41° 14' 35.4" N 81° 33' 01.2" W

Route Type: Multi-route

Distance: Varies

Trailhead: Multiple

Permits Required: No

Recommended Duration: 1 Day

Post-Hike Beer: Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale

Logistics:

This itinerary involves multiple forms of transportation and is designed with a solo traveler in mind. The itinerary begins with kayaking, followed by biking, and ending with hiking. The kayaking portion can easily be extended to suit individual needs but will require a longer bike ride back to the launch point at Lock 29. Check the National Park Service Website for pertinent information for other sections of the river. There are no entrance fees required to enter Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Paddle the Cuyahoga River (5 miles)

This trip starts with a 5 mile kayaking route from the Lock 29 trailhead in Peninsula, OH to the Red Lock trailhead 5 miles downstream. Begin your day by driving to the takeout point at Red Lock and dropping off your bike so that you have a way to get back to your car at the Lock 29 trailhead. The access point to the water is on the south side of the Vaughn Road bridge where you will find a metal guard rail next to the trail leading to the water. Chain your bike to the guard rail and head to the Lock 29 trailhead.

At the Lock 29 trailhead parking area you will find a small trail leading down to the river just north of the footbridge across the river. Launch close to the stone wall and paddle out to begin your journey down the Cuyahoga River. An initial section of Class II rapids exists for the first 1/2 mile of the trip before settling into Class I for the remainder of the float. The next landmark that you will come to is the bridge at the Boston Store Visitor Center indicating the approximate halfway point. From the Boston Store Visitor Center to Red Lock you will encounter comparatively slower moving water but beware of potential strainers and woody debris in this section of the river. Eventually you will reach a decommissioned railroad bridge spanning the river which serves as an indicator that you are nearly finished with the route. A few more bends will bring you to the bridge at Vaughn Road where you will take out.

Bike the Ohio & Erie Towpath (4.25 miles)

After taking out your kayak, swap out the lock and chain your kayak to the same guardrail before heading down the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail back to Peninsula. The route back to Peninsula is an easy flat ride that passes several informational markers at the remains of the old locks and sites of historic buildings while weaving gently through the riverside forest. This short ride should take less than 30 minutes. Once back to your car, simply pick up your kayak and get ready for an afternoon of hiking.

Hike the Ledges Trail (3 miles)

Head to to the Ledges area of Cuyahoga Valley NP and begin your hike through what is arguably the most beautiful portion of the park. From the parking area simply follow the main trail towards the Ledges Shelter and continue on until you reach the junction for the Ledges Loop Trail. Descend below the cliff line where you will find moss covered boulders and cliff faces with tree roots impossibly working their way to the forest floor. Follow the loop completely around the base of the upper plateau and explore the various nooks and crannies in the labyrinthine cliff walls to find secluded miniature canyons and a respite from the summer heat.

Hike to Brandywine Falls (0.5 miles)

Brandywine falls is the most popular hiking trail in the park and follows a boardwalk trail that descends to the main viewing platform. This short “hike” is well worth the trip to see the most iconic spot of Cuyahoga Valley NP. A secondary trail leads down to different and less frequented viewpoint that gives you a different perspective of the falls.

Best Time to Go:

The best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley NP is spring to fall. The spring and summer bring out the vivid greens of the park while fall transforms the park into a spectacular array of fall foliage. Spring and fall can bring significant amounts of rain to the region and therefore it is important to check the river conditions before attempting to paddle the Cuyahoga River.

Good to Know:

River Hazards

The section of the Cuyahoga River from Lock 29 to Red Lock presents a few challenges that need to be kept in mind. The initial section of paddling immediately after the launch point at Lock 29 presents a short section of Class II rapids that can be potentially dangerous at higher water levels. The Cuyahoga River is not maintained by the National Park Service and therefore there are multiple strainers and submerged woody debris along the route. Special care should be taken when navigating around river hazards. Always check the conditions of the Cuyahoga River before attempting to paddle. For up to date water conditions visit the USGS website. A PFD is required by anyone who is paddling the Cuyahoga River.

Ohio & Erie Towpath Conditions

The Ohio & Erie Towpath mainly consists of a crushed stone trail. With this in mind, a bike with more rugged tires is recommended although it is easily possible to complete the route using a standard road bike. If using a road bike it is recommended that the tires not be filled to the max capacity (i.e., > 90 PSI).

Camping

Unfortunately there are no campsites available within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Multi-day trips will require lodging outside of the national park.