WEST VIRGINIA RIVER RUNS

November 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.

Forecast Model


Kayak

Location Streamflow (cfs) Difficulty (class)
Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge
612 III-IV
Private Land Above Falls Of Seneca To Whites Run
435 III-IV
Whites Run To National Recreation Area Boundary Near Us 33
435 III
High Ridge Run To Outskirts Of Hopeville
95 III-V
Canyon Exit To Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Nra Boundary
95 III-IV
Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch)
95 II-III
Shreve Store To Big Bend Campground
95 III-IV
The West Virginia 259 Bridge South Of Wardensville To Ends Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River
5 NONE
Begins Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River To Wardensville
5 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
5 II-III
Begins South Of Largent To The Confluence With The Potomac At Great Cacapon
265 II-III
The Junction With Williams River To The Junction With Panther Creek
352 III-V
Frazier Creek To .5 Mile Above Us 33
435 III-IV
,5 Mile Above Us 33 To Waterfall Run
435 III-IV
Waterfall Run To Dry Fork
497 IV-V
Laurel Fork River To Glady Fork River
497 II-III
Glady Fork River To Otter Creek
497 II-III
Otter Creek To Blackwater
497 NONE
Enter Otter Creek Wilderness To Exit Otter Creek Wilderness
497 NONE
Forest Land At Entrance Of Laurel Fork South Wilderness To Exit Laurel Fork North Wilderness
108 III-IV
.5 North Of Us 33 To Shears Hollow
435 NONE
Darnell Run To Rabbit Run
252 NONE
Shears Hollow To Private Land
95 III-IV
The Headwaters To The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground
252 II-III
Private Land To Dry Fork
95 III-IV
State Park Bridge To North Fork
82 III-IV
North Fork To Hickory Lick Run
497 IV
Rabbit Run To Private Land .5 Mile From Richwood
252 III-IV
National Forest Land To Tea Creek
199 III-IV
Tea Creek To Three Forks
199 III-IV
Three Forks To Spice Run
352 NONE
Snowshoe Dam To Lambert Run
111 NONE
The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground To The Confluence With The Gauley River
352 III-IV
Jake Hill Road Bridge To Shreve Store
175 III-IV+
Lambert Run To Us 250
135 III-III+
Us 250 To Mcgee Run
135 II-III
Mcgee Run To .5 Mile Above Route 22
108 III-IV
Perennial Stream At Forks To Dolly Sods Wilderness Boundary
95 III-IV
Enter Dolly Sods Wilderness To Exit Dolly Sods Wilderness
95 III-V
Trussel Run To Run North Of Judy Springs
34 NONE
Run North Of Judy Springs To Private Land
34 III-IV
.5 Mile Above Route 22 To Us 33
435 III-IV
Route 33/8 To Jobs Run Near Porterwood
497 NONE
Forks To Frazier Creek
108 III-IV
       

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