Headwaters To Alternative Route 58 river run
Headwaters To Alternative Route 58
This section of the river is rated as class III-IV, with some sections reaching class V depending on water levels. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 7 miles, with several challenging rapids and obstacles along the way. The most notable rapids include "Razorback," "Jacob's Ladder," and "Widowmaker."
It is important to note that this section of the river is only open during certain times of the year, typically between March and May, depending on water levels. Additionally, there are specific regulations in place to protect the river and its surrounding environment. These regulations include a ban on alcohol and glass containers, as well as a requirement for all boaters to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times.
Overall, the Whitewater River run from Headwaters to Alternative Route 58 in Virginia is a challenging and exciting destination for experienced whitewater paddlers. It is important to check water levels and regulations before planning a trip, and to always prioritize safety while on the river.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Headwaters To Alternative Route 58 -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Powell River At Big Stone Gap | 107 cfs | → |
| Poor Fork At Cumberland | 59 cfs | → |
| North Fork Kentucky River At Whitesburg | 23 cfs | → |
| Clinch River At Speers Ferry | 1,210 cfs | → |
| Guest River At Coeburn | 20 cfs | → |
| N F Holston River Near Gate City | 873 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
Other river runs
- Fs Route 700 To Confluence With Clinch River
- State Route 72 Bridge To Confluence With Clinch River
- Confluence With Guest River To Confluence With Little Stony Creek
- Confluence Of White Branch With Russell Fork (And 1 Mile Upstream On Pound River) To Railroad Bridge Crossing Above Elkhorn City
- Headwaters To Tn/Va State Line
Campgrounds
- Flag Rock Recreation Area
- Portal 31 Rv Park
- High Knob
- High Knob Recreation Area
- Natural Tunnel State Park
- Bark Camp
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Headwaters To Alternative Route 58 as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Headwaters To Alternative Route 58
What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Alternative Route 58?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Headwaters To Alternative Route 58.