Kayaking on the Cuyahoga River in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park during the summer can be a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. In this trip, we highlight a couple access points along the Cuyahoga River in and around Brecksville, Ohio.
Cuyahoga River Access Points:
- Mile 26.6 - Boston Store Trailhead - We began this trip at one of the popular access points, mile 26.6 - Boston Store Trailhead, located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, just south of Brecksville. This boat launch provides easy access to the river for kayakers, and is a great starting point for a trip down the river.
- Mile 21.0 - Station Road Bridge Trailhead - Our takeout access point for this trip was at mile 21.0, Station Road Bridge Trailhead, which is also located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on the left side of the river. This access point has plenty of parking, restrooms, and a train depot, making it a convenient spot to either launch or take out your kayak.
Falls Outdoor Company Field Notes
The FOC adventure team takes detailed video field notes when recreational kayaking. In this video, our team visited the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville, Ohio. We documented the entire trip and edited out some conversation.
Mile markers, hazards, and GPS coordinates are provided in the YouTube video and article below. Please keep in mind that the river is volatile and mother nature can change its layout at any time. New strainers may develop that were not in this video.
Video captured August 22, 2022 kayaking the Cuyahoga River through Brecksville, Ohio in the Cuyahoga Valley National (CVNP).
Miles 26.6 - 21.0.
Reference Map 4 of Cuyahoga River Water Trail Map for mile markers and more details.
Recorded Water Values at the Jaite 08/22/22
Gage Height = 2.87 feet.
Discharge = 454 ft3/sec
Temperature = 71.24 deg F
Kayaks in this video:
Orange Kayak - Liquidlogic Saluda 11
Blue Kayak - Liquidlogic Saluda 12
Timeline
00:00 - Mile 26.6 - Boston Store Trailhead right side of the river - https://goo.gl/maps/UrctCNfCZXgXVS4T8
03:00 - Mile 25.0 - Sand Bar - https://goo.gl/maps/D38YoSR2aXgmgajw7
04:17 - Mile 24.5 - Old Railroad Bridge https://goo.gl/maps/eGj1Xj27F3qPQ8iw5
09:20 - Mile 23.2 - HAZARD - Rocky in low water - https://goo.gl/maps/jAgHSWbZYPXwjMh97
13:37 - Mile 22.0 - Split in River. We went left in this video - https://goo.gl/maps/ReU2gE8A2cpYiZr77
23:30 - Mile 21.0 - Station Road Bridge Trailhead on the left - https://goo.gl/maps/sRUenzikfj3ZLDyj9
Falls Outdoor Company Safety Message
Before you go kayaking, make sure to check the river conditions and weather forecast. Always be aware of your surroundings, potential hazards, weather conditions, and the water level. Know your skill level. Try not to paddle alone. If you do, let someone know your plans and when you expect to finish. It's important to wear a personal floatation device (PFD) and follow all recommended safety guidelines.