Dover Dam sits along the Tuscarawas River, three and a half miles northeast of Dover, Ohio. There is no permanent pool upstream of the dam. However, a recreation site with a day-use area is located on the river at the dam site.
Dover Dam is a Corps of Engineers concrete gravity dam, built in 1935 to provide flood control to the region in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The dam is 83 feet high with a length of 824 feet and has 18 gate-controlled conduits.
Great Dover Dam Day is an annual event held on the first weekend in May when tours of Dover Dam are held for local organizations and the general public. Additional tours of Dover Dam can also be arranged by contacting the Great Dover Dam Office. Fishing is permitted in the dam area. However, high-speed motorboats are not allowed.
The recreation area has a COE-maintained picnic area and restrooms that are open from April to October. The Ohio Erie Canal Towpath runs along the Tuscarawas River and provides a hiking opportunity from which to enjoy the natural areas and do some wildlife spotting in the region. Several historical sites and museums are also located in the area, including the restored village of Zoar, which is just five miles from the dam site.
On your next RV trip, stop by this COE dam to enjoy the riverside picnic site, take in the natural areas along the river, and visit interesting historical sites located nearby. Nearby state parks include Mohican State Park and Guilford Lake State Park.
Dover Dam is located 3.5 miles northeast of the town of Dover, and five miles southwest of the historical site at Zoar. Visitors to the Dover Dam area can take in the interesting restored village at Zoar or access amenities and services in Dover. To access the dam, use interstate 77 and take Exit 93 the Bolivar/Zoar/State Route 212 Exit. Head east on Route 212 to State Route 800. Follow State Route 800 south to the Dover Dam site on the west side of the river. The Zoar Valley Trail hiking trail runs along the east side of the river. To reach this trail, cross the river from route 800 at Route 416. The trailhead is located right along the river. The bridge is paved and has two lanes with no overhead structure, so RVs and tow vehicles can easily cross to the trailhead. There is no large parking area here, but parking is available in the adjacent neighborhood. Overnight camping is available north of Dover Dam at Canton/East Sparta KOA, which is only a 20-minute drive away. To reach the KOA, head northeast on Route 800 for 4.8 miles. Turn left on Sandyville Road for 1.8 miles stay left and exit onto Dover Zoar Road for .1 miles. Then turn right onto Highway 107 and continue onto Highway 104, and then 253 Ridge Avenue. Turn left onto 276 Downing Street SW, and the KOA is on the left side. All area roads are paved and easy to traverse for RVs and tow vehicles. Winter driving conditions in the area can be hazardous for tow vehicles and RVs when icy, snowy conditions are present. Avoid travel during inclement winter weather, and mitigate conditions by driving slowly and carefully and using winter rated tires.
The Canton/East Sparta KOA also referred to as Bear Creek Ranch is a 300-acre campground with a western theme, located a 20-minute drive from Dover Dam. Unique family-friendly activities at the campground include horseback riding, hayrides, and pony rides for little ones. Excellent amenities at the campground for campers include a large swimming pool with water features, an 18 hole mini-golf course, as well as a dog park and a playground with a giant seesaw.
A five-acre pond on site is stocked with fish, and paddleboats are available to cruise the pond. ATVers can ride the trails at the nearby ATV area. Campsites have full hookups including water, sewer, and 50 amp electrical, as well as cable TV, and wifi. Amenities include a picnic pavilion, game room, laundry facilities, and grocery store. Firewood, ice, and propane are available on site. Visitors who do not have RVs can rent cabins at this KOA which has plenty of great facilities to enjoy.
There are restrooms and a picnic area located at Dover Dam for locals and visitors to enjoy an outdoor meal and access facilities. The COE maintains the site, and the dam provides an interesting backdrop, soaring 83 feet above the streambed, and extending across the river for 824 feet. Although there is no pool regularly maintained here, the river is beautiful, and both east and west banks are heavily forested and picturesque.
During the first weekend in May, tours of the dam are held that are open to the public. This event is an excellent opportunity to take in the dam site and learn about the structure and operation of this Corps project.
Dover Dam spans the Tuscarawas River. Although no permanent pool is maintained at the site, fishing on the river from the shoreline or water surface is a popular activity. High-speed motorboats are restricted in the area, however small fishing boats, and nonmotorized craft can be used. Watercraft should stay away from the dam area and obey signed restrictions.
An Ohio State Fishing license is required to fish the Tuscarawas River. Species present include smallmouth bass, flathead catfish, and channel catfish.
Several interesting historical venues are within minutes of the Dover Dam site. The Schoenbrunn Village State Memorial is nine miles to the south. This park includes a 1772 Moravian settlement that served as a mission to the Delaware Indians. The reconstructed village includes 17 log structures, a garden, and the original mission cemetery. A museum and visitor center are available on site.
Alternatively, five miles north of the Dover Dam is the reconstructed Village of Zoar. The settlement was founded in 1817 as a communal Christian community. Today there is a garden, dairy, bakery, greenhouse, craft shops, and historic homes. An annual harvest festival is held in the fall at the Zoar Historic Village.
Hiking during the fall season is a special treat in this area of Ohio when the trees change and create a riot of color along both banks of the Tuscarawas River. The Zoar Valley Trail runs along the east bank of the river from Dover Dam. This is a 20-mile trail which is surfaced with asphalt, ballast, dirt, and grass and follows an old rail trail.
The trail endpoints are at Fort Laurens State Memorial in Bolivar and SR 259 at Schoenbrunn Village. The Zoar Valley Trail is a multi-use trail and is popular for hiking, cycling, and equestrians. The Zoar trail overlaps with the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath which is an 81-mile multi-use trail.
During the winter, the excellent multi-use hiking trails along the river are snow-covered and make ideal paths for cross country skiing. The Zoar Valley Trail is a great trail to glide down on cross country skis and enjoy some outdoor exercise during the cooler months.
The longer Ohio Erie Canal Towpath has sections with groomed nordic ski trails and ski rentals are available in the region. Dress in layers, pack some hot chocolate, and head out to take in the winter wonderland. Please note, do not venture out on the river even when it appears frozen solid, as moving water under the ice makes the ice unstable!
Float, paddle or motor down the river, or hike, ski or cycle the Zoar Valley Trail, or Ohio Erie Canal Towpath, and spot the plentiful wildlife along the Tuscarawas River. Waterfowl along the river and migrating birds during the spring and fall are abundant in the region. Deer, fox, coyote, and even black bears are present in the Ohio area, as well as numerous smaller mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Take a camera to “capture” your discoveries and report your findings online.
