SUMMERSVILLE, WV (SWVO) – The National Park Service is preparing for the start of the 2026 Gauley River boating season and is reminding boaters about safety rules, parking restrictions and other changes expected along the river this fall.
The Gauley River National Recreation Area boating season will run from Sept. 11 through Oct. 17. NPS crews are preparing put-ins, take-outs, roads, parking areas and other public-use facilities ahead of the season.
Officials are particularly reminding boaters to use good judgment at popular locations including Pillow Rock and Sweet’s Falls. Rangers said they have received increased complaints about disorderly conduct and people boarding other watercraft without permission.
Jumping into or boarding another boater’s watercraft without permission is prohibited and could result in a citation or arrest, according to the NPS.
Parking and camping changes will also be in place near Summersville Dam. Tailwaters Campground will be closed from Sept. 11 through Sept. 28 to provide additional parking capacity and improve traffic flow. Battle Run Campground and private campgrounds will remain open.
Put-ins and take-outs are expected to operate similarly to previous years, although officials anticipate additional parking will improve access. Incoming traffic may be temporarily stopped if parking areas reach capacity.
A 15-minute unloading zone will be available near the bathrooms. Boaters are being asked not to stage boats in parking spaces to reserve them.
Parking will also remain limited at Mason’s Branch, where the lot typically fills each day. The access road will close once parking reaches capacity.
American Whitewater is leasing Legg Field for private boater parking and has a cleared walking trail connecting the area to the river. Law enforcement generally reopens the Mason’s Branch access road around 1 p.m. after commercial bus traffic decreases. Vehicles blocking roads or parking areas may be towed.
Drivers are also being urged to use caution on roads surrounding the river, particularly Panther Mountain Road, which includes narrow sections and blind curves. Commercial buses require additional room to travel through the area.
The NPS said Hills to Hills Tour and Shuttle is the only commercial shuttle service permitted by the agency on the New and Gauley rivers. Officials warned that other commercial operators may not have required permits or insurance and that using unauthorized services could violate federal law.
NPS emergency medical and search-and-rescue patrols will operate on the river daily during scheduled releases. Patrols carry automated external defibrillators and other medical supplies.
During an emergency, rangers may request reduced water flows from Summersville Dam. Any warnings will be communicated through signs, signal flags and online updates from the NPS and American Whitewater.
Boaters are also being reminded to respect private property surrounding the recreation area. Gated roads, posted areas and other private property are not public river access points, and unauthorized entry could result in citations or arrest.
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