News Release

National Park Service and Summit Metro Parks Partner for New Cuyahoga River Access

Leaders from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Summit Metro Parks cut a ceremonial ribbon to open the new river access site.

Conservancy for CVNP/Aaron Self

News Release Date: July 10, 2025

Contact: Pamela Barnes, 440-241-5857

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio – Cuyahoga Valley National Park opened a new access location along the Cuyahoga River today, in partnership with Summit Metro Parks.

Northampton Point is located at 3132 Akron Peninsula Road in Cuyahoga Falls. The site offers parking, a seating area, launch/takeout area, a small changing room and a portable restroom that will be available during the paddling season.

“As we expand public access along this newly designated Cuyahoga River National Water Trail, we are especially grateful for our partnership with Summit Metro Parks,” said Lisa Petit, Cuyahoga Valley National Park superintendent. “It is only through collaboration with our partners that we are able to provide this long-awaited river access point within the national park.”

Northampton Point is a 6-mile paddle from Summit Metro Parks’ Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park, which typically would take 2 to 3 hours.

“Partnering with Cuyahoga Valley National Park was the perfect way to efficiently provide a new opportunity for visitors to enjoy the popular activity of river paddling,” said Lisa King, Summit Metro Parks Executive Director. “With the recent addition of a river access site at the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park, we wanted a safe destination to which visitors could paddle for a smooth and reasonable trip length from Valley View. The new Northampton Point location fulfills a critical need that will allow more people to connect with nature on the restored Cuyahoga River.”

Summit Metro Parks contributed $396,000 and project leadership in the construction on the national park's land.

Paddlers should plan ahead for a safe river experience by knowing river conditions, knowing their equipment and skills, wearing a life jacket, and being prepared to change or cancel their trip.

For more information about river access along the Cuyahoga River National Water Trail, visit Cuyahoga River Water Trails - Get Involved.
 

CVNP encompasses over 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural resources in one setting. For more information, visit us at www.nps.gov/cuva, on Facebook, X, or Instagram, or call 440-717-3890.

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