The primary waterway within Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the Cuyahoga River. Please use caution when contacting Cuyahoga River water. The river receives discharges of storm water, combined-sewer overflows, and incompletely disinfected wastewater from urban areas upstream of the park. These discharges result in a threat to the health of visitors who come into contact with river water during recreational use (e.g., wading or canoeing). Recreational use of the river is not prohibited, but due to the the threat posed to human health by sewage and pathogen contamination, the park discourages any canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or wading in the river.

If you choose to use the river, be aware there are no formal put-in points for canoes/kayaks. Two low-head dams exist within the river at Peninsula and south of State Route 82 that require a short portage.

There are currently no canoe liveries serving the segment of the Cuyahoga River that flows through CVNP. There are canoe liveries upstream in the Mantua and Hiram areas. That portion of the river is upstream from the sewage treatment plant and is therefore much more consistently clean.

The ponds in the park are open to canoeing. Motorized canoes and boats are not permitted on the ponds.

Visit Friends of the Crooked River website for scheduled canoe outings on the Cuyahoga River.