On November 4, 1997, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources declared 41 miles of the main stem of the Kokosing River as scenic from its southern terminus upstream 41 miles. In addition, the North Fork of the Kokosing was also designated from its confluence with the Kokosing upstream 6.5 miles.

The Kokosing Scenic River is well known for its aquatic diversity. The fish community is exceptional and represents one of the most diverse and healthy streams in Ohio.

The lower river passes through a spectacular sandstone gorge on its way to join the Mohican River. The Mohican and Kokosing rivers form the Walhonding River.

The Kokosing watershed covers an area of 482 square miles. The watershed drains portions of Morrow, Knox and Coshocton counties.

The floodplain trees, such as sycamore, basswood, red maple and green ash, tolerate periods of inundation. These riparian corridor trees provide shade for the water and aquatic life and stabilize the river banks with their root structures. Trees provide the primary food source to the aquatic system.

Without trees along the river's banks, the essentials for a healthy clean stream are gone. If natural stream systems are to remain in Ohio, trees are the necessary first line of defense in preserving these biologically diverse systems.