Cherry Creek originates in the mountains southwest of Denver, flowing approximately 50 miles northeast through Douglas, Arapahoe, and Denver Counties before joining the South Platte River in downtown Denver at Confluence Park. The creek passes through Cherry Creek Reservoir, an 880-acre impoundment managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which serves as both a flood control structure and recreational hub.

The paddling opportunities on Cherry Creek are limited and primarily recreational rather than whitewater-oriented. Below Cherry Creek Reservoir, the creek flows through a highly urbanized corridor in Denver with minimal gradient. The most accessible paddling occurs in the lower reaches near downtown Denver, where kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders occasionally use the calm waters, particularly around Confluence Park. This section features channelized flows with concrete and riprap banks, offering Class I flat water suitable only for beginners seeking an urban paddling experience.

Cherry Creek Reservoir itself provides flatwater paddling opportunities with kayak and paddleboard rentals available through commercial operators at Pelican Bay Marina. The reservoir's calm conditions make it ideal for novice paddlers, though motorized boats, jet skis, and sailboats share the water during summer months.

The creek's flow is highly regulated by Cherry Creek Dam, completed in 1950 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers following the devastating 1965 flood. Releases from the reservoir are controlled, resulting in variable and often minimal flows through the urban sections. The best paddling conditions typically occur during spring runoff (May-June) when reservoir releases increase, though flows remain modest compared to mountain streams.

The riparian corridor supports cottonwoods, willows, and wetland vegetation, particularly in the less-developed sections upstream of the reservoir. Wildlife includes waterfowl, herons, and various songbirds. The reservoir and creek are stocked with rainbow trout, and anglers also target bass, walleye, and catfish.

Access points include Confluence Park in downtown Denver (2250 15th Street), where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River, and Cherry Creek State Park (4201 South Parker Road, Aurora) for reservoir access. The Cherry Creek Regional Trail, a paved multi-use path, parallels much of the creek from Franktown through Denver, providing numerous informal access points.

Historically, the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River marks Denver's founding site, where gold seekers established settlements in 1858. The creek's name comes from the wild chokecherry bushes that once lined its banks.

Paddlers should note that swimming is technically prohibited in Cherry Creek, water quality can be impaired by urban runoff, and flows may be insufficient for paddling during dry periods. The creek serves primarily as an urban greenway rather than a destination paddling waterway.