The remote, winding stretches of the Gauley River are difficult to access with a few notable exceptions. The river access at Wood's Ferry and Mason Branch is quiet and secluded most of the year until Gauley Season, with the scheduled fall water releases. When the parking lots are not bustling with boaters and the water is low, the Leftover Salmon boulder offers a well shaded, beautiful setting for a few choice climbs. "Leftover Salmon" ranks in the top of v6s in the whole region. This area is untapped and more, unclimbed boulders are right around the river bend.
🔴This area is somewhat water level dependent. The lower the water the better. The best time to visit is the month of April when the Summersville dam is set at minimum flow and in the late summer through early fall before the leaves fall. Water levels below 8.5 feet are ideal. Check the water level at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/03189600/. Check the Gauley River release schedule when the parking lot will be full of boaters at https://www.lrh-wc.usace.army.mil/wm/?wwsched
🚶♂️ Approach summary - Chill. 2 to 3 minutes
💎 Notable problems - Leftover Salmon V6 is the main attraction but all lines here are worthy.
💧 Dry time - 1-2 day. Lines on the right of the boulder can seep for a day or 3.
🍂❄️🍃 Seasonal Beta - Best in April, weekdays or weekend evenings late summer and early fall. Well shaded!
🌊 Water Level Beta - See above
🚗 Drive from downtown Fayetteville - 50 minutes
🚗 Drive from Summersville - 45 minutes
🚽 Bathrooms - Pit toilets at the parking area.
📶 Cell phone service - 0/5. None.
🐶 Dogs - Must be leashed at all times. This is National Park land.
