Cotton Hill Launch provides day-use access to the New River's Hawks Nest bypassed reach with a gravel parking lot accommodating up to 12 vehicles and multiple informal trails for hiking, fishing, and boating access.

The site features a 1-mile pedestrian access road to the dam with seven trails leading to the river, and is managed by West Virginia DNR with seasonal amenities including restroom facilities, picnic areas, and parking improvements.

Scheduled whitewater releases (2,000-2,500 cfs) occur on 15 weekend days from March through July, with shuttle service provided during these events to transport paddlers and equipment to the put-in area below the dam.