There are many recreational activities that can be done in and around the Cuyahoga River. Exercise, cultural enjoyment, educational experience, and personal enjoyment are available.

- Exercise

There is much opportunity for exercise involving the Cuyahoga River such as canoeing and fishing. These activities are not recommended after a heavy rainfall, unfortunately, because pollution levels are too high. The Cuyahoga Valley National Recreational Area allows biking, walking, jogging, and hiking along the Towpath Trail beside the Ohio and Erie Canal. The Canal is fed by the Cuyahoga River so it is directly affected by it. Unfortunately, because the pollution level of the Canals is so high, no canoeing, fishing, swimming, or other activities involving contact with the water are permitted. During the Summer Dover Lake Water Park is a great place to cool off and in the Winter Brandywine and Boston Mills ski resorts are open to the public as long as it's cold enough.

- Cultural Activities

Cultural activities are available in and near the National Recreation Area. Blossom Music Center lies adjacent to it. It is the home of the Cleveland Orchestra and often houses groups that play a variety of music including, classical, popular rock, jazz, and country. The Cuyahoga Valley Concert Series hosts a variety of musical talents every year. The Music Folk Festival and Boston Mills Art Festival are two other traditions enjoyed by many. Another activity is photography. The Cuyahoga Valley Photographic Society awards prizes to the best picture taken in the park.

- Education

A very important aspect of the Cuyahoga River is the educational opportunity. The Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center offers the opportunity to learn about the River through a group called, A River Runs Through It. Here you can learn while having fun dancing, singing, and painting. River Run is a music camp that is also offered by the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center. This camp allows children from sixth grade to ninth grade increase their musical skills while developing a sense of environmental responsibility. Hale Farm and Village offers a summer camp for children to participate in farming activities and domestic crafts. Children are able to learn how it was to have to make everything including the candle to light your way.

- Personal Enjoyment

Personal enjoyment can be achieved by just sitting on a bench in the park or on the banks of the River. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is available for everyone in order to fully enjoy nature and history of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The train travels through the entire 33,000 acre land of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Other more modern and upbeat places to go are located at the mouth of the river in the flats of downtown Cleveland. This includes restaurants, bars, and dance clubs.

If we want to be able to enjoy these Recreational activities in the future we must take care of our rivers and the land around them. Hopefully, the Cuyahoga River will become even cleaner in the future and more in water activities can be provided for other generations.

Return to Overview