National and State Parks - Recreational Areas

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Muskingum River Parkway State Park
State Park Information

State Park Overview
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 Rivers 10 hand-operated locks are now recognized as one of Americas 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.

Nature of the Area
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.

Camping

Picnicking

Boating
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 - 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.

Fishing and Hunting

History of the Area
The Muskingum River, because of its size and location, has played an important role in Ohios 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 citys 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.

Local Visitor Information Web Sites

Offical Guide to Southeastern Ohios Scenic Wonderland, the Hocking Hills. The 9 State Parks and State Forests. How to get there, things to do, interesting local merchants, what to see, places to stay. Reserve your cabin or campsite online!

Web Site



More Info

MID-AMERICAS PREMIER BOATING MAGAZINE. CURRENT ISSUE. SUBSCRIBE. CLASSIFIED. ADVERTISING. WRITERS. ARCHIVES. STAFF. LINKS. CHAT ROOM. CREW GEAR. HeartLandBoating magazines coverage of the... ...o Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft 1999 Boating Safety Education Grants. Organization. County. Amount. Description. American Red Cross. Allen. $13,864. Offer the... ...ks ? Golf Courses ? Boating ? Canoe Rentals. Hunting & Fishing ? Bowling ? Skating ? Swimming Parks. Blue Rock State Park 7924 Cutler Lake Road Blue Rock, OH 43720 740/674-4794. Rugged... ...s Release. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 30, 1998. ODNR TO REHABILITATE FOURTH LOCK ALONG HISTORIC MUSKINGUM RIVER DETERIORATION OF McCONNELSVILLE LOCK #7 REQUIRES STATE TO CLOSE FACILITY FOR...

Area Attractions
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.



Area Campgrounds

Walkabout Creek
7375 Sugargrove Rd
Chandlersville, OH
(740) 674-6133

Green Acres Grocery & Pizza
8635 Old River Rd
Philo, OH
(740) 674-6411

Ohio Wolf Run State Park
16170 Wolf Run Dr
Caldwell, OH
(740) 732-5035

Maple Lakes Campgrounds
4275 Blake Rd
Seville, OH
(330) 336-2251

Chippewa Valley Campgrounds
8809 Lake Rd
Seville, OH
(330) 769-2090

Perry Trails Campground
5200 State Route 345 NE
New Lexington, OH
(740) 342-2449



Area Fishing Related Businesses

Tackle Box Drive Thru
11345 State Route 37 E
New Lexington, OH
(740) 342-3328



Area Resorts and Lodging

Burr Oak Resort
Glouster, OH
(740) 767-2112


Muskingum River Parkway State Park