Over the past couple years American Whitewater has been working with regional paddlers, the National Park Service, and other interested folks to improve river access on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers near Harpers Ferry, WV. Based on significant outreach efforts, we published a River Access Plan highlighting opportunities and limitations in improving river access. We are now working to implement several elements of the Plan.

One outcome of that effort has been recognition of the parking, access, and shuttle services the rafting outfitters in the area offer provide. The outfitters recently worked with private boaters to share a fact sheet of the various services they plan to offer for 2016, which you can download here.

The owner of Millville Dam recently proposed to formalize a portage trail around their dam, largely in response to recommendations that American Whitewater made based on the River Access Plan.

Small group efforts continue to improve river access at Weverton in the short term, and to create improved long and short term access opportunities near Millville and Harpers Ferry. 

Thanks to the many individual and organizations working to improve river access on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, and especially our partners at the Rivers, Trails, Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program of the National Park Service.