Early summer storms created high flows in the river above the powerhouse, severely damaging the Beechertown Road and river access sites, making Duke Energy’s scheduled recreation flows impossible and unsafe. Duke engineers and recreation designers worked with the U.S. Forest Service on repair designs, with Duke then hiring a contractor to do the work under Forest Service supervision. 

Recreation flows are now restored, allowing the estimated 400 to 500 skilled paddlers who use the river each day to enjoy the area. Beechertown Road is open only from State Road 1310 to the Slot Falls turnaround. Due to loss of much of the road shoulder there, no parking space is available. Paddlers are encouraged to park at the lower end and shuttle up.