Pinery Feeder

A panel at the Pinery Feeder gate explains why two dams were removed from the river beyond.

NPS / Tim Fenner

Quick Facts

Location:

Park at Station Road Bridge Trailhead, 9141 Riverview Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141. Cross the bridge, walk north on the Towpath Trail, and turn left on the loop trail to the river.

Significance:

When two historic dams were removed at this site in 2020, the Cuyahoga River became free flowing here for the first time in nearly 200 years. Instead, a modern screw pump will divert river water into the Pinery Feeder. This will help control water levels in the longest intact section of the Ohio & Erie Canal, a national historic landmark.

Designation:

Ohio & Erie Canal District, Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, Ohio to Erie Trail, Industrial Heartland Trail Network

Amenities

3 listed

Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

The Pinery Feeder Dam was built in 1827 during the construction of the Ohio & Erie Canal. It consisted of a wooden crib dam, a gate, and a feeder channel. This system diverted Cuyahoga River water to “feed” the canal from Brecksville to Cuyahoga Heights. The concrete Brecksville Diversion Dam was added in 1951-52. About 120 feet north, the newer dam created a dam pool that hid the old wooden structure underwater.

Dams harm fish habitat, change water temperatures, and alter the natural flow of water and sediment through our waterways. In 2020, the National Park Service and its partners removed these dams to help wildlife recover and to make our water cleaner. After almost 200 years, the Cuyahoga once again flows freely here. A modern screw pump will help maintain the proper water level in the nearby section of canal that is designated a national historic landmark. This was the best solution for protecting both natural and cultural resources.

From here, visitors can go north or south on the Towpath Trail. To the north are the remains of Lock 36, one of many water-filled “elevators” that raised or lowered canal boats. Beyond is the Mudcatcher and a view of a bald eagle nest across the river. To the south is a connector trail to Station Road Bridge with restrooms and more exhibits.