Plan Your Trip

MAP 4

Map 4 covers Akron to Brecksville (River Mile 38 to 21) and has five access points within Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Hazards

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

Above the Lock 29 access site are the remains of a historic mill beside a natural waterfall. Do not paddle through the mill race on river left. At the waterfall, stay away from the dam remnant on river right. To avoid these hazards, portage left near the Main Street (SR 303) bridge.

Mandatory take-out at on river left, upstream of Fitzwater bridge at mile 17, due to river closure. No portage at this time.

Northampton Point River Access 36.7

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

This is a new site located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park along Akron Peninsula Road between Bath Road and Ira Road. It is encouraged to use this site as a takeout and to launch at Summit Metro Parks Valley View Area.

Things to Know

• Paved parking lot with restroom, changing room, and bike rack.
• Dropoff/pickup 50 yards from water’s edge following the gravel trail.
• Initial Class I flow but Class II experience required in order to take out at Lock 29.

Sandy river bank with calm moving water and trees in the background.

Lock 29 Trailhead

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

This site is downtown in the historic Village of Peninsula, a gateway to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Put-in below the waterfall.

Things to Know

• Paved parking lot plus overflow gravel lot, restrooms, drinking water, restaurants and snacks within walking distance, hiking and biking trail, train station
• Parking is limited during peak hours.
• Visitor information is at Trail Mix Peninsula.
• Dropoff/pickup 50 feet from water’s edge over rocky ground
• Shuttle option on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad during Bike Aboard season. Fee. Board downstream at Brecksville Station and ride to Peninsula Depot. Paddle back to Station Road Bridge.
• Pedal/paddle option. Use the Towpath Trail to bike/run/walk back from trailheads as far downstream as Station Road Bridge.
• Initial Class II flow settles nicely into Class I after ½ mile with no permanent hazards to Boston Store Trailhead.

Boston Store Trailhead

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

This site allows access to a section that is suitable for beginners, and near visitor information and food.

Things to Know

• Paved parking lot plus overflow gravel lot, restrooms, picnic tables nearby, drinking water, food, hiking and biking trail, train station
• Dropoff by river’s edge then park at Boston Trailhead.
• Information is at Boston Mill Visitor Center.
• Food is available at Boston Store.
• Dropoff/pickup 100 feet from water’s edge
• Shuttle option on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad during Bike Aboard season. Fee. Board downstream at Brecksville Station and ride to Boston Mill Station. Paddle back to Station Road Bridge Trailhead.
• Pedal/paddle option. Use the Towpath Trail to bike/run/walk back from Red Lock or Station Road Bridge trailhead.
• Class I downstream paddle to Red Lock Trailhead involves no permanent hazards.

Kinsman road ohio department of natural resources

Red Lock Trailhead

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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

Things to Know

• Paved parking lot, pit toilet, hiking and biking trail
• Dropoff in the gravel access drive at the southeast corner of the Vaughn Road bridge. Park at Red Lock Trailhead.
• Dropoff/pickup 250 feet from water’s edge (longer than usual)
• Pedal/Paddle option. Use the Towpath Trail to bike/run/walk back from Station Road Bridge trailhead.
• Class I downstream paddle to Station Road Bridge Trailhead involves no permanent hazards.