Trip Sponsor — Bob Heckler 1-219-878-6941  Rheckler@att.net

Cuyahoga Falls Fest -  Gorge section of Cuyahoga River.  Other nearby paddling options exist, see below. 

Dates:  April 25, 26  2026

Location: City of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, downtown, just north of Akron. 

There will be river related vendors, and the downtown restaurants are walking distance from the falls.  Bob will likely stay at a motel, it’s up to the group to decide where to camp. 

This will be a first for the Hoosier Club, fortunately your Trip Leader, Big Drop Heckler, has made the run.  

From the Falls Fest event page:

Whether paddling or spectating, beautiful Downtown Cuyahoga Falls can be explored by everyone.  Paddlers are encouraged to focus on whitewater within their skill level, form their own groups, gear, safety plans, and shuttle logistics as necessary. The main focus on Fest day will be the Cuyahoga River Upper Gorge, behind the Sheraton Hotel in Cuyahoga Falls.

Primary Paddle Locations:

Cuyahoga River Upper Gorge (Sheraton Section) - Class IV-V+ (water flow dependent)
Secondary Locations (water flow dependent): 
Tinker's Creek - Class IV-V+
East/West Falls Black River - Class V
Cuyahoga River Lower Gorge - Class II-III
Cuyahoga River Water Trail - various Class I-III 

If you have not done so for this year, PLEASE FILL OUT THE NEW E-WAIVER.   HCKC is moving to a new electronic waiver system instead of our old paper waiver.  This only needs to be completed once each year.  If you have already submitted your e-waiver, you do not need to do it again until next year.  If you are bringing a non-member guest, they should use this e-waiver.

HCKC E-Waiver: https://hoosiercanoeclub.org/E-Waiver/