Ohio's Cuyahoga River Kayak Rental and Shuttle Service
Ohio's Cuyahoga River Kayak Rental and Shuttle Service
Your Cuyahoga River adventure awaits...
Not sure where to start? We’ve put together our favorite kayak routes, easy-to-read maps, and handy links so you can plan a day on the river that fits your pace. Browse the trips below, check the maps, and use the extra resources to fine-tune your adventure.
Standard Logistics: Park at the listed Meeting/Parking location (take-out). We will meet you there, shuttle you and the kayaks to the put-in, and can assist at the take-out when you return.
Trip 1 — The Scenic Bend
A beautiful, slightly longer stretch with a calm current and great scenery throughout.
Station Road → Fitzwater
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Distance: ~4–5 miles
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Time: ~2.5–3.5 hours
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Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
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Best for: First-timers, couples, scenic float
Location Details:
- Meeting Location/Parking: Fitzwater Trailhead
- Start (Put-in): Station Road Bridge Trailhead
- 41.31682, -81.5855
- We shuttle you here
- Finish (Take-out): Fitzwater (prior to bridge)
Price: $45 per person
- Includes kayak, paddle, life jacket, and shuttle
Notes:
Prior low-head dam removed, leaving a navigable pass to the right when approaching the 82 bridge.
Trip 2 — The Valley Classic
A relaxed, easy float through one of the most accessible and enjoyable stretches of the valley.
Boston Store → Red Lock
- Distance: ~3 miles
- Time: ~2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best for: Return customers, families, relaxed outings
Location Details:
- Meeting Location/Parking: Red Lock Trailhead
- Start (Put-in): Boston Store Trailhead
- 41.26254, -81.55911
- We shuttle you here
- Finish (Take-out): Red Lock
Price: $45 per person
- Includes kayak, paddle, life jacket, and shuttle
Smooth, beginner-friendly water with no required route decisions.
Trip 3 — The Towpath Run (Longer Float)
A longer, scenic route with a mellow current and a bit more time on the water.
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Distance: ~3.5-4 miles
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Time: ~2.5–3.5 hours
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Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
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Best for: Groups, longer outings, repeat paddlers
Red Lock → Station Road
- Meeting Location/Parking: Station Road Bridge Trailhead
- Start (Put-in): Red Lock Trailhead
- 41.28862, -81.56479
- We shuttle you here
- Finish (Take-out): Station Rd Bridge River Access Trail
Location Details:
Price: $45 per person
- Includes kayak, paddle, life jacket, and shuttle
Notes:
Stay right at the island near mile 22. Shallow water may require a short walk in lower conditions.
What to Bring
- Water-ready footwear (tevas, old sneakers, water shoes)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (consider a strap)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Dry bag or plastic zip bags for valuables
- Quick-dry clothing (avoid denim)
- A positive adventure-ready attitude!
We provide: Kayak, paddle, Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and shuttle service.
Age, Weight & Participation Rules
- Minimum age: 10 years old (Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Weight limit: Maximum 250 lbs per single kayak
- Physical ability: Ability to swim and enter/exit the kayak independently
- No alcohol or controlled substances permitted on the river
- Adherence to all guide instructions and safety markings is mandatory
Note: We reserve the right to refuse service for safety reasons. All participants must sign our liability waiver.
Bike + Paddle Combo
Ride the Towpath upstream • We transport your bike • Paddle back downstream
Our signature experience. Park once at the take-out, bike upstream on the Towpath Trail, meet us at the put-in with your kayak, then enjoy the paddle back.
Pricing: $35 per person
- Requirements: Your own bike in good working condition.
- Contact us with your chosen route and we’ll coordinate the exact meeting point at the put-in.
- We'll deliver your bike(s) to your take out and collect our kayak(s)
External Planning Resources
USGS River Gauge
Real-time water data for the Cuyahoga River at Independence. For a safe and enjoyable experience, optimal conditions are typically between 300–1100 cfs with a gauge height under 5 ft. KayakHoga does not operate when levels exceed these ranges. Paddling is also discouraged within 24 hours of heavy rainfall due to elevated flow and water quality concerns.
Conditions are based on the Cuyahoga River gauge at Independence and may vary slightly by section.
Explore these essential planning tools to ensure your Cuyahoga River trip is safe, fun, and well-prepared. Knowledge of river conditions is the first step for every paddler.
Cuyahoga River Water Trail
Plan your trip along the Cuyahoga River Water Trail. KayakHoga primarily operates between river miles 13 (Independence) and 28 (Peninsula), where access points and conditions are well-suited for recreational paddling. For the best overview of launches, take-outs, and known hazards, we recommend reviewing Maps 4 and 5.
Trips outside this section may be considered upon request.
Full Map List (North to South)
Here is our full map list if you're considering other sections of the Cuyahoga River
- Some sections are currently closed due to construction, NPS regulation constraints, or have limited parking/access.
- Reach out and we can discuss your options based on current conditions.
Bring Your Own Kayak (BYOK)
Own a kayak? We’ll handle the logistics.
If you prefer to paddle your own gear, our Bring Your Own Kayak (BYOK) shuttle service is the perfect solution. Simply park your vehicle at your chosen take-out location, and we will shuttle you and your personal kayak upstream to the put-in point.
Price: $25 per shuttle
- Includes transportation for one person and one kayak.
- Available for all standard routes (Trips 1–3).
- Advance booking is recommended to secure your shuttle time.