Plan Your Trip

Map 5 covers Brecksville to Cleveland (River Mile 21 to 0) and has three access points. At Station Road Bridge Trailhead, check here for closures and updates. You can take out but not put-in until the work is completed. Lock 39 Trailhead is a put-in for longer paddles to Cleveland. The shipping channel below River Mile 6 has special safety rules. There is little current here, so paddlers can explore Cleveland’s riverfront in either direction from Merwin’s Wharf.

MAP 5

Know the river flow before you go. Check river gauges.
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Station Road Bridge Trailhead

National Park Service
This site allows access to a section that is suitable for beginners.
Things to Know

• Paved parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, drinking water, hiking and biking trails, train station
• River-related exhibits near the trailhead kiosk and along a northern Towpath Trail loop.
• View from Station Road Bridge is popular with photographers.
• Dropoff/pickup 500 feet from water’s edge (longer than usual, look for mowed path)
• Shuttle option on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad during Bike Aboard season, once dam is removed. Fee. Board downstream at Rockside Station and ride to Brecksville Station. Paddle to Lock 39 Trailhead. Walk to Rockside Station and drive back to pick up your boat.
• Pedal/paddle option. Use the Towpath Trail to bike/run/walk back from Lock 39 Trailhead.
• Class I downstream paddle to Lock 39 Trailhead involves a permanent hazard. Pylons causing frequent log jams. Portage right

Hazards (1)

Know the river flow before you go. Check river gauges.
  • Pylons causing frequent log jams. Portage right. Know the river flow before you go. Check river gauges.
Check river gauge at Newburgh Heights Ohio.
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Lock 39 Trailhead

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
This site allows access for a long paddle, nearly 12 miles, into Cleveland. Rockside Station and food are nearby.
Things to Know
• Paved parking lot and hiking and biking trail at trailhead
• Restrooms, picnicking, and drinking water nearby at Rockside Station (follow connecting trail with pedestrian bridge)
• Restaurants and restrooms at the shopping plaza across the street
• Dropoff/pickup 100 feet from water’s edge
• Boarding for shuttle option on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad during Bike Aboard season. See Lock 29, Boston Store, and Station Road Bridge trailheads for details.
• Takeout for pedal/paddle option. Use the Towpath Trail to bike/run/walk back to upstream access points as far as Lock 29 Trailhead.
• Class I downstream paddle to Merwin’s Wharf enters the shipping channel for the last four miles. Proceed with caution.

Hazard

Know the river flow before you go. Check river gauges.
  • Use extra caution in Cleveland. Huge freighters and motorized recreational boats share the shipping channel. See the Safety page for the special rules here.
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Merwin’s Wharf

Cleveland Metroparks
This site allows access to the shipping channel in downtown Cleveland. Follow the extra safety rules for rowing and paddling around freighters and other large boats.
Things to Know
• Paved parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, drinking water, hiking and biking trails
• Restaurant at the trailhead and more within walking distance
• Dropoff/pickup 50 feet from water’s edge
• Slow-moving water enables upstream paddling. No need for a shuttle.
• Pedal/Paddle option for local workout only. The Towpath Trail is not yet continuous in Cleveland.
• Last access point before connecting to the Lake Erie Water Trail.
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