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River runs

West Virginia river runs

Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in West Virginia with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.

Runs in West Virginia
47
Class range
I–V
Across the U.S.
331
Updated
Aug 20
Open the West Virginia paddle layer on the map Whitewater + paddle runs filtered to West Virginia.
Open the map →
August
20
2026
River runs
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.
Full directory

West Virginia river runs

Every paddleable section in West Virginia keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.

47 entries
River run Streamflow Class
Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge 3,270 cfs III-IV
Private Land Above Falls Of Seneca To Whites Run 517 cfs III-IV
Whites Run To National Recreation Area Boundary Near Us 33 517 cfs III
High Ridge Run To Outskirts Of Hopeville 257 cfs III-V
Canyon Exit To Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Nra Boundary 257 cfs III-IV
Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch) 257 cfs II-III
Shreve Store To Big Bend Campground 257 cfs III-IV
The West Virginia 259 Bridge South Of Wardensville To Ends Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River 1 cfs ·
Begins Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River To Wardensville 1 cfs II-III
Meadow Creek Junction To The Route U.S. 19 Bridge 1,810 cfs III
The Route U.S. 19 Bridge To The Confluence With The Gauley River 1,810 cfs II-V
Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss 1,810 cfs III-IV
Wardensville To The Town Of Capon Bridge 1 cfs II-III
Begins South Of Largent To The Confluence With The Potomac At Great Cacapon 811 cfs II-III
The Junction With Williams River To The Junction With Panther Creek 468 cfs III-V
Frazier Creek To .5 Mile Above Us 33 517 cfs III-IV
,5 Mile Above Us 33 To Waterfall Run 517 cfs III-IV
Waterfall Run To Dry Fork 957 cfs IV-V
Laurel Fork River To Glady Fork River 957 cfs II-III
Glady Fork River To Otter Creek 957 cfs II-III
Otter Creek To Blackwater 957 cfs ·
Enter Otter Creek Wilderness To Exit Otter Creek Wilderness 957 cfs ·
Forest Land At Entrance Of Laurel Fork South Wilderness To Exit Laurel Fork North Wilderness 430 cfs III-IV
.5 North Of Us 33 To Shears Hollow 517 cfs ·
Darnell Run To Rabbit Run 322 cfs ·
Shears Hollow To Private Land 257 cfs III-IV
The Headwaters To The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground 322 cfs II-III
Private Land To Dry Fork 257 cfs III-IV
State Park Bridge To North Fork 208 cfs III-IV
North Fork To Hickory Lick Run 957 cfs IV
Rabbit Run To Private Land .5 Mile From Richwood 322 cfs III-IV
National Forest Land To Tea Creek 805 cfs III-IV
Tea Creek To Three Forks 805 cfs III-IV
Three Forks To Spice Run 468 cfs ·
Snowshoe Dam To Lambert Run 288 cfs ·
The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground To The Confluence With The Gauley River 468 cfs III-IV
Jake Hill Road Bridge To Shreve Store 359 cfs III-IV+
Lambert Run To Us 250 167 cfs III-III+
Us 250 To Mcgee Run 167 cfs II-III
Mcgee Run To .5 Mile Above Route 22 430 cfs III-IV
Perennial Stream At Forks To Dolly Sods Wilderness Boundary 257 cfs III-IV
Enter Dolly Sods Wilderness To Exit Dolly Sods Wilderness 257 cfs III-V
Trussel Run To Run North Of Judy Springs 56 cfs ·
Run North Of Judy Springs To Private Land 56 cfs III-IV
.5 Mile Above Route 22 To Us 33 517 cfs III-IV
Route 33/8 To Jobs Run Near Porterwood 957 cfs ·
Forks To Frazier Creek 430 cfs III-IV
River runs FAQ

About West Virginia river runs

What does whitewater class mean?

The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.

Where does the West Virginia streamflow data come from?

USGS streamgauges. Each West Virginia paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.

What's a runnable level?

Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a West Virginia paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.

Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?

Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?

No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.

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