WEST VIRGINIA RIVER RUNS

Last Updated: May 11, 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
539 III-IV
Private Land Above Falls Of Seneca To Whites Run
155 III-IV
Whites Run To National Recreation Area Boundary Near Us 33
155 III
High Ridge Run To Outskirts Of Hopeville
82 III-V
Canyon Exit To Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Nra Boundary
82 III-IV
Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch)
82 II-III
Shreve Store To Big Bend Campground
82 III-IV
The West Virginia 259 Bridge South Of Wardensville To Ends Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River
6 NONE
Begins Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River To Wardensville
6 II-III
Meadow Creek Junction To The Route U.S. 19 Bridge
202 III
The Route U.S. 19 Bridge To The Confluence With The Gauley River
202 II-V
Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss
202 III-IV
Wardensville To The Town Of Capon Bridge
6 II-III
Begins South Of Largent To The Confluence With The Potomac At Great Cacapon
257 II-III
The Junction With Williams River To The Junction With Panther Creek
159 III-V
Frazier Creek To .5 Mile Above Us 33
155 III-IV
,5 Mile Above Us 33 To Waterfall Run
155 III-IV
Waterfall Run To Dry Fork
269 IV-V
Laurel Fork River To Glady Fork River
269 II-III
Glady Fork River To Otter Creek
269 II-III
Otter Creek To Blackwater
269 NONE
Enter Otter Creek Wilderness To Exit Otter Creek Wilderness
269 NONE
Forest Land At Entrance Of Laurel Fork South Wilderness To Exit Laurel Fork North Wilderness
129 III-IV
.5 North Of Us 33 To Shears Hollow
155 NONE
Darnell Run To Rabbit Run
109 NONE
Shears Hollow To Private Land
82 III-IV
The Headwaters To The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground
109 II-III
Private Land To Dry Fork
82 III-IV
State Park Bridge To North Fork
53 III-IV
North Fork To Hickory Lick Run
269 IV
Rabbit Run To Private Land .5 Mile From Richwood
109 III-IV
National Forest Land To Tea Creek
194 III-IV
Tea Creek To Three Forks
194 III-IV
Three Forks To Spice Run
159 NONE
Snowshoe Dam To Lambert Run
82 NONE
The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground To The Confluence With The Gauley River
159 III-IV
Jake Hill Road Bridge To Shreve Store
208 III-IV+
Lambert Run To Us 250
42 III-III+
Us 250 To Mcgee Run
42 II-III
Mcgee Run To .5 Mile Above Route 22
129 III-IV
Perennial Stream At Forks To Dolly Sods Wilderness Boundary
82 III-IV
Enter Dolly Sods Wilderness To Exit Dolly Sods Wilderness
82 III-V
Trussel Run To Run North Of Judy Springs
41 NONE
Run North Of Judy Springs To Private Land
41 III-IV
.5 Mile Above Route 22 To Us 33
155 III-IV
Route 33/8 To Jobs Run Near Porterwood
269 NONE
Forks To Frazier Creek
129 III-IV