The Fifth Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest is a kayak, paddleboard, and canoe recreational celebration of Cleveland’s hardworking, scenic, and historic Cuyahoga River. In partnership with
Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force and
industrial stakeholders, paddlers will enjoy
exclusive access to the Cuyahoga River for six hours to enjoy either an 8.6-mile recreational paddle/float or one of three races (3.2, 6.8 and 14.4-miles).
PLEASE register early as our fields have sold out the last two years.
Blazing Paddles Paddlefest is a recreational tourism celebration of how Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River has risen like a phoenix since the 1969 fire ignited the global environmental movement. Paddlers will explore Cleveland's Cuyahoga River that was chosen in
2023 by USA Today 10Best voters as the Best Urban Kayaking Spot in the nation. Our paddlefest will also include live music, food and a beerfest during our early check-in on Friday, July 21.
2022 was the 50th anniversary of the
Clean Water Act and the comeback Cuyahoga River now serves as both a recreational tourism magnet and economic driver for the region as developers follow the bike and pedestrian trails and greenspaces spreading across the Cuyahoga River Valley, part of the
Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area.