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Cool off on a quick, family-friendly tubing run down the Upper Cuyahoga in Hiram, Ohio. Float gentle riffles, ride the Adventurers’ Chute, and enjoy a scenic 10–15 minute stretch of clear water and gravel bottom.
Cool off on a quick, family-friendly tubing run down the Upper Cuyahoga in Hiram, Ohio. Float gentle riffles, ride the Adventurers’ Chute, and enjoy a scenic 10–15 minute stretch of clear water and gravel bottom.
Book with Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak
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Operated by Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak · Hiram, Ohio
Itty Bitty Float Trip on the Upper Cuyahoga at Camp Hi offers a brief, restorative river escape in Hiram, Ohio, where clear water and a sandy-gravel bottom make cooling off easy. This short tubing run drops you into the Upper Cuyahoga—one of Ohio’s highest-rated streams—passing riffles, a slow pool above a collapsed 1930s dam, and the compact thrill known locally as the Adventurers’ Chute. At summer levels the float from access above the old dam to the exit takes about ten to fifteen minutes, though the whole visit, including check-in and riverside lounging, can fill an hour or more.
The river here shows its character in small details: pebbles polished to glass, patches of shale, and shallow riffles that gurgle under a canopy of silver maple and sycamore. The broken dam is a human-made marker in the landscape—built in 1932 by Robert "Doc" Grueniger to create waterfront space for Camp Hi, later opened to the public through a canoe livery. Early livery co-founder George Hazlett christened the slot the Adventurers’ Chute, and paddlers still line up to float carefully over the slot for a quick bump of excitement.
This trip is an ideal summer micro-adventure: easy to reach from the small town of Hiram, entirely family-friendly, and forgiving for first-time tubers. Life vests are issued, staff handle gear logistics, and the exit sits just downstream by the pavilions so you spend more time drifting than hauling. The river’s excellent water quality is notable—Ohio Department of Natural Resources surveys consistently rate it high—so swimmers and waders find it refreshingly clear compared with many lowland rivers.
Practical details are minimal but important: water shoes are recommended because the bottom may contain glass, fishing hooks, and other debris. Bring sunscreen, a change of clothes, and waterproof phone protection if you plan to snap photos. For those who want a longer outing, the waterfront offers pool-style play above the dam; for others, a single run through the Adventurers’ Chute provides a satisfying burst of river energy.
Beyond the float itself, the site is a slice of local outdoor culture: a community waterfront that grew from a 1930s camp to a contemporary recreational resource. Spend the rest of your visit exploring Hiram Rapids upstream, packing a picnic under the pavilions, or letting kids test their balance on sun-warmed rocks—small, unpretentious ways to extend a simple river day into a memorable local outing. Come prepared to follow staff directions at check-in, respect posted rules around the chute, and be ready to exit promptly at the takeout to keep the line moving for other guests. Reservations through the canoe livery are recommended on busy summer weekends to avoid wait times and ensure your preferred slot and arrive early.
At summer river levels the in-stream float takes about 10–15 minutes from above the broken dam to the downstream exit; plan on an hour for check-in and lounging.
Yes—this is family-friendly and often requested by groups with children; life vests are issued and staff supervise equipment distribution.
Yes. Staff hand out life vests at check-in as part of the standard procedure.
The chute is a small, local feature that provides a brief thrill; staff will advise on the safest line—if you’re unsure, float the pool above the dam instead.
Reservations via the canoe livery are recommended on busy summer weekends to avoid waits and secure your preferred time.
The Upper Cuyahoga in this area consistently receives high marks in ODNR water quality surveys, but note that the bottom can contain debris so wear foot protection.
Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak, located in Hiram, Ohio, operates paddling experiences and primitive camping along the Upper Cuyahoga River and at nearby LaDue Reservoir. The business offers a variety of trips tailored to different skill levels, including a short 2-mile stretch (Camp Hi -> SR82), a 12-mile all-day route (US422 -> Mantua), several relaxed downstream or upstream options (US422 -> Camp Hi; Camp Hi -> Mantua), and specialty outings to LaDue Reservoir. Trip itineraries highlight marshes, wooded channels, gentle Class I riffles, and frequent wildlife sightings such as bald eagles and great blue herons. On-site amenities include primitive tent camping, multiple group sites with pavilion options, and pavilion rentals for gatherings. Campers bring their own tents, food, and water; firewood, ice, and bottled water are available for purchase at the store. The operation emphasizes environmental respect, safe paddling practices, and clear trip descriptions so guests can choose routes that match ability and schedule. Camp Hi supports both individual paddlers and groups seeking day trips, multi-hour excursions, or overnight stays with optional camping. As a local outfitter in Hiram, Ohio, the business is positioned for visitors seeking scenic river paddles, relaxed wildlife viewing, and simple campground experiences without elaborate facilities. Clear rental options, defined trip distances, and convenient on-site supplies help build trust and make planning straightforward for families, first-time paddlers, and experienced paddlers returning for the river's natural appeal. Seasonal conditions and launch availability are posted clearly so guests can plan with confidence, realistic expectations, and safety guidance available.
Book with Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak