TBA               Russell Park to SR 422 via Bridge Creek                                                             5.8 miles/5 hrs.  

This trip will take us on a beautiful paddle through part of the State Scenic River section of our crooked river.  We will take a side trip up Bridge creek, and if the water levels are sufficient we will negotiate some beaver dams and visit some seldom seen wetlands.  Waterfowl/raptor sightings likely.  Wet feet likely.  This trip requires high water levels.  Call if interested and we will call you at least two days in advance of the trip. 

TBA          East Branch:  SR 87 to Russell Park via Sperry Pond                               6.2 miles/4 hrs.

An enchanting trip on a small, flat-water stream, 15 - 20 feet wide.  We will travel upstream from our put-in to visit Sperry Pond.  The remainder of the trip will be on a channelized stretch thru wetlands, swamp forest.  Travel light for lift-overs of trees and beaver dams.  Be prepared for mud.  At higher water levels this becomes an easy trip, and there should still be some migratory ducks in the area.  Call if interested and we will call you at least two days in advance of the trip.   

April 10          Russell Park to Camp Hi (rentals)                                                                  8.9 miles/5 hrs.

Another beautiful paddle in the State Scenic River section of the river.  We will see extensive wetlands and some swamp forest.  The spring wildflowers will be out on the shore, and there is always a lot of bird activity on this trip.  There is one mild stretch of fast water before we get to Camp Hi.  Suitable for most paddlers and families.       

April 23              Camp Hi to SR 303                                                                                          10.5 miles/6 hrs.       

A beautiful paddle in the State Scenic River section of the river.   We will see wetlands and swamp forests with occasional agricultural, sand and gravel and residential development.  We will get a  glimpse of Marsh Wetlands State Nature Preserve after our lunch stop at the Mantua city park.  A lively current and a few strainers in some sections require the ability to control a boat in moving water. 

May 7              Tannery Park to Waterworks Park (rentals)                                                      6.5 miles/4 hrs.

From our Tannery Park put in we will paddle down this delightful stretch of free flowing river.  Middlebury Rd. used to mark the beginning of the dam pool backed up by the Monroe Falls dam at SR 91.  Since the dam was removed in 2006, we will paddle a free flowing river past Fish Creek and the Summit Co. sewage plant, and then over the series of low ledges that gave Monroe Falls its name (the steep portage over the Monroe Falls dam will not be missed!).  Waterworks Park marks the beginning of the dam pool created by the dam at Portage Trail.  If interest and weather permit we will continue on downstream to the vicinity of Front St. before returning to our take-out at Waterworks Park (adding 3.2 miles and 2 hrs.).  Suitable for novice paddlers and families.      

May 15          Cuyahoga St. to Bolanz Rd.                                                                        9.8 miles/6.5 hrs.

This section of the Cuyahoga shows mixed use; wooded parkland with intrusions from agriculture, recreation, commercial and residential development.  CVNP and the RAP area start here.  Discharges from Akron's Waste Water Treatment Plant are just upstream from a large, active heron rookery.  A lively current with some Class I chutes add interest.  In stream downed trees (strainers) will demand caution.  This immensely interesting, contrasting section is suitable for paddlers who can control a boat in moving water. 

June 12            Bolanz Rd. to Vaughn Rd.                                                                                    9.3 miles/5 hrs.   

In the first portion of this trip, the River has deep mud banks as it twists thru numerous oxbows which require negotiating tight turns with downed trees. After a portage in Peninsula, we will enjoy two miles of Class I whitewater through a beautiful hardwood forest. Furnace Run, Brandywine Creek, a buried canal boat, Stumpy Basin and the infamous bank where 100 cars were removed on RiverDay 1991 are highlights.  For paddlers who can control a boat in moving water. 

July 16           Vaughn Rd. to Hillside Rd.                                                                           8.5 miles/5.3 hrs.            

We will follow the meandering River into a maze of braided channels and tree jams on our way to the historic Station Rd. Bridge.  After a hefty portage around the dam at SR 82, a lively current will carry us thru the Pinery Narrows and on to the Canal Visitors Center.  For paddlers who can control a boat in moving water.

Sept. 10          Hillside Rd. to Lower Harvard Ave.                                                                               8.6 miles/5 hrs.

This is a section of awesome contrasts and unseemly beauty in the upper industrial flats.  A magic stretch of forest coexists with active commerce and industry.  Mill Creek, Southerly Sewage Treatment Plant and Big Creek are highlights.  Suitable for the novice paddler.

Call trip leaders Harold and Elaine Marsh in advance at (330) 666-4026.  People who have called in advance will be notified if trip is canceled or moved to a different section of the river due to water or weather conditions.  Trip availability will be limited in order to provide a safe and educational experience.  While most trips are on flat, slow current stretches of the River, several have in stream hazards like downed trees and dams, which require control of the boat.  Therefore, Friends of the Crooked River reserves the right to screen participants for skills required by the conditions of the trip.  Paddlers who arrive improperly prepared or with inadequate equipment will be refused participation.     

All trips begin at 9:30 am.  Takeout times are trip-dependent and projected to be 4:00 - 5:00 pm.  Participants will be responsible for bringing needed personal equipment including lunch/snacks, water (1 qt. per person), rain gear, and a change of clothes in a waterproof bag in cold weather.  Participants shall follow all safety procedures as determined by the Trip Leader including life jackets at all times.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by parents who will be solely responsible for their safety.  Children under seven years are discouraged.  For their own safety, children may be prohibited from some trips at the discretion of the Trip Leaders.