Bicycles are permitted on roads and in campground areas. If you are looking for more of an adventure Kokosing Gap Trail is a well known bike trail near by. The closest access point to it from here is at Howard,OH. North on Rt 36. For more data visit the web site at 'www.railtrails.org/kokosinggap/about.htm
River access below the dam is via the gravel road through the recreation area. This area is now managed by Muskingum Watershed Conversancy District. They can be contacted by calling Charles Mill Lake Park at (419) 368-6885), tell the person who answers you are calling about Mohawk Dam Campground. From the gravel road canoes and other small craft can be launched.
Above the dam a take-out point is located on the right decending bank, this take-out is immediately above THE INTAKE which is DANGEROUS in high water conditions. The take-out it's self causes problems as it is directed up the river which makes the approach and landing difficult. USE CAUTION. There is a concrete portage path over the dam. A locked gate had to be installed on the access road to the canoe take out in 2000, if you need to drive down to pick up canoes please call the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers office to make arangements at 740-824-4343, M-F, 7:30 to 4:00.
Please be aware that this rivers depth can fluctuate widely, especialy after heavy rain. This creates dangerous currents and floods the river with floating and submerged drift such as trees and debris. During flood control operations at Mohawk Dam land and public roads behind the dam, that are within the reservoir, can become flooded. Any person useing the river must be aware of these facts. Call the office for the latest data at 740-824-4343, M-F, 7:30 to 4:00. DO NOT TAKE CHANCES.
Mohawk Dam Campground is located beside the Walhonding River below the dam on SR 715. It is managed by Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District(MWCD). This small, shaded, quiet campground has 31 sites for tents, trailers and RV’s. Electric is available at all sites, there are water fountains and faucets at several locations within the campground as well as three gray water stations. A restroom with water and flush toilets and a dump station is nearby. The Federal Golden Age and Golden Access Passports are no longer accepted,however, Golden Buckeye card holders and people who are 60 years or older and have proof of age recieve a 10% discount. There also is a picnic area with tables and cookers as well as a river access point all with parking lots. For more information call MWCD at 740-685-6013 or visit their web site at 'www.mwcdlakes.com'.
The project office is located beside the dam on State route 715. Staffed Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., the phone number is 740-824-4343 or leave a message.
Mohawk Dam is approximately 15 miles west of Coshocton, Ohio and 25 miles east of Mount Vernon, Ohio. Access to the dam is via State Route 36 (which connects Mount Vernon and Coshocton), then State Route 715 which travels directly across the crest of the dam.
Fishing along the Walhonding River is permitted below Mohawk Dam. The public access point is through the receation area now managed by MWCD. It includes a graveled parking lot, and an access road to the river, it is open year-round except in severe winter weather. The area below the dam is lighted. People who are physically challenged can come to the USACE office between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., staff will open the gate for them to drive down to the river. Please be aware that Mohawk Dam is a flood reduction/control structure and during periods of heavy rain the river below the dam can get very high and swift. The roads and land behind the dam may be flooded also.
Mohawk Dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938 and was built along with 13 other dams to control flooding within the Muskingum River watershed. Work began in April 1935 and was completed in September 1937. It has been serving its function faithfully ever since. Tours of the dam will be conducted when possible as requested, call the project office at 740-824-4343 to schedule yours. Special presentations can also be conducted on or off site to educate groups concerning the dam, flood control, environmental subjects and other topics. Inquire thought the office at 740-824-4343. Restrooms are located at the Recreation Area seasonally (Mid May-October).
A universally-accessible bathroom is available at the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers Project Office and at the MWCD managed rest room in the recreation area. Persons wanting to drive closer to the river can do so during normal busness hours by coming to the U.S.Army Coprs of Engineers office, a staff member will open the gate.
There are no established hiking trails at Mohawk Dam. The open areas around the dam provide a lovely place to walk, both below the dam and in the spillway opposite the entrance to the recreation area, the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers permitts this activity.
Remnants of the historical Walhonding Canal and its associated "locks" are located along the length of the Walhonding River from Coshocton to Cavello Station. That route runs through Mohawk Dam. If you have a sharp eye you can find what little remains. Information can be located at the museum at Roscoe Village.
Horseback riding is not available on Mohawk Dam property.
A large number of hunters are drawn to the rural Mohawk Dam area because of the adjacent Public Hunting Area owned and operated by Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). This property is open to the public in accordance with State game and hunting laws as well as regulations from MWCD. The U.S. Government property surrounding Mohawk Dam is not large enough to open to public hunting and NO HUNTING is allowed. Camping is not allowed in the public hunting lands, MWCD property, however, Mohawk Dam Campground has been open in the past for the hunters. The campground is managed by MWCD, contact them for the schedule by calling 419-368-6885, tell the person who answers that you are calling about Mohawk Dam Campground. General information is available on their web site at
www.mwcdlakes.com.
There is no marina at Mohawk Dam.
There is a picnic area in the recreation area managed by MWCD. The area provides picnic tables, cookers, grills and a restroom, there is also a small playground. Sufficient parking is available.
There are no designated swimming areas associated with Mohawk Dam.
Information is available at the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers Mohawk Dam Office, located beside the dam on State Route 715, it is open Monday –Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Brochures and maps of the area are available, the staff will try to help you with any questions you may have.
