Mohawk Dam serves as the Project Office for the projects located within the Walhonding section of the Muskingum Area. It was authorized by Section 4 of the Flood Control Act (FCA) of 1938, as amended by Section 4 of the FCA of 1939. Primary project purposes are flood damage reduction, recreation, and fish and wildlife. The dam was completed in September 1936 and serves a drainage area of 821 square miles. Land includes 251 fee acres and 13,773 easement acres. There Corps has two out granted day use and camping recreation areas. The dam is a rolled earth, gravel and rock-fill with impervious core, 111 ft tall, 2,330 ft. long, 35 ft. wide at the top and 660 ft. wide at the base. The spillway is an uncontrolled saddle adjacent to the left (east) abutment of the dam. The intake structure contains six 8 x 17 ft. caterpillar type gates discharging through two 20-ft. horseshoe tunnels through the left (east) abutment into a stilling basin.
Recreation Opportunities
Visitor Center
Information is available at the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers Mohawk Dam Office, located beside the dam on State Route 715, it is open Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Brochures and maps of the area are available, the staff will try to help you with any questions you may have.
Boating
River access below the dam is via the gravel road through the recreation area. This area is now managed by Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources. From the gravel road canoes and other small craft can be launched.
Above the dam a take-out point is located on the right descending bank, this take-out is immediately above THE INTAKE which is DANGEROUS in high water conditions. The take-out it's self causes problems as it is directed up the river which makes the approach and landing difficult. USE CAUTION. There is a concrete portage path over the dam. People occasionally park their vehicles in the parking lot near the campground & fishing area on the other side of the dam. Do Not park above the dam near the river due to the possibility of high water.
Please be aware that this rivers depth can fluctuate widely, especially after heavy rain. This creates dangerous currents and floods the river with floating and submerged drift such as trees and debris. During flood control operations at Mohawk Dam land and public roads behind the dam, that are within the reservoir, can become flooded. Any person using the river must be aware of these facts. Call the office for the latest data at 740-824-4343, M-F, 7:30 to 4:00.
Camping
There is no campground at Mohawk Dam.
Day-use
There are no day-use facilities at Mohawk Dam.
Fishing
Fishing along the Walhonding River is permitted below Mohawk Dam. The public access point is through the receation area is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It includes a graveled parking lot, and an access road to the river. It is open year-round except in severe winter weather. Please be aware that Mohawk Dam is a flood reduction/control structure and during periods of heavy rain the river below the dam can get very high and swift. The roads and land behind the dam may be flooded also.
Hunting
A large number of hunters are drawn to the rural Mohawk Dam area because of the adjacent Public Hunting Area owned and operated by Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). This property is open to the public in accordance with State game and hunting laws as well as regulations from MWCD. The U.S. Government property surrounding Mohawk Dam is not large enough to open to public hunting and NO HUNTING is allowed. Camping is not allowed in the public hunting lands.
Marinas
There is no marina at Mohawk Dam.
Swimming
There are no designated swimming areas associated with Mohawk Dam.
Trails
There are no established hiking trails at Mohawk Dam. The open areas around the dam provide a place to walk, both below the dam and in the spillway opposite the entrance to the recreation area.
Reservations, Fees & Passes
There are no recreation amenities at Mohawk Dam.
Rules & Regulations
General Policies
A full list of Federal regulations that apply to all US Army Corps of Engineers properties can be found in Title 36 of the United States Code (USC). Title 36, The Rules and Regulations that Govern Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects
Firearms
Possession of firearms in a federal facility, including locks, dams, power plants, ranger stations, buildings, switchyards, recreation facilities, warehouses, and offices is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes the storage or transporting of a personally owned firearm in controlled access parking areas or Government vehicles, heavy equipment, boats and vessels under the operational control of the District regardless of its location. Exceptions for Federal employees are only allowed for Federal law enforcement officers or where possession of a firearm is specifically authorized by law.
Fireworks
Fireworks, along with explosives, firearms and other weapons are prohibited on Government Property. Detailed information can be found in Title 36, The Rules and Regulations that Govern Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects, Section 327.13.
Contact
Mohawk Dam
36007 State Route 715
Warsaw, OH 43844
pa2@usace.army.mil
740-824-4343