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Description
Rapids were rated when the Craigsville gauge was between 11.5'(900 cfs) and 12.0'(1460cfs). These were based on the old feet/cfs conversion tables before the new bridge was put in at the confluence of the Cherry and Gauley. The current conversions are approximately: 10.5' (360 cfs), 11.0'(759 cfs), 12.0'(2135 cfs), 13.0'(4135 cfs), 14.0'(6580 cfs).
Alternative takeouts:
1\. Panther Creek - 4.6 miles on river left, class II TO III-, 20'/mile gradient.
Panther Creek comes in on river left and may be reached from Curtin Bridge via WV 20&55 to Fenwick, then onto WV 39&20 to Panther Creek Road CR 39/15 which leads directly to the river at the former Marybill Mine site. The road that follows the river left side downstream of the Curtin Bridge is much shorter but does not save much (if any) shuttle time and is a private road.
2\. One rapid beyond Ships Prow Rapid (IV-) - 6.6 miles river right, This additional mileage contains the steepest mile at 40'/mile gradient and contains several boulder congested rapids of Class III or greater difficulty.
Take out # 2 is on river right and may be reached from the Curtin Bridge (WV20&55) via the Crupperneck Road (CR 14), which deadends at a left turn onto CR 14/1) which leads to a fairly large flat area about 100 feet above river level. There is a road leading downstream of this flat area. Depending on whether this road is gated or blocked you may have a slight uphill carry for 1/2 mile back to the end of the public road at this large flat area. Note\* Since the spring of 2000 these private roads have been gated or blocked. Since the winter of 2001/02 CR 14/1 has been impassable for the last 1/2 mile above the large flat area.
3\. Mouth of Big Beaver Creek - 8.4 miles on river right. Although there is a marginal road down to the river immediately past Big Beaver Creek boaters should expect a one mile hike up to Nile Road - CR 8
4\. Mouth of Persinger Creek - 12.4 miles on river right. To find this take-out go on WV 41 from Summersville toward Persinger. Take right on Nile Road - CR 8. Go 1.8 miles on Nile road and turn right in a sharp bend onto a gravel road that leads to the river at 1.2 miles below and at the mouth of Persinger Creek. This road looks sketchy from the top but is a solid so motorboats and their trailers can get to the WV DNR access point at the head of summer pool on Summersville Lake.