Immediately below Lower Falls is The Inner Gorge, a 200-yard long segment of the river confined between the vertical walls of a deep gorge.
Paddlers are allowed to run the river from the base of the Lower Falls, but they are not permitted to putin anywhere except at Lee's Landing.
Thus, you must paddle and portage upstream from Lee's Landing through The Inner Gorge to get to the base of Lower Falls.
Vertical gear & ropes are needed. At stage 10.0 feet and higher, it is impossible to access The Inner Gorge.