MWCD to unveil Trails Master Plan, open Storybook Trail at Atwood Lake

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District invites trail enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the new Storybook Trail and the unveiling of the MWCD Trails Master Plan Saturday, Oct. 18, at Atwood Lake Park.

The event begins at 1 p.m. with a presentation of the Trails Master Plan at the Atwood Lake Park Event Center, 9500 Lakeview Road in Mineral City, followed by the Storybook Trail ribbon cutting at 2 p.m.

With more than 57,000 acres of land and water open to the public, MWCD has seen growing demand for trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. In a recent survey, 87% of MWCD park visitors ranked trails as their top amenity, echoing statewide research showing trails are Ohio’s most requested recreational feature.

The MWCD Trails Master Plan outlines a vision to design and build nearly 300 miles of interconnected trails across MWCD lakes, parks and campgrounds over the next 20 years. 

The plan includes trails for hiking, biking, equestrian use and accessible recreation, with more than 246 miles of new trails proposed. These connections will link communities, expand outdoor opportunities and boost Ohio’s outdoor recreation economy, making it one of the most comprehensive trail initiatives in the state.

“We are proud to step into a new era of trail development,” said Pete Novotny, MWCD chief of recreation. “By investing in nearly 300 miles of trails, we are not only enhancing recreation but also connecting communities, supporting local economies and preserving the natural beauty of our watershed.”

The Storybook Trail at Atwood Lake Park is one of several new projects shaping the MWCD trail system. Storybook Trails provide a family-friendly way to combine reading with outdoor exploration. Families can stroll along the path while reading a children’s story displayed page by page, turning a simple walk into an interactive experience that fosters a love of reading, sparks imagination and encourages wellness through time spent outdoors.

For more information and trail maps, visit www.mwcd.org/trails.