| Put In: |
Summersville Dam |
| Take Out: |
Panther Mountain |
| Difficulty: |
Class IV
, Class V
|
| Gradient: |
28 ft/mi |
| Run Length: |
17 miles |
| Flow Information (phone): |
304-529-5127, recorded message with release in cfs |
| Good Level: |
2200-3000 cfs, most difficult at approx. 1100 cfs. |
| Season Comments: |
May, June, July, August, September
|
| Primary Season: |
Fall drawdown releases occur for six weeks in Sept |
| Permit: |
No permits currently required. |
| Character/Similar To: |
This is big, technical class IV water with class V consequences. Similar to the New River Gorge at 3 feet and many western runs such as the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River. |
| Hazards: |
Many undercuts all over the river. |
| Water Craft: |
kayak,canoe,raft |
| Land Ownership: |
Most of the land along the banks of the river is considered public. |
| Wilderness: |
Yes, but very crowded with commercial and private boaters during the fall releases. |
| Camping on River: |
Yes, small beaches and potential small camps along the river. The private access points used by many commercial outfitters can support large camps. Permission must be received prior to use. |
| Location: |
In the Southeastern U.S. (WV), 70 miles southeast of Charleston, WV |
| Shuttle Logistics: |
Put-in: Turn west off of US 19 onto WV 129 which is 6 miles south of Summerville. Cross the top of Summersville Dam and follow the signs to the base of the dam.
Take-out: Continue west on WV 129 and turn left onto Panther Mountain
Road. A 3/4 mi path to the river is on the left after about 4 mi. During
off-season you can continue to drive into the raft companies property right on the river at Mason Branch.
One way shuttle time estimate: 30 minutes |
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