Get on the Water
Fall is a great time to kayak, canoe, paddle board, or just float when you visit Morgan County.
That makes Burr Oak Lake and the Muskingum River Parkway two great spots to get on the water this fall. Viewing the fall foliage from the water is a sight to behold. Flaming hot colors peak in mid to late October in Southeastern Ohio and are doubly impressive when they mirror themselves at the water’s edge.
Muskingum River Parkway
McConnelsville and Malta are nestled side by side with the mighty Muskingum separating the two towns. Settlers arrived in the area in 1817. These towns prospered because of the locks and dams that were built on the river from 1836 to 1841. In the 1820s and '30s, flatboats carried grain, lumber, and livestock down the river. The construction of the locks and dams along the Muskingum River made it easy to navigate steamboats, and as a result, both towns grew and prospered.
Hand-operated locks and dams still play a role in how the Muskingum River is navigated today. A favorite pastime of many is "locking through" down the river while enjoying the southeastern Ohio scenery and wildlife.
Native Americans called the Muskingum River “Moos-kin-gung”, meaning Elk Eye. A leisurely voyage down the “Elk Eye River” offers other opportunities for outdoor adventures as well. Unique overnight accommodations, restaurants, historic points of interest, fishing, birding, hiking, and picnicking are all great activities to add to your river travel experience. Check the Morgan County Visitors Bureau website for more information.
Morgan County is home to Locks #5-8: Luke Chute, Stockport, McConnelsville. If you plan to paddle to the Inns, there are public docks on both the McConnelsville and Malta sides that you can easily tie off. We will even pick you and your guests up for your overnight stay at The Inns.
Check river conditions and lock operating hours when planning your trip by contacting the park office at 740-453-4377.
Burr Oak Lake
Burr Oak Lake offers excellent views of wooded hillsides and waterfowl from the water. Paddling around Burr Oak is a great way to experience the fall color of Southeastern Ohio. This 660-acre lake has four launch ramps and a marina at Dock #4 where you may rent pontoons, canoes, and kayaks.
To register for kayaking and paddle board classes, contact naturalist Julie at julie.gee@dnr.ohio.gov or 740-818-4530.
Fall Color at Burr Oak State Park
What do bait and tackle and craft root beer floats have in common? You’ll find both at Burr Oak Getaways' Float Shack located at Dock #2. The Float Shack can help outfit you for a day on the water or provide a nice, shady spot to relax after you pull your vessel out. You can reserve a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board (SUP), and the management here is so dang nice. Ask them about private lake tours.
After a day of fun in the sun, and you get your land legs again, return to your luxury suite accommodations at the Inns at 8th & Main. Our long list of fine amenities, relaxing spaces, and unparalleled hospitality provides a great retreat.
So, load up and get to the Inns for a traditional bed and breakfast stay and a day of adventure on the water. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
Innkeeper Amy
