Muskingum River Guide
Where it starts, how long it runs, and where to paddle it
Canoe, kayak, and tubing water
The Muskingum River is formed at Coshocton, Ohio where the Tuscarawas and Walhonding Rivers meet, and runs about 112 miles south to the Ohio River at Marietta. This page covers the three-river system, the common questions people ask about it, and where you can rent a canoe, kayak, or tube and get on it.
Tuscarawas River
One of the three rivers in Coshocton, the Tuscarawas is a significant tributary to the Muskingum. Stretching about 130 miles, it flows through four counties before joining the Walhonding River near Coshocton to form the Muskingum. It offers a scenic journey from urban stretches to peaceful rural escapes, with historical sites and natural landscapes along the way.
Walhonding River
Another key tributary, the Walhonding runs 23.5 miles in east-central Ohio, entirely within Coshocton County. It is formed by the confluence of the Mohican and Kokosing Rivers and flows through the towns of Nellie and Warsaw before joining the Tuscarawas at Coshocton.
Muskingum River
The Muskingum is created by the confluence of the Walhonding and Tuscarawas at Coshocton. It flows about 112 miles southward through Zanesville and McConnelsville and drains into the Ohio River at Marietta. It is navigable thanks to a series of locks, dams, and short canals, most built between 1935 and 1941.
Together these three rivers form a waterway system built for river recreation — and the reason the livery sits where it does, at The Boathouse Tavern in Coshocton. Shuttles run Thursday through Sunday, 9AM to 3PM, and walk-ins are accepted.
Aerial view over the river valley at Coshocton.
Where the Tuscarawas, Walhonding, and Muskingum meet.
River questions, answered
Muskingum, Tuscarawas & Walhonding FAQ
How long is the Muskingum River?
About 112 miles. It is formed at Coshocton and flows south through Zanesville and McConnelsville before joining the Ohio River at Marietta.
Where does the Muskingum River start?
At Coshocton, Ohio, where the Tuscarawas River and the Walhonding River meet. That confluence is the head of the Muskingum — and it is where our livery sits.
Where does the Tuscarawas River start and end?
The Tuscarawas rises in northeast Ohio near the Akron area and runs roughly 130 miles through four counties before ending at Coshocton, where it joins the Walhonding to form the Muskingum.
What county is the Walhonding River in?
Coshocton County. The Walhonding runs 23.5 miles entirely within the county, through Nellie and Warsaw.
The Kokosing River is a tributary of which river?
The Walhonding River. The Kokosing and the Mohican meet to form the Walhonding, which then joins the Tuscarawas at Coshocton to form the Muskingum.
What river runs through Zanesville, Ohio?
The Muskingum River, joined at Zanesville by the Licking River.
Is the Muskingum River navigable?
Yes. A series of locks, dams, and short canals — most built between 1935 and 1941 — keep the lower river navigable.
Where can I canoe, kayak, or tube on these rivers?
Right here. Roscoe Village Canoe Livery at The Boathouse Tavern, 49 Pine Street, Coshocton, runs the 4.5 mile Eagle Trip from the Tuscarawas down to the Muskingum, shuttle included. Thursday through Sunday, first shuttle 9AM, last shuttle 3PM. See rentals and pricing.
How far is the river from Columbus?
About 80 minutes northeast of Columbus. Drive times from Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, and Zanesville.