OCT Sun Aug 18 Potomac Needles

[Katherine]

Since this club trip was originally posted, DC area paddler groups have arranged for river access with private outfitters.
Please let me know by Fri. if you plan to come.
The Aug. 18 Needles trip will run from River Riders Harpers Ferry Campground in Bakerton to Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (HFAC) near route 340. This eliminates about six miles of mostly flatwater, allowing for more time in the rapids. There is an option to t.o. at Brunswick, MD, about 3 additional miles which include the ledges in Weverton for those preferring a longer float.
River Riders at the Bakerton putin has a list of CCA members who may use their property to launch. As a CCA member, I confirmed that Coastals members on this trip may fill out a waiver and use this area as guests. This trip has been cross-posted with the CCA.
The take out at HFAC requires signing a waiver and paying $5 for a military-style vehicle to haul boaters, boats and gear up a steep hill to the HFAC parking lot. Bracelets are provided when payment is made.
Please let me know by Friday Aug. 16 if you plan to join us.
katherine.mull@gmail.com

[GinnyN]

Thank you for all this info.
I'm thinking about it

[paddlin_bill]

I'm thinking about it too. What time do you plan to meet and how long a river trip is it? I need to factor return trip to Lynchburg in my Sunday plans

[Katherine]

Meeting time is 11 am at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. The run from Bakerton to HFAC is about 3+ miles - the river is wide and there's plenty to do so it's not as short as it seems. Plus big rocks for lunch stop. White Horse offers fun surfing waves. On the other hand, driving a long way might merit a longer trip.
Going to Brunswick adds another 4 miles for a trip of about 7 miles with some fine scenery and additional rapids plus flatwater. The take out has a ramp and plenty of parking. Also, included in the Weverton rapids is the jacuzzi rapid. This is one not to miss for a soak on a hot day.
I have received interest from folks in taking out at both locations -- we can work out logistics so everyone can take out where they prefer.

[RickLucas]

Hi Katherine,
I'm thinking about joining on Sunday. Never been there and ran across this while doing a little research on what to expect.

https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/58bf1c2440dd3/web/

https://www.americanwhitewater.org/cont ... l/id/3289/

Would you agree and consider this run to be CL 2+?

I'm leaning toward the shorter playful run and spending time at the play spots.

Thanks,
Rick

[Katherine]

Rick - A 2-2+ rating is used by the paddler groups in the area, though AW rates Whitehorse a 3, which it probably is in higher water levels, though boats do capsize there at normal levels, too. Coastals members can fill out the River Riders waiver on line. There will also be a waiver to fill out at the take out at HFAC, where we meet at 11. So far most folks are opting for the shorter run.
Katherine

[paddlin_bill]

Decided this too far afield for me considering work on Monday morning.

Have fun everyone!