WEST VIRGINIA RIVER RUNS

December 21 2024

West Virginia is a haven for whitewater and kayaking enthusiasts, with some of the best river runs in the country. The Gauley River is a popular destination known for its challenging Class V rapids and stunning scenery. The Upper Gauley is particularly famous for its big drops and technical sections, with recommended streamflow levels of 2,800-3,000 cfs for an optimal experience. The New River Gorge is another must-visit spot, offering a mix of Class III-IV rapids and breathtaking views of the gorge. With streamflow levels between 2,000-3,000 cfs, the New River provides an exhilarating ride for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

For those seeking a more laid-back experience, the Cheat River offers a mix of Class II-IV rapids and beautiful wilderness surroundings. Recommended streamflow levels for the Cheat River range from 2.5-5 feet to ensure an enjoyable trip. Safety is paramount when navigating West Virginia's rivers, so always check streamflow levels before heading out, wear appropriate gear, and consider going with a guide if you're not familiar with the area. With its diverse range of river runs and stunning landscapes, West Virginia is a paddler's paradise just waiting to be explored. So grab your gear, hit the water, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Mountain State.

Kayak


Location Streamflow (cfs) Difficulty (class)
Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge
2820 III-IV
Private Land Above Falls Of Seneca To Whites Run
651 III-IV
Whites Run To National Recreation Area Boundary Near Us 33
651 III
High Ridge Run To Outskirts Of Hopeville
549 III-V
Canyon Exit To Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Nra Boundary
549 III-IV
Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch)
549 II-III
Shreve Store To Big Bend Campground
549 III-IV
The West Virginia 259 Bridge South Of Wardensville To Ends Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River
12 NONE
Begins Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River To Wardensville
12 II-III
Meadow Creek Junction To The Route U.S. 19 Bridge
1140 III
The Route U.S. 19 Bridge To The Confluence With The Gauley River
1140 II-V
Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss
1140 III-IV
Wardensville To The Town Of Capon Bridge
12 II-III
Begins South Of Largent To The Confluence With The Potomac At Great Cacapon
1210 II-III
The Junction With Williams River To The Junction With Panther Creek
480 III-V
Frazier Creek To .5 Mile Above Us 33
651 III-IV
,5 Mile Above Us 33 To Waterfall Run
651 III-IV
Waterfall Run To Dry Fork
1410 IV-V
Laurel Fork River To Glady Fork River
1410 II-III
Glady Fork River To Otter Creek
1410 II-III
Otter Creek To Blackwater
1410 NONE
Enter Otter Creek Wilderness To Exit Otter Creek Wilderness
1410 NONE
Forest Land At Entrance Of Laurel Fork South Wilderness To Exit Laurel Fork North Wilderness
653 III-IV
.5 North Of Us 33 To Shears Hollow
651 NONE
Darnell Run To Rabbit Run
313 NONE
Shears Hollow To Private Land
549 III-IV
The Headwaters To The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground
313 II-III
Private Land To Dry Fork
549 III-IV
State Park Bridge To North Fork
330 III-IV
North Fork To Hickory Lick Run
1410 IV
Rabbit Run To Private Land .5 Mile From Richwood
313 III-IV
National Forest Land To Tea Creek
1190 III-IV
Tea Creek To Three Forks
1190 III-IV
Three Forks To Spice Run
480 NONE
Snowshoe Dam To Lambert Run
434 NONE
The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground To The Confluence With The Gauley River
480 III-IV
Jake Hill Road Bridge To Shreve Store
691 III-IV+
Lambert Run To Us 250
215 III-III+
Us 250 To Mcgee Run
215 II-III
Mcgee Run To .5 Mile Above Route 22
653 III-IV
Perennial Stream At Forks To Dolly Sods Wilderness Boundary
549 III-IV
Enter Dolly Sods Wilderness To Exit Dolly Sods Wilderness
549 III-V
Trussel Run To Run North Of Judy Springs
100 NONE
Run North Of Judy Springs To Private Land
100 III-IV
.5 Mile Above Route 22 To Us 33
651 III-IV
Route 33/8 To Jobs Run Near Porterwood
1410 NONE
Forks To Frazier Creek
653 III-IV
       

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