WEST VIRGINIA RIVER RUNS

Last Updated: March 31, 2026

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.

Location	Streamflow (cfs)	Difficulty (class)
Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge	1620	III-IV
Private Land Above Falls Of Seneca To Whites Run	431	III-IV
Whites Run To National Recreation Area Boundary Near Us 33	431	III
High Ridge Run To Outskirts Of Hopeville	437	III-V
Canyon Exit To Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Nra Boundary	437	III-IV
Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch)	437	II-III
Shreve Store To Big Bend Campground	437	III-IV
The West Virginia 259 Bridge South Of Wardensville To Ends Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River	18	NONE
Begins Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River To Wardensville	18	II-III
Meadow Creek Junction To The Route U.S. 19 Bridge	424	III
The Route U.S. 19 Bridge To The Confluence With The Gauley River	424	II-V
Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss	424	III-IV
Wardensville To The Town Of Capon Bridge	18	II-III
Begins South Of Largent To The Confluence With The Potomac At Great Cacapon	1080	II-III
The Junction With Williams River To The Junction With Panther Creek	280	III-V
Frazier Creek To .5 Mile Above Us 33	431	III-IV
,5 Mile Above Us 33 To Waterfall Run	431	III-IV
Waterfall Run To Dry Fork	930	IV-V
Laurel Fork River To Glady Fork River	930	II-III
Glady Fork River To Otter Creek	930	II-III
Otter Creek To Blackwater	930	NONE
Enter Otter Creek Wilderness To Exit Otter Creek Wilderness	930	NONE
Forest Land At Entrance Of Laurel Fork South Wilderness To Exit Laurel Fork North Wilderness	367	III-IV
.5 North Of Us 33 To Shears Hollow	431	NONE
Darnell Run To Rabbit Run	188	NONE
Shears Hollow To Private Land	437	III-IV
The Headwaters To The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground	188	II-III
Private Land To Dry Fork	437	III-IV
State Park Bridge To North Fork	313	III-IV
North Fork To Hickory Lick Run	930	IV
Rabbit Run To Private Land .5 Mile From Richwood	188	III-IV
National Forest Land To Tea Creek	728	III-IV
Tea Creek To Three Forks	728	III-IV
Three Forks To Spice Run	280	NONE
Snowshoe Dam To Lambert Run	248	NONE
The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground To The Confluence With The Gauley River	280	III-IV
Jake Hill Road Bridge To Shreve Store	609	III-IV+
Lambert Run To Us 250	160	III-III+
Us 250 To Mcgee Run	160	II-III
Mcgee Run To .5 Mile Above Route 22	367	III-IV
Perennial Stream At Forks To Dolly Sods Wilderness Boundary	437	III-IV
Enter Dolly Sods Wilderness To Exit Dolly Sods Wilderness	437	III-V
Trussel Run To Run North Of Judy Springs	150	NONE
Run North Of Judy Springs To Private Land	150	III-IV
.5 Mile Above Route 22 To Us 33	431	III-IV
Route 33/8 To Jobs Run Near Porterwood	930	NONE
Forks To Frazier Creek	367	III-IV

SNOFLO®

WEST VIRGINIA RIVER RUNS

Yearly

$29.99

SNOFLO^®