General Information
Piedmont Dam is located near the southern border of Harrison County, Ohio, on Stillwater Creek, a tributary of the Tuscarawas River. At summer elevation the Piedmont Lake pool covers 2,312 acres over portions of Harrison, Belmont, and Guernsey Counties. The lake has a maximum depth of 38 feet and there are 38 miles of shoreline. Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District owns the lake and surrounding lands. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers own and operate the dam. The dam was constructed in 1937 as part of a system of dams designed to provide flood damage reduction in the Muskingum Watershed. The dam continues to provide flood damage reduction, and the lake provides recreation opportunities as well as fish and wildlife habitat. For tours of the Piedmont Lake facilities contact the Piedmont Lake Project Supervisor at (740) 968-4440.
Handicapped Access
There are no universal access facilities available at the Corps of Engineers office.
Historical Info
No significant historical/cultural areas are present at Piedmont Lake.
Recreation
Bicycling
Bicycles are permitted on the state highways and MWCD park.
Boating
The maximum boat horsepower limit at Piedmont Lake is 10 HP. There are two public launch ramps located on the lake. For more information contact the Piedmont Marina at (740) 658-3735.
You must have a life jacket for each person on board. Take a safe boating course and learn boating laws. Don't operate a vessel when under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. Be safe when you're out on the water.
Camping
Camping at Piedmont Lake is available through the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. The marina maintains 80 campsites and electric hookups are available. Call the marina at (740) 658-1029 or MWCD at (330) 343-6647 or visit their website at www.mwcdlakes.com to get more information. Federal Recreation passes such as Golden Age, Golden Access, or America the Beautiful - National Park and Federal Recreation Lands Access Passes are not honored at MWCD facilities, but anyone over the age of 60 or those who have a Golden Buckeye Card receive a 10% discount.
Additional information about the federal recreation pass program is available at http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/passes.cfm or by calling 1-888-276-8747 (1-888-ASK USGS).
Fishing
Fishing is excellent at Piedmont Lake. The state record Muskie (55 lb 2 oz) was caught in Piedmont Lake, and many catfish weighing 50 to 70 lbs have also been caught.
A fishing license is required.
Hiking
A portion of the Buckeye Trail goes through the Piedmont Lake area.
Horseback Riding
There are no designated horseback riding trails around Piedmont Lake.
Hunting
The Egypt Valley Wildlife Area, with approximately 14,000 acres of public land, provides excellent hunting. Hunting is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, which issues a publication about Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations. In the interest of safety, hunting on MWCD land is prohibited in or near restricted use areas as well as near residential areas, buildings, public roads and highways around the lake. Hunting maps can be obtained from the MWCD at (330) 343-6647, or the Ohio Division of Wildlife Officer at (740) 968-3859.
Marina
There is one Marina located on the lake. The Piedmont Marina is a full service marina offering boat rentals, sales, service, supplies, docking, a lunch counter and motel units. For information contact the Piedmont Marina at (740) 658-1029.
Picnicking
There are no designated picnic areas near the dam. There is a picnic area located at a roadside rest on State Route 22, ¼ mile west of Piedmont Dam, maintained by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Swimming
No swimming beaches are available at this lake. MWCD has designated a boat-accessible swimming area marked with buoys in the lake. for more information contact MWCD at (330) 343-6647.
Visitor Center
No Visitor Center is available at Piedmont Lake.