Waterfront Refresh: New Cuyahoga Falls RiverLoop Connects Downtown With Nature

There’s a bit of treasure in the Cuyahoga River. “I hosted a gold panning event two summers ago,” says Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters, “and four people found gold flakes.”

The discovery inspired Walters to create Prospector’s Point, one of various stops on the city’s brand-new RiverLoop project — an attraction that will soon allow visitors and residents to stroll along the river on an upper walkway running alongside the lower, restored boardwalk area, encountering various educational and entertaining points of interest along the way.

“It’s going to talk about prospecting, and we are going to have these huge gold rocks that have glitter on them,” Walters says of the spot, which will include an informational sign and natural area for panning. “They’re going to sell the pans at the local stores.”

Slated to be finished by Labor Day, the RiverLoop project is both rebuilding the lower boardwalk and adding a new upper walkway that will run from the Cuyahoga Falls clocktower to the intersection of Front Street and Oakwood Drive. It connects with Front Street at Broad Boulevard and Oakwood Drive to form a complete loop. The new 2,200-foot section of the loop has been under construction since May 2025.

“We knew we had to rebuild the boardwalk. It was made of wood, and it was very old and falling apart. ... I started looking around, walking around down there, and I said, Well, it’s going to be really nice to redo the boardwalk, but we’re missing an opportunity,” Walters says. “I saw an upper walkway that would give that same beautiful experience with full ADA accessibility, where you would still have the beautiful view, and it would form a continuous loop with downtown.”

The city has invested around $7 million in the RiverLoop, which was formed with community input. A city conceptual video takes viewers through a rendering of the new construction, which includes wide, accessible walkways with swirling patterns in the concrete, metal river-themed railings, string lights crossing above the pathway, swinging benches and more.

Encounter about 10 points of interest along the RiverLoop. Walkers can learn about kayaking at Kayaker’s Cove — which will include a sign with photos and a kayak — and, at Eagle’s Bluff, the local bald eagle population. The area will include signs discussing their habitat and models of eagles.

Otter Overlook will boast a family-size swing to look out over the river, signs about otter habitats and models of otters, and the Sounds of the River area will invite visitors to appreciate the auditory marvels all around them. Fishermen’s Pier will tell visitors about the health of the Cuyahoga and the fish that live within its waters.

“It’s not polluted any longer. It’s very healthy, and most of the native species have come back,” Walters notes. “There’s all kinds of wildlife that a lot of people haven’t seen.”

A space with existing built-in seating along the riverbank will play host to a new RiverLoop stage, perfect for summer acoustic acts. Pedestals will be decorated to spell out the name of the city.

“Now we’ll have entertainment with this beautiful backdrop,” says Walters.

Walters’ favorite renovation, the Heart of the Loop area, will highlight an existing arch from an old factory, turning it into a stunning wedding location. The surrounding concrete will be decorated with hearts, and a nearby fence will be designated for love locks.

“I bought one already with my wife and I on it,” says Walters, who officiates weddings for free. “I’ve done about 150 weddings, and this is such a cool spot.”

The RiverLoop contains myriad surprises for those familiar with Cuyahoga Falls, as well as those making their first trip. It connects the natural side of the city with its downtown area, creating a seamless path for walkers, bikers and more.

“The natural beauty — you can’t re-create this,” Walters says. “So we need to highlight this as much as we can.”

cityofcf.com/riverloop