River guide
River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Boating
Paddling, boating and access
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE CUYAHOGA RIVER DATA
Cuyahoga River levels, gauges and monitoring stations
Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.
Cuyahoga R at Lower Harvard Brdg in Cleveland OHUSGS 04208503 · View live gauge →Cuyahoga River at Independence OHUSGS 04208000 · View live gauge →Cuyahoga River at Jaite OHUSGS 04206425 · View live gauge →Cuyahoga River at Old Portage OHUSGS 04206000 · View live gauge →Cuyahoga River at Rivergate Park at Cleveland OHUSGS 04208509 · View live gauge →
EXPLORE THE RIVER
Follow the Cuyahoga through Northeast Ohio
Trace the Cuyahoga’s crooked path from the upper river through Kent, Cuyahoga Falls and Cuyahoga Valley National Park to Cleveland and Lake Erie.
Loading river map…
River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
FISHING
Fishing the river
The Cuyahoga supports a dramatically healthier fish community than it did during the height of industrial pollution. More than 65 fish species now live in Cuyahoga Valley National Park waters, and the river offers everything from warmwater bass fishing to seasonal steelhead opportunities.
Fish you may encounter
Smallmouth Bass
Steelhead Trout
Channel Catfish
Rock Bass
Black Crappie
Bluegill
Walleye
Where the river changes
FISHING AREA
Upper CuyahogaThe upper river around Hiram and Kent has a smaller, more natural character with pools, riffles and woody cover that support river-oriented warmwater species.
FISHING AREA
Cuyahoga Valley National Park ↗The river through the national park showcases its ecological recovery. Anglers can find bass and other river species along a corridor that now supports a diverse fish community.
FISHING AREA
Lower CuyahogaBelow the national park the river becomes increasingly urban before entering Cleveland. The lower river connects directly with Lake Erie and can see seasonal movement of lake-run fish.
FISHING AREA
Cleveland and the river mouthThe final reach is a working navigation channel before the river enters Lake Erie. Fishing opportunities exist, but boat traffic and industrial navigation make this a very different environment from the upper river.
Before you fish
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park encourages catch-and-release fishing to help maintain healthy fish populations.
- Season, water temperature, river flow and location can dramatically change fishing conditions.
- Check current Ohio fishing regulations and fish-consumption advisories before fishing.
BOATING & PADDLING
On the water
The Cuyahoga River Water Trail spans nearly 90 miles and includes 24 public access points. Its five segments range from quiet upper-river paddling to whitewater, wooded national-park reaches and Cleveland’s active commercial shipping channel.
Upper River
The upper Cuyahoga near Hiram includes some of the river’s calmer and more scenic paddling.
Kayaking Canoeing Fishing
Cuyahoga Falls Gorge ↗
The river changes dramatically around Cuyahoga Falls. Gorge and whitewater sections require substantially more skill than the calmer portions of the water trail.
Advanced kayaking Whitewater paddling
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The national park contains a long scenic stretch of the water trail with multiple official access points. Many reaches are Class I, while some sections can reach Class II depending on location and flow.
Kayaking Canoeing Fishing Paddle-and-bike trips
Cleveland Shipping Channel ↗
The lower river enters an active industrial navigation channel shared with freighters and powered vessels. Calm-looking water can become highly technical when large ships maneuver through the river’s tight bends.
Advanced paddling Recreational boating
Know before you go
- Check current river level, weather and official water-trail hazard information before launching.
- Use established public access points and match the river section to your experience level.
- The Cuyahoga Falls gorge should be treated as advanced whitewater rather than ordinary recreational paddling.
- Use extreme caution in Cleveland’s shipping channel because large freighters and recreational boats share the narrow river.
PARKS & ACCESS
Places to reach the river
Lock 29 River Access ↗
National Park Service water-trail access in Peninsula. The initial downstream section can include Class II flow before settling into Class I conditions toward Boston.
Boston Store River Access ↗
Beginner-friendly public water-trail access near Boston Mill Visitor Center with nearby parking, restrooms, trails and visitor services.
Red Lock River Access ↗
National Park Service access to a beginner-suitable Class I reach leading toward Station Road Bridge.
Station Road Bridge River Access ↗
Major national-park water-trail access with parking, restrooms, drinking water and connections to the Towpath Trail.
Lock 39 River Access ↗
The final Cuyahoga Valley National Park river access before the lower river continues toward Cleveland and the commercial shipping channel.
Merwin's Wharf Paddling Access ↗
Lower-river access in Cleveland next to Rivergate Park. Large freighters and heavy boat traffic make this an advanced urban paddling environment.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
About 26 miles of the Cuyahoga flow through the national park, where the river passes forests, wetlands, historic canal landscapes and the Towpath Trail.
Cascade Valley Metro Park
Summit Metro Parks property along the Cuyahoga in Akron with river views, fishing and paddling access. Some nearby river sections are suitable only for expert paddlers.
Rivergate Park ↗
Cleveland riverfront park beside the working ship channel with public day-use boat slips and access to the lower Cuyahoga waterfront.