Meral's Pool near Groveland serves as the primary put-in for the Main Tuolumne River, accessed via a steep 5-mile dirt road (Lumsden Road) from Highway 120.

Note that access conditions have been variable due to road damage; current access may require hiking the South Fork Road and coordinating equipment shuttles with local outfitters, with permits required for all trips May 1-October 15.

The location also serves as the take-out for Cherry Creek runs and offers a ramp for launching rafts and kayaks onto this renowned Class IV+ whitewater section.