Hocking Canal

 

The Hocking Canal was a small 19th century canal in southern Ohio that once linked Athens to Columbus. The canal incorporated many existing streams, especially the Hocking River. The canal connected to the Hocking River near present day Enterprise and separated near Nelsonville Ohio. Farmers living along the waterway relied on it as a main source of their income; they used canal boats to distribute agricultural products including salt, corn and wheat throughout the state. The quick access to the canal allowed these farmers to move their goods quicker and remain highly profitable.

 

A new form of transportation emerged in the mid 1800s which lead to the demise of the farmers who used the canal. The owners of the railroad proved to be rivals of the canals, and resented those who used the canals to become rich. The railroad banned the distribution of all goods from the canal owners. Farmers continued to use the waterway, but it quickly went into decay since no money was allocated to keep its upkeep. Today the locks are ivy grown, dim dark, willows hang above the broken walls, and the ditches are empty. Legend has it that the farmers still try to maintain the canal and are known to appear for Halloween on the Hocking. iv

 

 

 

 

Halloween on the Hocking

*Five mile night canoe trip

 

*Bonfire and smores after trip

 

*Pumpkin carving contest upon conclusion of trip

 

*Click here for frequently asked questions

 

*No Flashlights

 

* Trip starts at 7pm

 

* $40 per canoe- price includes two adults and two children (10 and under)s

dsds

 

 

 

 

 

h