Knox County Park District

This developed paddler and angler access site is #6 on the Water Trail map of the Kokosing River. This access offers ample parking facilities. Located approximately one-half mile south of the intersection of Pipesville Road and U.S. 36, the site includes benches for rest and relaxation, a picnic table, grill and information kiosk.

For solo paddlers that wish to paddle and pedal, Kokosing Gap Trail access is north and within a mile of the site in Howard. .This site is a good launch point for a day trip to the end of the water trail at the confluence of the Kokosing and Mohican rivers – 11.5 miles downstream. The hamlet of Howard is nearby on US36.  

It is very important to treat the river with respect as the Kokosing can be a wild ride. Last year, the Knox County Park District initiated “ACT NOW”. This acronym is designed to raise awareness of river safety practices. 
A = Always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) 
C= Check flow rates before entering the river by clicking on the link at the bottom. Scroll to the bottom of the USGS stream flow 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, though lower conditions permit a fun experience if you don’t mind dragging through riffles
T=Take water and air temperature into consideration. The two combined should be at least 120 degrees F.
N=Never, ever swim, tube, kayak or canoe alone,
O=Observe the river for fast flowing currents and murkiness. 
W=Watch for hazards such as fallen trees, large rocks and debris. 

There are over 50+ fish species located in the Kokosing State Scenic River. Smallmouth bass and catfish opportunities are great near this access.  Many other 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 at Walhonding. 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. 

While visiting this site, notice the huge, hand-hewn sandstone blocks. These blocks were used to form the abutments for a bridge that used to stand at the site. The bridge was originally constructed in 1874 before the flood of 1913 wiped out the east span. In 1914 the span was replaced. According to the National Park Service publication, Historic American Engineering Record, “The Howard Bridge, a double-intersection Pratt through truss is an example of David H. Morrison’s Patent Wrought Iron Quadrilateral Truss Bridge.” David Morrison, founder of the Columbia Bridge Works, was an important Ohio engineer.