Gorge Metro Park contains 155 acres of deep cut gorge on both sides of the Cuyahoga River, located in both Cuyahoga Falls and Akron, in Summit County, Ohio.  Early historic use included dams on the river for early industry, recreation and by 1913 the large dam and power plant at Front Street. The current use is recreation with three trails, small streams, winter skating, and picnic areas. The park area has a long and colorful history and many historic archaeological features remain visible.

Patrons wait in line at Riverview Park.

On December 29, 1929, Northern Ohio Power & Light (NOP&L), gave the “Gorge Reservation” to the Akron Metropolitan Park District, the precursor to Metro Parks, Serving Summit County. The Gorge had been well used for hiking and picnicking since the mid-1800’s, people enjoyed the natural features, waterfalls and views.

The historic and natural features of the park attest to a long and interesting use of the land.  These include, Old Maid’s Kitchen, the Big Falls of the Cuyahoga River, the Chuckery Race, remnants of Old Bridges and Roads, the Big Falls Hotel, High Bridge Glens and Caves Park, Riverview Park, the Gorge Power Plant, Gorge Dam, Gorge Hydro Plant, the penstock pipeline saddles, the Footbridge Abutment and Pier.

Gorge project area (University of Akron, Department of Geography and Planning Spatial Data).