The popular Lower Gauley access point at Bucklick may be closed because of
thoughtless private boater parking that blocks the Peters Creek/Panther
Mountain Road. Yes, the road is public, but the access is private and is
owned by Appalachian Wildwaters. The owner has been a friend to paddlers;
it was through his efforts that the boater access at Sang Run was purchased
and made available to kayakers. But outfitter trucks and busses must be
able to get to the river! If non-commercial kayakers snarl traffic so badly
that outfitters who have paid for access can’t get to the river there will
be consequences!
In response to requests from various outfitters American Whitewater has
posted two areas against parking. The first is roughly 100 yards long and
surrounds the trail leading to the river. This is marked for unloading
only. The second is about 25 yards near the road leading down to the river.
Please honor these signs. Both sites caused horrendous traffic snarls last
year. Rescue personnel headed to the accident at Koontz Flume were stalled
for 60+ minutes, a fact which was noted by county authorities.
Here’s what we need to do. First, please carpool to the max when going to
the Bucklick put-in on weekends, or, better yet, use Rusty’s Shuttle
Service. Second, when at the trail, offload boats quickly, then have one
person drive the vehicle to a safe parking spot. #1 recommendation for
parking: drive past Appalachian Whitewater’s Bucklick River Acess Road,
past the guard, and park on the shoulder. Then walk down the road. You can
also park before you get to the trail area. There is also some access
upstream, at Woods Ferry (right bank). This avoids thewhole mess
Be forewarned: there will be a POLICE PRESENCE on in the area of the
Bucklick Trail during Gauley Fest Weekend. Officers from the Nicholas
County Sherrif’s office will be polite, but firm, in their efforts to keep
the road open.
Eventually the Park Service may buy an access point and end this craziness.
Until then, please make nice!
Thanks for helping out, Charlie Walbridge, AW Board