For the first time in recent memory, Metro Parks will offer naturalist-led kayak and canoe trips along local sections of the restored Cuyahoga River.
“Water quality improvements have made the river more accessible for recreational users,” said Christine Hockman, interpretive services manager for the park district. “American Canoe Association-certified instructors will provide training and supervision, while naturalists will offer information about the river’s unique natural features.”
The public can discover the Cuyahoga River during the following programs:
Find out what's happening in Stowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Saturday, July 27, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
PADDLE THE PARKS
Tannery Park
100 Stow St., Kent, OH 44240
Registration is required by calling Crooked River Adventures: 330-541-7467. Kayak or canoe 4.5 miles down the Cuyahoga River, from Tannery Park in Kent to Brust Park, with ACA-certified instructors and a Metro Parks naturalist as your guide. Learn the basics while observing wildlife and beautiful habitats. No experience needed. Space is limited. Return transportation to Tannery Park provided. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen and dress to get wet. Cost: $20/kayak; $30/canoe.
Sunday, July 28, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
PADDLE THE PARKS
Tannery Park
100 Stow St., Kent, OH 44240
Registration is required by calling Crooked River Adventures: 330-541-7467. Kayak or canoe 4.5 miles down the Cuyahoga River, from Tannery Park in Kent to Brust Park, with ACA-certified instructors and a Metro Parks naturalist as your guide. Learn the basics while observing wildlife and beautiful habitats. No experience needed. Space is limited. Return transportation to Tannery Park provided. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen and dress to get wet. Cost: $20/kayak; $30/canoe.
Find out what's happening in Stowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Saturday, August 10, 8 – 10:30 a.m.
PADDLE THE PARKS
Tannery Park
100 Stow St., Kent, OH 44240
Registration is required by calling Crooked River Adventures: 330-541-7467. Kayak or canoe 4.5 miles down the Cuyahoga River, from Tannery Park in Kent to Brust Park, with ACA-certified instructors and a Metro Parks naturalist as your guide. Learn the basics while observing wildlife and beautiful habitats. No experience needed. Space is limited. Return transportation to Tannery Park provided. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen and dress to get wet. Cost: $20/kayak; $30/canoe.
Sunday, August 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
PADDLE THE GORGE
Gorge Metro Park / Main Entrance
1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls 44223
Registration, beginning 7/23, is required by calling F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm: 330-865-8065. Tour the Cuyahoga River in the Gorge to see towering rock ledges and breathtaking scenery from your boat. Led by ACA-certified instructors from Crooked River Adventures and a Metro Parks naturalist as your guide. Previous experience is required. Ten rental spaces available. Ten more spaces available for those with their own canoe or kayak, but only with current watercraft registration and a life jacket. Minimum age is 13; ages 13 to 17 must be with an adult. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen and dress to get wet. FREE.
Friday, September 6, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
PADDLE THE PARKS
Tannery Park
100 Stow St., Kent, OH 44240
Registration is required by calling Crooked River Adventures: 330-541-7467. Kayak or canoe 4.5 miles down the Cuyahoga River, from Tannery Park in Kent to Brust Park, with ACA-certified instructors and a Metro Parks naturalist as your guide. Learn the basics while observing wildlife and beautiful habitats. No experience needed. Space is limited. Must check in 30 minutes prior to departure for a safety briefing. Return transportation to Tannery Park provided. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen and dress to get wet. Cost: $20/kayak; $30/canoe.
Saturday, September 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
PADDLE THE GORGE
Gorge Metro Park / Main Entrance
1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls
Registration, beginning 8/14, is required by calling F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm: 330-865-8065. Tour the Cuyahoga River in the Gorge to see towering rock ledges and breathtaking scenery from your boat. Led by ACA-certified instructors from Crooked River Adventures and a Metro Parks naturalist as your guide. Previous experience is required. Ten rental spaces available. Ten more spaces available for those with their own canoes or kayaks, but only with current watercraft registration and a life jacket. Minimum age is 13; ages 13 to 17 must be with an adult. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen and dress to get wet. FREE.
Sunday, September 8, 8:30 a.m. –12 p.m.
PADDLE THE PARKS
Tannery Park
100 Stow St., Kent, OH 44240
Registration is required by calling Crooked River Adventures: 330-541-7467. Kayak or canoe 6.5 miles down the Cuyahoga River, from Tannery Park in Kent to Waterworks Park in Cuyahoga Falls, with ACA-certified instructors and a Metro Parks naturalist as your guide. Learn the basics while observing wildlife and beautiful habitats. No experience needed. Space is limited. Return transportation to Tannery Park provided. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen and dress to get wet. Cost: $25/kayak; $40/canoe.
Friday, October 4, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
PADDLE THE PARKS
Tannery Park
100 Stow St., Kent, OH 44240
Registration is required by calling Crooked River Adventures: 330-541-7467. Kayak or canoe 4.5 miles down the Cuyahoga River, from Tannery Park in Kent to Brust Park, with ACA-certified instructors and a Metro Parks naturalist as your guide. Learn the basics while observing wildlife and beautiful habitats. No experience needed. Space is limited. Return transportation to Tannery Park provided. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen and dress to get wet. Cost: $20/kayak; $30/canoe.
Saturday, October 5, 2:30 – 6 p.m.
PADDLE THE PARKS
Tannery Park
100 Stow St., Kent, OH 44240
Registration is required by calling Crooked River Adventures: 330-541-7467. Kayak or canoe 6.5 miles down the Cuyahoga River, from Tannery Park in Kent to Waterworks Park in Cuyahoga Falls, with ACA-certified instructors and a Metro Parks naturalist as your guide. Learn the basics while observing wildlife and beautiful habitats. No experience needed. Space is limited. Return transportation to Tannery Park provided. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen and dress to get wet. Cost: $25/kayak; $40/canoe.
For more information, call 330-865-8065 or visit summitmetroparks.org.