Cuyahoga Valley alerts

Paddlers must portage around the active river-wide closure near river mile 17, caused by bridge demolition and construction.

• The closure begins upstream of the Alexander/Pleasant Valley Road bridge and extends downstream of the construction zone; barrier cables with marker buoys cross the river. Follow signs to portage upstream of Fitzwater Road bridge, exiting river left (west) and relaunching river right (east).
• Upstream of Rockside Road/Lock 39, old metal pylons and timber groynes create frequent large woody debris hazards. There is no navigable path through the debris, and NPS advises against attempting it. At most flows below 2,000 cfs, portage on the river-right beach; strong paddling skills are needed after relaunch to avoid an additional river-right strainer.

Check current river conditions before launching.

Take valuables with you when you leave your vehicle in park parking lots; thieves target vehicles and break-ins occur.

• Thieves target credit and bank cards, driver licenses, Social Security cards, checkbooks, and cash. If you must leave valuables, lock them in your trunk or another lockable compartment before arriving—thieves watch people as they exit their vehicles.

Review NPS parking-lot safety guidance before visiting.