Paddle 4 miles on the Cuyahoga River with a shuttle back to your car
2 hours
Kayak, paddle, shuttle
Explore a 4-mile stretch of the Cuyahoga River on a 2-hour paddle from Merriman Valley near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This trip is best for experienced paddlers and includes a ride back to where you parked.
Paddling experience is necessary; self-rescue experience is recommended. At least 1 person per group must carry a cell phone on the river, and everyone must wear a life jacket. You are required to help carry kayaks from the river to the parking lot at North Hampton Point.
Cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund to the original payment method. No-shows or cancellations less than 3 hours before departure do not receive a refund.
Yes. This section of the Cuyahoga River requires attentive paddling with natural woody debris and small rapid areas, and self-rescue experience is recommended.
Plan to arrive early for check-in. One note says 15 minutes before your start time, and another says 30 minutes before; follow the earlier arrival time to be safe.
Yes. Everyone must sign a waiver and rental agreement before the trip, and youth under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign. Complete the electronic waiver prior to arrival.
Cuyahoga Valley Adventures
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