PartnershipsThe Cuyahoga River Water Trail would not be possible without the collaboration of many partners over many years. Managing partners own and maintain the access points.

Managing Partners City of AkronCity of Cuyahoga FallsCity of KentCleveland MetroparksCuyahoga Valley National ParkGeauga Park DistrictMantua VillagePortage Park DistrictSummit Metro ParksVillage of Silver Lake

More than a dozen stakeholder partners have been essential in the creation and implementation of the Cuyahoga River Water Trail.

Stakeholder PartnersAmerican Canoe AssociationAmerican WhitewaterConservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National ParkCuyahoga River RestorationThe Friends of the Crooked RiverFriends of the GorgeKeelhaulers Canoe ClubKent State University - Recreational Services National Park Service - Rivers, Trails and Conservation AssistanceNortheast Ohio Regional Sewer DistrictODNR Scenic Rivers ProgramOhio and Erie Canalway CoalitionOhio EPAShare the RiverThe Trust for Public Land

And also…Cuyahoga County Planning CommissionKent State University -College of Architecture and Environmental DesignCuyahoga Falls Kayak RacePlay Harder Adventures

The partners would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support:Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors BureauGeorge Gund FoundationNortheast Ohio Regional Sewer DistrictOhio & Erie Canalway AssociationOhio Department of Natural Resources REI Co-opWest Creek Conservancy

The U-shaped Cuyahoga is 100 miles long. It flows south from

its headwaters near Burton, bends in Akron, heads north through Cuyahoga Valley National Park to Cleveland, and spills into Lake Erie.

It was once part of a significant transportation route connecting the Great Lakes and the Ohio River. American Indians canoed it for centuries, portaging over the Akron summit to the Tuscarawas River and beyond. In the 1800s, engineers improved the connection. They used the Cuyahoga’s water to feed

the northernmost section of the Ohio & Erie Canal. The canal system helped build the national economy. Akron and Cleveland grew from sleepy villages into booming industrial centers.

With rapid growth came extreme pollution. On June 22, 1969, waste in the Cuyahoga famously caught fire (for at least the thirteenth time). The international attention helped spark the modern environmental movement. Congress created the Environmental Protection Agency and passed the Clean Water Act, resulting in practices that are significantly less polluting.

Last updated SEPTEMBER 2019

Contact Us info@CuyahogaRiverWaterTrail.org www.cuyahogariverwatertrail.org

In the decades since, many partners have collaborated to reduce the river’s pollution, improve wastewater treatment, and increase stewardship. Wildlife is returning and people are appreciating this regional resource in new ways.

The Cuyahoga is an Ohio Scenic River (upper portion 1974), a National Heritage Corridor (Ohio & Erie Canalway 1996), and an American Heritage River (1998). In becoming an Ohio Water Trail (2019), the river that burned now sparks excitement, a symbol of efforts to clean up America’s waterways.

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A hallmark of the Cuyahoga River Water Trail is the diversity of opportunities around every crooked turn. Enjoy nature, exercise, and peaceful appreciation. Differences in the paddling skills needed, seasons of flow, and equipment options contribute to this variety.

PaddlingThe calm, rural waters of the Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River above Kent are best for beginners. Intermediate paddlers might explore from Kent to Cuyahoga Falls with its frequent access points. Only the most experienced paddlers should attempt the Gorge, the only white-water rapids within 250 miles. Long paddles from Akron through Cuyahoga Valley National Park present challenges but offer miles of natural scenery. The industrial and shipping channel in Cleveland requires extra safety precautions. Huge freighters and rowing boat crews glide amid stunning views of the city. Note that there is a no paddle zone – Lake Rockwell – to protect Akron’s main source of drinking water.

Kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards, sculls, and dragon boats often share the waters. Motorized boats and inflated tubes are not allowed in some sections.

Various stretches have multi-purpose trails along the river that offer pedal/paddle options for shuttling. Leave your bike at a downstream trailhead and use it to return to your car after your paddle.

Private liveries and other businesses operate independently to serve people recreating along the river.

For detailed information about paddling each section of the river visit cuyahogariverwatertrail.org.

Biking, Hiking, and Riding the Train Connections to the Towpath, Bike & Hike, and other trails allow you to explore nature and local communities on foot or by bike. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers excursions and Bike Aboard service along part of the river.

Fishing Dam removal and cleaner water are making a difference. The river now supports over 50 kinds of fish. Kayak fish, fly fish, or cast from shore. Follow current Ohio fishing regulations and consumption guidelines at wildlife.ohiodnr.gov. In general, limit yourself to one wild-caught meal per month.

Wildlife Watching Better water quality and habitat protection have led to the return of river otters, beavers, and bald eagles. Also look for muskrats, turtles, snakes, deer, herons, warblers, and ducks. Check eBird.org for birding hotspots and recent sightings.

Explore the Cuyahoga

© IAN ADAMS© JIM ROETZEL

Little River, Big Story

© RICK MCMEECHAN NPS/ARRYE ROSSER

COVER PHOTO: NPS/D.J. REISER

© RICK MCMEECHAN

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Swiftwater

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Claridon Troy Rd

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MAP 1

44

MAP 1

MAP 2

MAP 3

MAP 4

MAP 5

Cuyahoga River Water Trail Overview Map

NPS/D.J. REISER

MAP 2

WHITE OAKS City of Akron

41.31098/-81.19501

P 5437 OH-82, Mantua, OH 44255330.678.0077

100 ft.

72.7 RELDON RUSSELL PARK Geauga Park District

41.42562/-81.15654

P 16315 Rapids Rd., Troy Township, OH 44021440.286.9516

0 ft.

83.8 RKINSMAN ROAD Ohio Department of Natural Resources

41.47087/-81.17826

P 14299 Kinsman Rd., Burton, OH 44021330.644.2293

25 ft.

87.3 R

BUCHERT MEMORIAL PARK Village of Mantua

41.28334/-81.21704

P East High St., Mantua, OH 44255330.274.0770

50 ft.

70.1 R

RED FOXPortage Park District

41.24380/-81.28770

P 9263 Price Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266330.297.7728

100 ft.

64.2 L

TONY SAINATO MEMORIAL CANOE LAUNCHCity of Akron

41.18085/-81.33537

P 1580 Ravenna Rd., Kent, OH 44240330.678.0077

300 ft.

57.7 RJOHN BROWN TANNERY PARK City of Kent

41.15000/-81.36290

P 300 Stow St., Kent, OH 44240330.673.8897

250 ft.

54.6 R

KRAMER FIELDCity of Kent

41.14976/-81.36726

P 600 Stow St., Kent, OH 44240330.673.8897

50 ft.

54.3 L

P Parking

Restrooms

Picnic facilities

Drinking water

Food

Walking trail

Biking trail

Train station

Pedal/Paddle

Distance from drop-off to water’s edge

Site address and managing partner phone

River mile from mouth of Lake ErieR-Access river right, L-Access river left

ACCESS POINT NAMEManaging partner

Latitude/Longitude coordinates

0.0 R ACCESS SITE LEGEND

© RICK MCMEECHAN

HERITAGE PARK City of Kent

41.15407/-81.35955

P Below Main St. Bridge, 143 River Rd. Kent, OH 44240, 330.673.8897

50 ft.

54.9 RRIVER BEND PARK City of Kent

41.16843/-81.34677

P 550 River Bend Blvd., Kent, OH 44240330.673.8897

150 ft.

56.2 R

MAP LEGENDNo paddle zone

Drive around no paddle zone

Cuyahoga River Water Trail

Open water

Park

City

County

Access location

River gauge

River mile

Hazard

Multi-purpose trail

Flow direction

0

KSU/CHARLES FREDERICK

CLEVELAND METROPARKS/KYLE LANZER

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Cuyah oga RiverBroken dam- conditions vary- portage left upstream

Cuyahoga ValleyNational Park

HamptonHills Metro

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Towpath Trail

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Lowhead dam- portage to Station Road Bridge Trailhead

Water Trail CourtesyPractice Leave No Trace Principles to enjoy and protect our natural spaces. Appreciate artifacts and natural objects but leave them undisturbed. Dispose of waste properly, pack it out. Visit www.LNT.org for details.

Respect the privacy and rights of landowners. Designated access sites on the water trail are public property. All others should be considered private property.

Respect wildlife. Observe from a distance. Don’t feed, follow, or approach wildlife. Control pets or leave them at home. Clean boater information. Adopt environmental boating practices. Avoid introducing non-native species, including live bait, by following the “Clean, Drain, Dry” method. Clean all equipment by removing visible plant and animal species. Drain all water. Dry all equipment completely before moving to a new body of water.

Plan a Safe TripSafety is your responsibility. Be ready for an emergency.Check water conditions and weather. Check water quality and levels (blue box, left) before you depart. Avoid extreme weather. If the water looks too hazardous to swim, don’t boat on it!

Scout your course when possible. Check out access, exits, and potential hazards from the shore.

Never boat alone and leave a “float plan” with a reliable person. Say where you are going and when you will leave and return. Contact the person once you return safely.

Wear a life jacket at all times. By law, children under 10 must wear life jackets of an appropriate size.

Register your boat. Canoes and kayaks must be registered with the state. Search Ohio Department of Natural Resources Watercraft.

Regulations vary. It is your responsibility to know and follow all regulations for specific parks, jurisdictions, and conditions. Load your boat evenly. Keep the weight in the boat centered for stability. Do not overload.

Always maintain three points of contact. For example, while moving around, keep two hands and one foot touching the boat.

Portage (carry your boat) around hazards.

Be prepared to capsize and swim. Hold onto your boat unless your life is endangered. Grab the upstream side of your capsized boat.

Know your exact location at all times. If you need help, call 911 and report where you are on the river.

Stay hydrated. Pack plenty of drinking water and avoid overexertion. Avoid alcohol while paddling.

Check Before You Go:River gaugeswaterdata.usgs.gov/nwis Water qualityny.water.usgs.gov/maps/nowcast

Common Hazards Floods and Swift Water • Know the river flow before you go. Check

river gauges online at link below. • Never boat on flooded rivers. High water

makes hazards such as lowhead dams, floating logs, and submerged trees more dangerous.

Water Quality• Water quality has greatly improved in recent

years, however, caution is advised. After periods of rain there is an increase in harmful bacteria, particularly from Akron to Cleveland. Check current conditions online at link above.

Lowhead Dams and Waterfalls • Know the location of these hazards. Portage

(carry your boat) around and launch at a safe distance downstream.

• Small dams are especially dangerous. Hydraulic turbulence at the base can trap you.

Avoid hypothermia. Be prepared for cold air and water by dressing properly. Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia and knowledgeable of its treatment. Bring a change of clothing in a waterproof bag.

Strainers • A strainer is created by a manmade or natural

obstruction that allows water to pass through, but traps boats and people.

• Avoid strainers or other obstructions, especially in swift water. These include overhanging branches, downed trees, log jams, and flooded islands.

• Portage (carry your boat) around any section of water that seems unsafe.

Lowhead dam in PeninsulaNPS/D.J. REISER

NPS / D.J. REISER

© RICK MCMEECHAN

In case of emergency

Shuttling by scenic railroadClass V rapids in Cuyahoga Falls© IAN ADAMS © KRIS BROWNNPS/D.J. REISER© NATHANIEL BAILEY

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Ohio and ErieCanal Reservation

ClevelandMetroparks

Rivergate Park

BrecksvilleReservation

BrecksvilleReservation

passing zones

Cuyahoga ValleyNational Park

CLEVELAND

BRECKSVILLE

Towp at h Trail

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Lake

Erie

Lowhead dam- portage to Station Road Bridge Trailhead

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Fred FullerPark

S M

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Middlebury RdBike and Hike Trail

Cuyahoga St

Class III-IV Rapids- experienced paddlers only

DangerousClass V Rapids- take out at River Front Park

Gorge Dam- no paddling

Akron

Peninsula RdBridge abutment- avoid bridge pillars

CascadeValley Metro

Park

GorgeMetro

Park

RiverfrontPark

Sand RunMetro Park

Munroe FallsMetroPark

WaterWorks

Park

KENT

AKRON

CUYAHOGA FALLS

POR

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MIT

Portage Hike and Bike Trail

Towpath Trail

38

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40

41

4243

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46

4748

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51

52 53

54

0 0.5 1Miles I

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Ohio Water Trails A water trail is a marked route for recreation on navigable waterways such as rivers, lakes, canals, and coastlines. The Ohio Water Trails program in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources works with local partners to promote public boating access by developing designated water trails on Ohio waterways. Together we manage access points, produce maps, sign hazards, identify amenities, and offer programming. The Cuyahoga River Water Trail is the 13th Ohio State Designated Water Trail. To learn about other Ohio Water Trails, visit watercraft.ohiodnr.gov.

“The Cuyahoga River Water Trail offers diverse experiences from calm headwaters and challenging white-water rapids to a national park and a Lake Erie shipping channel. We hope you use this guide, which is made possible through a partnership of many organizations, to stay safe and have fun. Tell us about your adventures by sharing on social media with #OhioFindItHere.”

Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine

MAP 3

NPS/D.J. REISER

MAP 5

MERWIN’S WHARF Cleveland Metroparks

41.48960/-81.70290

P 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111216.341.1704

50 ft.

1.3 R

STATION ROAD BRIDGE TRAILHEADNational Park Service

41.31699/-81.58559

P 9141 Riverview Road, Brecksville, OH 44141330.657.2752

500 ft.

21 L

RED LOCK TRAILHEAD Cuyahoga Valley National Park

41.28863/-81.56483

P 1175 Highland Rd., Sagamore Hills, OH 44067 330.657.2752

250 ft.

24.1 RLOCK 29 TRAILHEAD Cuyahoga Valley National Park

41.24308/-81.54965

P 1648 Mill St., Peninsula, OH 44264330.657.2752

50 ft.

29 R

OXBOW AREASummit Metro Parks

41.12216/-81.51962

P 1061 Cuyahoga St., Akron, OH 44313330.867.5511

500 ft.

43.3 R

DOWNTOWN CUYAHOGA FALLSCity of Cuyahoga Falls

41.13571/-81.48185

P At S.R. 8 southbound ramp underneath Portage Trail bridge, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, 330.971.8225

150 ft.

46.4 R

RIVER FRONT PARK City of Cuyahoga Falls

41.14400/-81.47470

P 2641 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 330.971.8225

500 ft.

47.1 R

WATER WORKS PARK City of Cuyahoga Falls

41.14460/-81.45900

P 2025 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH44221, 330.971.8225

25 ft.

48.1 L

SILVER LAKEVillage of Silver Lake

41.14963/-81.45595

P 2961 Kent Rd., Silver Lake, OH 44224330.923.5233

100 ft.

48.8 RBRUST PARKSummit Metro Parks - Munroe Falls

41.14180/-81.43670

P 128 S. Main St., Munroe Falls, OH 44262330.867.5511

150 ft.

49.9 R

MIDDLEBURY ROAD City of Kent

41.13828/-81.39004

P 1229 Middlebury Rd., Kent, OH 44240330.673.8897

25 ft.

52.7 L

P Parking

Restrooms

Picnic facilities

Drinking water

Food

Walking trail

Biking trail

Train station

Pedal/Paddle

Distance from drop-off to water’s edge

Site address and managing partner phone

River mile from mouth of Lake ErieR-Access river right, L-Access river left

ACCESS POINT NAMEManaging partner

Latitude/Longitude coordinates

0.0 R ACCESS SITE LEGEND

LOCK 39 TRAILHEADCuyahoga Valley National Park

41.39278/-81.62924

P 8000 Rockside Rd., Valley View, OH 44125330.657.2752

100 ft.

13.2 R

STATION ROAD BRIDGE TRAILHEADNational Park Service

41.31699/-81.58559

P 9141 Riverview Road, Brecksville, OH 44141330.657.2752

500 ft.

21 L

See Map 2

Foot Entrapments• Never stand or walk in swift water. If you fall,

you can become pinned underwater. • Always keep your feet up and pointed

downstream. • Swim to shore or calm water before standing.

Use Extra Caution in Cleveland • Search “Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force”

online for critical safety information.• The huge freighters in the shipping channel

cannot see you. They do not leave much room on the sides when maneuvering the bends. Their side propellers create waves that can knock you over.

• Be aware of motorized recreational boats. • Stay close to shore unless crossing, wear

bright colors, and always point your boat into the wake to avoid capsizing.

• Monitor boat traffic on a VHF marine radio, track freighter transit on marine traffic apps, and know your passing zones.

Dial 911NPS/D.J. REISER

BOSTON STORE TRAILHEADCuyahoga Valley National Park

41.26270/-81.55948

P 1550 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264, 330.657.2752

100 ft.

26.6 R

MAP LEGENDNo paddle zone

Drive around no paddle zone

Cuyahoga River Water Trail

Open water

Park

City

County

Access location

River gauge

River mile

Hazard

Multi-purpose trail

Flow direction

0

MAP 4