Hocking River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hocking River |
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The Hocking River near Logan
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| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| Counties | Fairfield, Hocking, Athens |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Fairfield County ~ 1,050 ft (320 m) |
| River mouth | Ohio River Hockingport 582 ft (177 m) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,197 sq mi (3,100 km2) |
The Hocking River is a 102-mile (164 km) long river in southeastern Ohio, United States. It flows into the Ohio River. The river was once called the Hockhocking River.
The Hocking River starts in Fairfield County. It flows mostly through a hilly area called the Allegheny Plateau. The river passes through cities like Lancaster, Logan, Nelsonville, and Athens. It finally joins the Ohio River at Hockingport.
The name "Hocking" comes from a Native American word, "Hokhokken." This word meant "bottle-shaped." It described how the river looks near its start. The river begins as a small stream, then drops over a waterfall into a wide, bottle-shaped gorge.
River History and Changes
The Hocking River has seen many changes over time. People have used it for travel and trade. It has also caused big floods.
The Hocking Canal
A long time ago, the Hocking Canal connected Athens to Lancaster. It also linked to the Ohio and Erie Canal. This canal helped move goods and people. However, floods destroyed it, and it was never rebuilt.
Straightening the River
The Hocking River used to flood Ohio University's campus often. To stop this, engineers changed a part of the river in Athens. This project happened in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They made the river channel straighter and wider. This helped control the floods.
Hockhocking Adena Bikeway
Today, a popular bike path follows the Hocking River. It runs between Nelsonville and Athens. This path is called the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. It's a great place for students and locals to exercise and have fun.
River Tributaries
Many smaller streams flow into the Hocking River. These are called tributaries. Some of the main ones include Federal Creek, Sunday Creek, and Clear Creek. Sadly, some of these streams have pollution from old mines.
Fun on the Hocking River
The Hocking River is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy spending time on its waters.
Water Sports
Canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and tubing are very popular here. Companies like Hocking Hills Adventures offer trips for all skill levels. You can float down the river and enjoy the scenery.
Fishing
The middle and upper parts of the Hocking River are good for fishing. You can often catch smallmouth bass and other fish common in Ohio rivers.
Hocking River Water Trail
A special "water trail" is being developed along the river. This trail will have easy access points for fishing, canoes, and kayaks. You can find these spots in places like Logan, Ohio, Nelsonville, Ohio, and Athens, Ohio.
Rock Mill Covered Bridge
The historic Rock Mill Covered Bridge crosses the Hocking River. It's a beautiful old bridge that adds to the river's charm.
Caring for the River
Many people care about keeping the Hocking River healthy. Two groups work to protect the river and its land.
- The Hocking River Commission works in Athens County, Ohio.
- The Friends of the Hocking River are based in Hocking County, Ohio.
These groups help keep the river clean. The Friends of the Hocking River even host an annual river cleanup event. It usually happens in June and ends with a fun BBQ and music.
What's in a Name?
The Hocking River has had many names over time. The Shawnee language name for the river is Wi'thakakkwathiipi.
Some other names the river was known by include:
- Big Hock-hocking River
- Hockhocking River
- Hokhoking River
The longer name, "Hockhocking," was used for about 100 years after Ohio became a state. The shorter "Hocking" name has been used for the last 100 years.
River Floods
Flooding used to be a big problem for people living near the Hocking River in Athens, Ohio. People often built their homes on higher ground to avoid the floods.
The 1907 Flood
A very damaging flood happened on March 14, 1907. Seven people died, and about twenty houses were washed away. Many people had to leave their homes. The flood also knocked out power and communication lines.
The 1968 Flood
Another major flood happened in 1968. Four inches of rain fell in just one day. The river rose eight feet above flood level. Students even helped rescue people and fill sandbags. This flood caused a lot of damage to Athens and the university.
The River Re-routing Project
After the 1968 flood, a big project began in 1969. The Army Corps of Engineers straightened and widened a five-mile section of the river. This was done to help Ohio University expand its campus safely. The project finished in 1971. It has greatly reduced the risk of flooding in Athens. For example, in 1990, the river flooded again, but the new channel saved the university from a lot of damage.
Places Named After the River
Many things in Ohio are named after the Hocking River.
- The Hocking Valley Railway was a train company formed in 1870. Today, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a fun tourist train.
- Hocking County, Ohio is named after the river.
- The beautiful Hocking Hills region, including Hocking Hills State Park, gets its name from the river.
- Hocking College is a school in Nelsonville.
- The Hocking Glass Company, now Anchor Hocking, was a famous glass maker.
- Even a country music radio station in Lancaster, WHOK-FM, was named after the river.
Images for kids
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Falls Mill Bridge over Hocking River in Logan
