Ellis Dam

The Muskingum River Parkway and its 160-year-old navigation system were designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in July 2001. Along with such majestic institutions as Hoover Dam, The Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge, the Muskingum River’s 10 hand-operated locks are now recognized as one of America’s great engineering accomplishments.

In its day, the system of locks and dams that extends 112 miles through southeastern Ohio, helped open the state and the entire Midwest to trade and development. Today, it serves the needs of more than 7,000 recreational boaters each year who come to fish, picnic and play in the scenic Muskingum Valley. The area has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and will be recognized as the Muskingum River Navigation Historic District.

This hike starts at the bike trail which is located on Ellis Dam Road about 0.3 miles before you reach the campground and parking area. There is a small pullout suitable for one or two cars where there is a sign that marks the trail. It is about a half mile from Ellis Dam Road to the railroad trestle and back along a paved path that is designed for bikers but also usable by hikers. There are excellent views of the Muskingum River from the trestle.