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Position relative to this access site:Put-in at this locationThis location is on the runTake-out at this location Downstream from hereUpstream from here
The Grantsville access point on the Little Kanawha River provides a practical put-in spot for kayakers and canoeists exploring this historic waterway. Located in Calhoun County near Grantsville via West Virginia Route 6 and Bailey Road (Routes 4/3), the access features an easily sloped mud bank suitable for launching small craft. This site sits at the location of a historic lock and dam from the river's steamboat era—the dam structure remains intact, though the lock doors are long gone, allowing the river to flow freely.
The Little Kanawha is a scenic, manageable river popular with paddlers seeking a blend of history and nature. Multiple community groups actively maintain the river through cleanups and water trail improvements, making it a well-supported paddling destination. This access point works well as either a put-in or take-out depending on your paddling plans, and paddlers should note the presence of the old dam structure when navigating this section.