Paddle a beginner-friendly 2-mile stretch of the Cuyahoga River in about 1–1.5 hours
1-1.5 hours
Ride, kayak, life jacket
Explore the Cuyahoga River in the Merriman Valley on a 2-mile paddle that’s well-suited to first-timers. Launch at Valley View River Access and finish at Cuyahoga Valley Adventures.
Everyone must sign a waiver and rental agreement; guests under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign. Expect to get wet, and avoid flip-flops.
Full refund if you cancel 24 hours before your reservation. Full refund if CVA cancels due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows without a call 3 hours prior will be charged the full price.
Arrive 15–30 minutes before your start time to check in. If you are not checked in at departure time, the shuttle may leave without you.
Yes. Everyone must sign a waiver and rental agreement before arriving using the electronic waiver system. Guests under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign.
Plan to get wet. Wear water shoes or old tennis shoes (no flip-flops) and dress for the water and air temperature; dry wicking materials are typically best. Bring sunscreen and/or a sun hat, and consider leaving a change of clothes and a towel in your vehicle.
Cuyahoga Valley Adventures- Merriman Valley
Burning River Adventures delivers consistently excellent kayaking on the calm, scenic Cuyahoga River with staff that reviewers genuinely rave about. Emily and owner Mo get special mentions for being helpful and accommodating, and multiple families highlight how smoothly everything runs, even with young kids in tow. The paddle passes are popular with regulars who return multiple times each season. People love the peaceful wildlife watching (turtles, herons, ducks) and the two mild rapids that add just enough excitement without being intimidating. The operation is impressively efficient from start to finish. Staff handle the heavy lifting, provide quick safety briefings, and wait at endpoints to help with equipment. The booking process is straightforward, and they've even worked in walk-ups when weather forecasts changed. Several reviewers mention the various trip lengths (short, middle, and long routes), with the 6.5-mile option being particularly popular. The main hiccup is occasional confusion about location directions, so double-check your email confirmation. One reviewer noted the river can get crowded with tubers on summer weekends, though weekdays stay quieter.
By far the most easy going kayaking experience I’ve been on. We were carried by a calm, slow current. It gave us more time to sit back and enjoy the peace, quiet, and beauty of the river. Super friendly and hardworking staff! I will be returning!
Derek Hinojosa
October 26, 2025
By far the most easy going kayaking experience I’ve been on. We were carried by a calm, slow current. It gave us more time to sit back and enjoy the peace, quiet, and beauty of the river. Super friendly and hardworking staff! I will be returning!
Derek Hinojosa
October 26, 2025