Return to the Cuyahoga River Upper Gorge

A little less than a year ago, I made my personal firstdescent of the Cuyahoga River Upper Gorge, more commonly referred to as the Sheraton section in downtown Cuyahoga Falls. At the time, this Class IV (dare I say Class V at normal flows?) was running at a low, first-descent friendly 300 cfs. It was my first introduction to some of Ohio’s best whitewater, and my first time running waterfalls.

But it was low, and I felt somehow unaccomplished. We returned with a good crew to tackle it at the next, more-challenging level of 500 cfs. Myself and Jeremiah Richard were making our first run of the Cuyahoga River Upper Gorge at this level. Fellow Keelhaulers Don Howdyshell and Jeff Cramer were there to provide guidance and support, and Sheraton Shaolin Nic Williams threw in support as well.

I’ll let the video tell the story, for I can’t do it justice in comparison. Watch it here.