Welcome to the "State Scenic River" Geotrail of the Knox County Park District
Welcome to Geocache stop #4 on our trail, we hope you enjoy the sites along our State Scenic Kokosing and Mohican Rivers. The extensive floodplains, wooded corridors, and rural landscape have helped maintain the rivers purity and high-quality natural state. Much of the landscape is similar to that of the native Americans and settlers who made this area their home.
If you enjoy a scenic drive along a river corridor or enjoy paddling by kayak or canoe, this trail will not be disappointing! On our Geotrail of (10) caches, you will explore the Kokosing River and a part of the Mohican River in your adventure. The Kokosing is the kind of river of which there are very few in Ohio. Flowing through rural farm country, steep wooded hillsides, and sandstone cliffs, the Kokosing is very worthy of the state scenic river designation. The perfect venue for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Things you will learn
- The Kokosing and Mohican Rivers are designated as Ohio State Scenic Rivers by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
- The Kokosing River received its designation on November 4, 1997
- Over 830 miles of rivers are protected through the Scenic Rivers program.
- On June 4, 2005, the Kokosing River became Ohio’s first Water Trail.
- The Kokosing River was the 11th River to be designated as a State Scenic River among 14 others.
- Knox County Recycling Program
Things you will see
- Excellent site for smallmouth bass fishing
- Scenic view from the 1915 Historic Bridge that was later revitalized to receive an award in 2011
As you paddle or walk to locate the geocaches on our trail, please scan and read the content within the QR codes. The information you gain will help you earn your Geocoin as we test your knowledge! It is our mission to educate on the importance of water quality in a watershed. Our geocoin sponsors include United Way of Knox County, Knox Community Hospital Koko Kid’s Club, and Knox County Recycling and Litter Prevention.
Things to practice for river safety and choosing our paddle option;
- If choosing the Paddle option, wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- Please view our Google Map to become familiar with the area and distance between geocaches, go to our website www.knoxcountyparks.org and click on Activities and Geocaching. PLEASE NOTE that the coordinates at each stop are NOT the exact Coordinates, those are for reference only, the coordinates listed here are the ones you must follow.
- Geocahces are located at least 30'-50' from the riverbank in case there is flooding
- Do not do kayak alone, it is safer to be with a partner.
- Check water depth and temperature as both could be hazardous
- Visit the USGS streamflow data site scroll to the bottom of the USGS streamflow page and look at the box labeled, “most recent instantaneous value.” Perfect conditions for a float are between 100-300 cubic feet per second (CFS) of flow, anything over 300 CFS is considered unsafe.
- The trail can be completed via kayak/canoe but requires two days if using Valley Kayak Rental's services
- Visit this link to download the Kokosing/Mohican ODNR water trail maps to view the locations of the river access areas. Kokosing River Water Trail Map and Mohican River Water Trail Map
- Factory Rapids is a section of the river that is considered a Class lll and an experienced paddler should only attempt this section. Portage is available to the right of the rapids, click the link to view the rapids Ride the Factory Rapids
- If you do not own a kayak, please visit our website at www.knoxcountyparks.org and click on the activities link for the Geocaching 2021 Trail to view kayak packages.
This site is excellent for smallmouth bass fishing both upstream and downstream, you can also view Big Run as it enters the river to the right. Beyond a large horseshoe bend in the river, short rapids lead to strainers and deep pools along a seriece of short bends. This site offers a scenic view from the historic bridge which was built in 1915 and manufactured locally by the Mount Vernon Bridge Company. Later the Knox County Engineer rehabilitated the bridge and was awarded a 2011 Historic Bridge Award. The river access includes a nice shelter house with picnic tables, a portable restroom, charcoal grill and informational kiosk. The bridge includes a park bench and a handicap accessible picnic table to accomodate someone in a wheelchair.
We hope you enjoy Knox County and completing our GeoTrail!