For your safety, Pennsylvania law does not allow boat traffic between the buoy line and the Fairmount Dam.

The West Park Access is located about midway in the 4-mile slackwater pool of Fairmount Dam (RM 8.5). The pool begins unofficially at the mouth of the Wissahickon Creek (RM 12.8), so small boat traffic of all types can be expected from there to near the dam. But the stretch near West Park Access is world-famous for its high-caliber rowing training and competitions. Racing shells are moving at triple the speed of recreational kayaks or canoes. And the rowers are facing backwards, with no view of what’s ahead of their boats. Be alert and give rowers a wide berth as soon as you spot them.

Check water level and other conditions at USGS gauge #01474500 (Philadelphia): Min. 5.9 ft; Good 5.9 ft.