Knox County Park District

In 2007, the Park District re-designed this canoe access site to protect the Kokosing State Scenic River and to offer visitors a more convenient access from Millwood Road. This site is #7 on the Water Trail Map of the Kokosing State Scenic River. This site is located at 11640 Bridge Street, Howard just west of the intersection of U.S. 62 and Millwood Road. Installation of picnic tables, a grill and an information kiosk at this popular site greets visitors. The site serves an an excellent access point to launch a canoe or kayak, swim, fish or just lounge at the river’s edge. A porta-john is on-site seasonally (April through October).  

Downstream of this access site #7 is the Factory Rapids. This section of the river has steep sandstone walls. Under high flow conditions, these rapids can be considered Class III and boaters should be strong paddlers and have the skills to make quick course changes. Stay river left or portage the rapids on right river. See the YouTube video link at the top to view the rush of the rapids taken by Sean of Valley Kayak Rentals.

Did you know there are over 50+ fish species located in the Kokosing State Scenic River? Many of those include; various Chubs such as the Creek and Bigeye Chub, various Redhorse species from the Smallmouth Redhorse to the Golden Redhorse and typical Sunfish from the Redear Sunfish to the Bluegill. The Kokosing River is known primarily for the abundant amount of smallmouth bass throughout the entire main stem of the river from Mount Vernon to the confluence of the Mohican River, later joining the Walhonding River. This location is excellent for Flathead Catfish, Freshwater Drums, and Northern Pike. For more information on the species found throughout the Kokosing River, click on the link above and download the Fish ID checklist specific to the River Access points and their locations. This checklist was a collaborative effort with Brian Zimmerman, OSU Research River Ecologist and the Knox County Park District.