itself.
5. Big Bottom Park Pathway: Takes visitors deep into untouched wilderness areas where they can experience solitude amidst towering trees while listening for bird calls echoing off ancient rock formations nearby.
6. Devola Multi-use Pathway: Ideal for both hiking enthusiasts or casual walkers looking forward to enjoying picturesque landscapes featuring wildflowers blooming alongside meandering streams under clear blue skies above them during springtime hikes here.
7. Rainbow Hills Vineyards Nature Walk: Provides unique opportunities not only explore local flora fauna but also sample some finest wines produced within region after completing their journey across this relatively flat terrain covered by vineyard rows stretching out towards horizon beyond sight.
8. Constitution Wildlife Habitat Hiking Route: Known its rich biodiversity, it allows adventurers encounter various species animals birds thriving natural habitats preserved meticulously throughout years conservation efforts undertaken park authorities together community members living around area.
9. The Valley Gem Sternwheeler Riverside Trek is perfect those who love history maritime heritage combined thrill exploring rugged terrains leading up steep bluffs providing spectacular aerial perspectives entire valley spread beneath feet once reach summit these high points located along route.
10. The Muskingum River Parkway State Park Trail: A long, winding trail that takes you through the heart of the parkway with stunning views over pristine waters and lush greenery; perfect for those seeking a challenging hike amidst nature's splendor.
11. Lock 10 & Dam Walk: This easy walk offers an up-close view of historic lock structures while providing opportunities to spot local wildlife such as deer, foxes or even bald eagles soaring above in search of their next meal.
12. Blue Rock Forest Hiking Path: Known its rugged beauty, this path winds around towering rock formations covered moss lichen before leading hikers towards hidden caves waterfalls waiting be discovered by adventurous souls daring enough venture off beaten track into wilderness beyond known trails within park boundaries.
13. The Stockport Historic District Walking Tour is not only about hiking but also learning history culture region visiting various landmarks buildings dating back centuries ago still standing proudly today despite passage time changes brought upon them due course years gone past since they were first built during early settlement days here.
Biking is not officially permitted on the park's trails. However, nearby towns offer bike-friendly routes and rentals.
The surrounding area has several biking options for enthusiasts of all levels.
Please note that riding bikes off designated paths can harm local wildlife habitats in this region.
Local roads near the park are popular among cyclists but remember to follow traffic rules strictly.
While exploring neighboring areas by bicycle, always wear a helmet and stay hydrated throughout your journey.
For those seeking longer rides, adjacent counties have extensive cycling networks worth checking out too.
Remember: safety first! Always check weather conditions before setting off on any bicycling adventure around here.
Be aware that some parts of these external cycle routes may be challenging due to hilly terrain or heavy traffic at times.
The parkway in Ohio offers a variety of birding options for enthusiasts. It is home to several species, including waterfowl and songbirds that can be spotted along the river's edge or within its dense forests. The area also features numerous hiking trails which provide excellent opportunities for bird watching throughout different seasons. Additionally, there are designated wildlife observation areas where visitors may use binoculars or scopes to get a closer look at birds nesting or feeding in their natural habitats.
Blue Rock State Park and State Forest, east off State Route 60 on Culter Lake Road (CR 45), is between Philo and Rokeby. Camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, boating and picnicking are available. Approximately six miles above the mouth of the Licking is Dillon State Park, off State Route 146. Campsites, cabins, fishing, hiking, boating, swimming and picnicking are available.
The Wilds, located 17 miles southeast of Zanesville, contains a 9,154-acre wild animal preserve open to the public. Entrance fee required, hours vary by season. For details call (740) 638-5030.
For more information about the Muskingum River, contact Zanesville/Muskingum Visitors Bureau at 1-800-743-2303, the Marietta Tourist Bureau at 1-800-228-2577 or the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism at 1-800-BUCKEYE.
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
40.2 miles from park*
Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
36 miles from park*
1. Starting from I-70, take Exit 142 for OH-93 South toward Adamsville/Zanesville.
2. Merge onto OH-93 South and continue for approximately 6 miles.
3. Take a slight left onto OH-666 South/East Adamsville Road and continue for another 2.5 miles.
4. Turn right onto OH-146 West/Coopermill Road. Follow this road for about 10 miles.
5. You will reach Zanesville and continue onto OH-60 South/Underwood Street.
6. Stay on OH-60 South for approximately 9 miles.
7. Merge onto I-70 East and continue for about 3 miles.
8. Take Exit 156 for OH-83 South toward Frazeysburg.
9. Merge onto OH-83 South and follow it for approximately 5.5 miles.
10. Take a slight right to stay on OH-83 South/Frazeysburg Road.
11. Continue on OH-83 South for about 14 miles until you reach the entrance to the Muskingum River Parkway.