Portage is poor for boaters at both dams. A cable gate limits access to the trail on both sides of the road. Rapids in New River at this point. This milepost is broken and vandalized. Unapproved spring located nearby.
Powerhouse is located on the far side of the spillway.
An island separates the channel where the powerhouse releases the New River from the turbines at the powerhouse and the main course of the New River. These pools are heavily fished after a period of high water for the trapped fish. The Cliff Trail, starting near this point, is an old wagon road that runs parallel to the New River Trail. The Cliff Trail rejoins the New River Trail at Ivanhoe. An example of Buck Dam's fishing pools.