Blackwater

Attention Blackwater River Paddlers

All Blackwater Paddlers:

DO NOT PUT IN AT THE BRIDGE!!!! Blackwater Falls is off-limits.

3 paddlers have died on the Upper B as of 2012

The State Park has made it MANDATORY to sign in at the state park lodge past the put in. They will be writing tickets to all kayakers who do not sign in at the state park lodge. You can call  304-259-5216 to sign out.

Further considerations are that the community, Tucker County, is considering passing legislation so that any persons requiring the assistance of S&R response will be responsible for the cost of the effort. The state park reportedly would have to resort to 'drastic actions,' if faced with more fatal incidents and extractions in the future. There have been several, and most were from out of state

The state park is  receiving pressure from local government, S&R, and other organizations to eliminate access to the canyon. They consider this river a liability. Don't even joke about running the falls. Be on your best behavior at the Put in! No drinking!

All paddlers utilizing the Upper Blackwater River in West Virginia should make sure to register with the Blackwater Falls State Park before decending into the gorge. You can sign in for multiple laps. Currently boaters should register at the Lodge.  Please take the few minutes it takes to register so that the Park has a record of river users and can better respond to emergencies. PLEASE provide an emergency contact (boaters OK) and working phone numbers.

In addition, paddlers should alert the Park staff to any situations that they witness or take part in on the river that could cause concern among park staff or visitors. Examples include significant accidents, lost boats, injuries, and paddlers hiking out of the gorge.

...