Kokosing to Walhonding


A self-supported trip created by scottsman6

Trip Overview

Put in at ODNR Kokosing river put in # 8, Millwood Rd vic US 36 and US 62. We took out in Coshocton Lake Park. We had 2 portages. 1 around Mohawk Dam and 1 around 6 mile reservoir low head dam. The portage around Mohawk Dam I'll never do again with a loaded boat. The portage around 6 mile reservoir wasn't bad at all and very required. The ODNR river gage at Mt Vernon #3136500 read 470cfs @ 4.25ft. This was an excellent level for myself and 2 others to take the trip. The river pushed us around 3.5mph without paddling. There were several small fun rapids to sneak into and play. Factory rapids was at an awesome level but unplayable in our loaded boats for camping. We had no problem finding one of many lines to get through. We enjoyed the Kokosing river much more than the Walhonding. The Kokosing was smaller and more scenic. The Walhonding after the Mohican joined was wide and open with farmland adjacent. We stayed the night at Shady Grove camp ground, river right and just before 6 mile reservoir. The camp manager was awesome and the other camp people great. Overnight camp was $10ea for everything. This was a 4th of july weekend and the place was in excellent shape and full of people. It was sprayed for mosquitoes, the bathrooms & shower house were in good shape and grass well mowed. We camped along the rivers edge with an amazing view of the river.

Safety Notes

I'm told occasionally, you can go through Mohawk dam as it is a dry dam with gates that regulate water flow. You can see daylight under the gates, but the water level was high and gates down. I would not recommend shooting this as 6 inlets merge to 2 outlets and navigating the tubes would be crazy. 6 mile reservoir's low head dam was large and flowing. You might make it over the top, but the hydraulic at the bottom would be merciless. A dangerous lowhead dam ~ 8ft high. Portage river left. several easy spots to take out and drag through grass to an easy put in eddy below the dam.

Gear Notes

I paddled a 13ft perception conduit. I packed 50lbs of gear in it to include water, tent, food, beverages, etc. My partners paddled also a 13ft perception conduit or an inflatable safari 12ft. No need for skirts. No need for cooking water with the camp site, only need drinking water for the boat ride.

Conditions

Weather was great approx 80 each day with 65 nights, no rain. Water temp was high 60's - low 70's guestimate. The ODNR river gage at Mt Vernon #3136500 read 470cfs @ 4.25ft. The river pushed us around 3.5mph without paddling.

Portage Notes

Mohawk Dam, 100 ft up and down. Very difficult portage. Never again. Fun to do once, but at 50y.o. that is a young man's portage.

Trip Details

  • Trip Dates: 7/1/2017-7/2/2017
  • Trip Duration: 2-3 Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)
  • Number of Portages: 2

Trip Location