Ohio's Muskingum River

[SS MAYFLOAT]

I have been wanting for a long time to take a trip on the Muskingum from I think McConnelsville to Marrietta and back. Just take a nice slow ride to enjoy the scenery and go through the hand operated locks. I haven't checked on the schedules for a long time. I tried to get a group together back in 2002, but there wasn't but a couple thousand members then. Maybe this time it might happen. If your interested, post here and let me know. I need to get my plans for vacation in by mid January if this happens....Thanks....SS

 

[justchecking]

Re: Ohio's Muskingum River

How many river miles is it do you think? We just talked about doing that after reading about the old locks. We just boated the Ohio for the second time. We have a 2 stroke and don't get the best gas mileage.

Sounds like a cool trip. About when do you plan on doing that?

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Ohio's Muskingum River

If this happens this year, there is many options that we can choose from. I've been doing some research to find places to moor and get fuel. Right now, Dresden and Ellis locks is a bit out as it is an area that can be hard to navigate and more on the shallow side. However from Ellis to McConnel is about a 38 mile trip one way. I prefer to cruise at about 5 knots. My boat is heavy and sucks the gas quickly as well. It most likely be a weekend trip.

The locks seem to only be open on weekends and they do charge a fee as well. This past year from what I have read is that the locks at McConnel is closed. Not sure if they will be open for 2012. At this time the trip form Ellis to McConnel sounds like the way to go for plans.

It sure would be nice to get some other local Buckeyes to organize a floatilla to do this cruise. Then maybe in the future take the whole trip from Ellis to the Ohio River which is a 86 mile journey one way.

 

[justchecking]

Re: Ohio's Muskingum River

Found a good Ohio DNR link: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Portals/4/pdfs/access/muskingumrwt.pdf

and here: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/trails/howto/tabid/2899/Default.aspx

 

[Dick Sorensen]

Re: Ohio's Muskingum River

I've done it once....nice trip. Our local Power Squadron has a cruise about everyother year....we stay at the Inn at the mouth of the Muskingum.....has docks with power. I don't remember seeing any Gas outlets up river....the lockmasters are wonderful and they call ahead to let the next guy know you are on your way. Try to work this cruise into your schedule.....A river guide is published by The State of Ohio, Department of Natural Resources, 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43229 ask for 'Muskingum River Water Trail' brochure...It's packed with info...enjoy

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Ohio's Muskingum River

I've done it once....nice trip. Our local Power Squadron has a cruise about everyother year....we stay at the Inn at the mouth of the Muskingum.....has docks with power. I don't remember seeing any Gas outlets up river....the lockmasters are wonderful and they call ahead to let the next guy know you are on your way. Try to work this cruise into your schedule.....A river guide is published by The State of Ohio, Department of Natural Resources, 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43229 ask for 'Muskingum River Water Trail' brochure...It's packed with info...enjoy

Thanks for the info. I have been doing a lot of reading and research. Early next season, I'm going to just cruise in circles on the local lake to get a good idea of how much fuel I will use. I have a 100 gallon tank, so I know it will take me a few miles or more. I'm beginning to think starting down river and go up,but it sure will make it a longer trip for me to tow. I grew up in south east Ohio, so I know the area has many hills. I get the white knuckle syndrome just towing my boat the 12 miles to the lake from my house.

Thanks again.

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Ohio's Muskingum River

If you're worried about fuel cost and capacity, start up river and go down. Let the current help you (drift) instead of fighting it.

I boat in South Florida now but from Cincinnati area and a bit familiar with the river there.

Have fun...