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On Saturday, July 19, 2025, paddlers nationwide will gather for the Seventh Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest. This special day brings the community together to celebrate the hardworking and historic Cuyahoga River and enjoy time on the water that helped launch the environmental movement.
The Cuyahoga River tells a story of transformation. Decades ago, only two species of fish swam in its waters. Today, more than 70 thrive, a testament to years of restoration and the people who care about its future.
A Day on the Water at Cleveland’s Paddlefest Celebration
Participants have two ways to participate. The Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle & Float offers a scenic journey through Cleveland’s waterfront. Paddlers will wind through a route filled with riverfront sights, from bridges to industry, where nature and the city meet. The Cleveland Fire Department’s Garrett A. Morgan fireboat will salute paddlers with a water cannon display.
For those looking to race, the event features three distances—3.75, 6.1, and 12.2 miles—challenging participants to push their limits while navigating the river’s iconic bends.
A Commitment to the Cuyahoga River’s Future
As paddlers take to the water, they join a growing movement of people who understand the importance of clean water and environmental stewardship. One past participant said, “The river needs us to heal it.” Every paddle stroke reminds us how far the Cuyahoga has come and how the river has become a recreational tourism magnet, driving the regional economy.
Safety and respect for the river remain a priority. The Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force and local stakeholders ensure a safe and smooth experience for recreational paddlers and commercial vessels. Through a cooperative agreement with commercial maritime operators, paddlers enjoy 5 hours of exclusive access to the Cuyahoga River to experience Cleveland’s waterfront like never before.
Discover More Around Cleveland During Paddlefest Weekend
While in Cleveland, explore its character with stops at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, West Side Market, and Playhouse Square. Don’t miss nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, celebrating its 50th anniversary with scenic trails, waterfalls, and plenty of outdoor adventures.
Register for the Seventh Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest Event
Register early as Blazing Paddlesfest typically sells out. Kayak rentals are available, and pre-registration closes on July 15, 2025.
This event is more than a day on the water. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger, to appreciate the river’s progress, and to paddle forward together. For more information and to register, visit www.sharetheriver.com.
Photo credit: Ken Busch Photograph
