Plan Your Trip

Map 2 shows the section from Mantua to Kent, Ohio. It covers River Mile 71 to 54 and has seven access points. Lake Rockwell, Akron’s main source of drinking water, is a restricted area with no trespassing. Above this reservoir, the Cuyahoga is an Ohio Scenic River. This is a good choice for beginning paddlers as the current is slow. Below Lake Rockwell, river conditions can vary dramatically.

MAP 2

Know the river flow before you go. Check river gauges.

white oaks city of akron

Butchert Memorial Park

Village of Mantua

This site has some amenities and allows access to a river section that is suitable for beginners, except during high water.
Things to Know
• Paved parking lot, portable restroom, picnic shelter, and hiking and biking trails
• Dropoff/pickup close to the water’s edge
• Class I downstream paddle to Red Fox involves low bridges within the first mile that are impassable in highwater.

Hazard

Know the river flow before you go. Check river gauges.

  • Low bridge below River Mile 70 that is impassable in high water.
  • The second of two low bridges below River Mile 70 is also impassable in high water. At slightly high water levels you could get under the first bridge but you wouldn’t make it under the second.
white oaks city of akron
eldon russel park geauga park district

Red Fox

Portage Park District

This primitive site is the last public takeout before Lake Rockwell.
Things to Know

• Picnic table
• Gravel parking lot
• Dropoff/pickup 100 feet from water’s edge

Hazard

Know the river flow before you go. Check river gauges.

  • Lake Rockwell is a no-paddle zone.
eldon russel park geauga park district
Kinsman road ohio department of natural resources

Tony Sainto Memorial Canoe Launch

City Of Akron

This primitive site allows access to a river section that is suitable for beginners.
Things to Know
• No amenities
• Gravel parking lot
• Relatively long carry to the water’s edge
• First access point after Lake Rockwell no paddle zone
• Class I downstream paddle to River Bend Park involves no permanent hazards
Kinsman road ohio department of natural resources
white oaks city of akron

River Bend Park

City of Kent

This primitive site allows access to a river section that is suitable for beginners under average water levels.

Things to Know
• No amenities
• Paved parking lot
• Short, 150-foot carry to the water’s edge
• Class I downstream paddle to Heritage Park involves river-wide rock ledge after one mile at low water levels.
• Pedal/paddle option. Portage Hike and Bike Trail enables a ride/run/walk between any access point from River Bend Park to Middlebury Road.

Hazard

Know the river flow before you go. Check river gauges.

  • Rock ledge at low water levels.
white oaks city of akron
eldon russel park geauga park district

Heritage Park

City of Kent 

This downtown park below the Main Street Bridge allows access to a river section that is suitable for experienced paddlers only.
Things to Know
• No restroom
• Restaurants within walking distance in downtown Kent
• On-street parking and paved lots for Franklin Mills Riveredge Park
• Three put-in options, above and below the bridge
• Carry down steep stairs with boat ramps to water’s edge
• Class II-III downstream paddle to John Brown Tannery Park involves an old dam bypass chute and challenging water flows. Experienced paddlers only.
• Pedal/paddle option. Portage Hike and Bike Trail enables a ride/run/walk between any access point from River Bend Park to Middlebury Road.

Hazard

Know the river flow before you go. Check river gauges.

  • Swift water in old dam bypass chute.
eldon russel park geauga park district
Kinsman road ohio department of natural resources

John Brown Tannery Park

City of Kent 

This park has many amenities and allows access to a river section that is suitable for beginners.

Things to Know
• Paved parking lot, portable restroom, drinking water, picnic tables, accessible fishing dock, hiking and biking trails
• Longer, 250-foot carry to the water’s edge
• Portage Hike and Bike Trail begins along River Street and enables a ride/run/walk back to upstream access points at Heritage and River Bend Parks.
• Class I downstream paddle to Kramer Field involves no permanent hazards.
• Pedal/paddle option. Portage Hike and Bike Trail enables a ride/run/walk between any access point from River Bend Park to Middlebury Road.
Kinsman road ohio department of natural resources
white oaks city of akron

Kramer Field

City of Kent 

This ballfield complex has some amenities and allows access to a river section that is suitable for beginners.
Things to Know
• Paved parking lot, restrooms, no drinking water, small playground area, hiking and biking trail
• Short, 50-foot carry to the water’s edge
• Class I downstream paddle to Middlebury Road involves no permanent hazards.
• Pedal/paddle option. Portage Hike and Bike Trail enables a ride/run/walk between any access point from River Bend Park to Middlebury Road.
white oaks city of akron

Our Gallery