North Buckhannon Park to Hall Road

Trip Overview

Put In: North Buckhannon Park (grass carry down)

Take Out: DNR Access Site off Hall Road (concrete ramp)

Length: 9 miles

Estimated Time: 4 hours

Flow: Free flowing

Gauge: 343 ft3/s at Hall

Class: Flatwater

Level: Beginner friendly

Shuttle: 4.3 miles / 8 minutes (one way)

Description: From North Buckhannon Park, the river flows lazily through many meanders alternating shallow runs with deep slow pools. The riverway is mostly isolated with very few houses or other buildings visible from the water. This section offers excellent scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities as paddlers leave the city of Buckhannon. The river passes under the U.S. Route 33 bridge and under the Post Mill Road bridge. Pringle Tree Park appears on river left after 3.75 miles from North Buckhannon Park. Downstream, the river passes under Post Mill Road for a second time, along with two other small railroad bridges. The River Road Public Access site appears on river right 5 miles from North Buckhannon Park or 1.25 miles after Pringle Tree Park. Downstream, the river continues through long, deep pools interspersed with very short shallow runs. In this section, the river regains its natural flow characteristics as large in-stream boulders become visible. Along the way, we saw hawks, blue and green herons, soft shell turtle, groundhog, chipmunk, squirrel, deer, mallards, and wood ducks. Wildlife was plentiful and beautiful!