Warmer weather is here, and this spring you might be thinking of where best to spend your time outside. There are so many amazing places to go and see in the Northeast region of Ohio. Whether you’re looking for scenic trips or adventurous long treks through the water, there’s a place for you.
NE Ohio is a great place for kayaking because not only does it have numerous meandering rivers, but it also provides access to one of the great lakes containing a group of offshore islands for your exploration. If you start at Lake Erie, you have access to so many other waterways throughout the area for every skill set in kayaking.
Put-in-Bay is one of the Lake Erie island locales for kayaking that is a must-see for locals and visitors alike, with waterways worth traversing and a nature preserve on the island, itself. The bay is considered great for all skill levels most of the year. It can get busier in the summer with more traffic (including motorized traffic) but nonetheless, it has a variety of accessibility to those both seasoned and new to kayaks. For those looking for a scenic trip, this is one of the best ones to try– a short trip away is Gibraltar Island, which has beautiful cliffs that are picture-worthy.
If you are more of a sportsman, this next river was also ranked in the top 200 fishing destinations in the United States. The Rocky River, which is just off of Lake Erie, cuts through wonderful and noted scenery of the shale cliffs, which are a trip to see all on their own outside of the kayaking experience. This river goes peacefully to a beautiful wildlife destination with a relatively calm pace for those looking for a relaxing paddle down the river.
Finally on the list is the “Burning River” itself. If you’re looking for a long trip, the Cuyahoga River in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is 100 miles long and ideal for any length of trip you might want to take, regardless of your skill level. It can be taken from Cleveland southward to Akron and then up towards Kent and Burton with only one closed section of no paddle zone near Ravenna. So if you’re in for a long haul with tons of scenic views and a lot of time on the water, this is without a doubt a trip you should take. There is a myriad of stops along the way you can take to see other spots, towns, and parks, from Kent and its ideal coffee shops to Akron and its metro parks.
If you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing trip, guided or solo, check out Paddle the River for the quintessential trip experience or equipment you need.