Muskingum River Locks Historical Navigation Circuit
America's oldest navigation locks connected
Trace the Muskingum River’s 19th-century navigation system via service roads connecting Locks 1 through 10, built between 1836-1841 to float coal and timber to the Ohio River. The 32-mile route follows elevated towpaths and lock tender roads that ford tributary creeks and climb around flood-damaged sections. Lock 7 near Taylorsville presents the toughest challenge with a steep rocky approach and narrow bridge crossing over the lock chamber itself.
Stock vehicles handle most sections, though high clearance helps with creek crossings and eroded towpath sections during wet periods. Best traveled April through October when lock parks are accessible. No permits needed, but some sections cross private land — stick to marked routes. Multiple camping options at state parks along the route. Experience Ohio’s early industrial ambitions while following one of America’s oldest slack-water navigation systems still partially intact.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 32 mi / 51.5 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 740 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV |
| Nearest town | Zanesville, Ohio |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | ohiodnr.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Cherokee or RAV4 handle this without any mods?
Yes. A completely stock SUV is the minimum requirement and handles this circuit fine. The dirt and gravel maintenance roads are low-key — this isn't a rock-crawling situation, just basic clearance and decent all-season tires.
Is the Muskingum River Locks circuit accessible year-round?
Best window is April through October. Winter can make the dirt sections greasy and some maintenance road access gets restricted or gated by ODNR during the off-season. Spring runoff can also affect the water crossing points.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to drive this route?
No permit required and no entry fee. The route runs along ODNR-managed maintenance roads tied to the historic lock system. Respect any posted closures — ODNR does periodically restrict access for maintenance or restoration work.
What are the water crossings actually like — depth, surface?
The crossings are mild and generally passable in a stock SUV during normal water levels. After heavy rain or spring runoff, check conditions before committing — water levels on the Muskingum can rise quickly and alter crossing depth without much warning.
How far is the nearest gas from the route, and is there dispersed camping along the way?
Zanesville is your best fuel stop before heading out — don't count on finding gas along the 32-mile circuit. Dispersed camping isn't really the format here; this is a day-drive or overnighter out of Zanesville, so plan lodging or a designated campsite as your base.
Trail track
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