Walhonde Water Trail (Coal River Watershed) in West Virginia

Trip Overview

This is about the Upper Falls Landing on the Walhonde Water Trail in West Virginia.

Upper Falls Landing is a natural landing at the Upper Falls of Coal River. It easily provides the necessary watercraft portage around the historic Upper Falls Dam and Upper Falls Lock. The landing actually consists of a man-made landing upstream of the Upper Falls and the natural landing downstream. Portage between the two landings is provided by Upper Falls Walking Trail and conveniently, restrooms are located along the way. These features are in Meadowood Park, which also has soccer fields, volleyball, picnic shelters, children's play structures, fishing and boating on a small lake. So, the park itself is a great destination!

Upper Falls Point, near the natural landing, provides a spectacular view of the Upper Falls.

Launches:

The landing actually has two launches:

www.paddling.com/launches/showLaunch.html?lid=18705
www.paddling.com/launches/showLaunch.html?lid=18706

Fees:

Admission is free.
Parking is free.
Swimming is prohibited.
Park hours are from dawn until dusk throughout the year.

Directions:

From I-64 westbound, take exit 55 and proceed along Kanawha Turnpike, Lincoln Drive and Smith Creek Road; turn right between Upper Falls Crossing and Upper Falls Bridge. From I-64 eastbound, take exit 44, Winfield Road south, West Main Street east and Coal River Road south; turn left at Upper Falls Intersection onto Upper Falls Bridge, then left at the end of the bridge.

Contact:

Reach the Kanawha County Parks and Recreation Commission at 304-341-8000

Resources:

The History of Upper Falls, West Virginia at http://upperfallswv.blog.com/ provides a brief background.