WEST VIRGINIA RIVER RUNS

Last Updated: January 28, 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	816	III-IV
Private Land Above Falls Of Seneca To Whites Run	196	III-IV
Whites Run To National Recreation Area Boundary Near Us 33	196	III
High Ridge Run To Outskirts Of Hopeville	134	III-V
Canyon Exit To Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Nra Boundary	134	III-IV
Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch)	134	II-III
Shreve Store To Big Bend Campground	134	III-IV
The West Virginia 259 Bridge South Of Wardensville To Ends Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River	14	NONE
Begins Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River To Wardensville	14	II-III
Meadow Creek Junction To The Route U.S. 19 Bridge	248	III
The Route U.S. 19 Bridge To The Confluence With The Gauley River	248	II-V
Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss	248	III-IV
Wardensville To The Town Of Capon Bridge	14	II-III
Begins South Of Largent To The Confluence With The Potomac At Great Cacapon	330	II-III
The Junction With Williams River To The Junction With Panther Creek	139	III-V
Frazier Creek To .5 Mile Above Us 33	196	III-IV
,5 Mile Above Us 33 To Waterfall Run	196	III-IV
Waterfall Run To Dry Fork	204	IV-V
Laurel Fork River To Glady Fork River	204	II-III
Glady Fork River To Otter Creek	204	II-III
Otter Creek To Blackwater	204	NONE
Enter Otter Creek Wilderness To Exit Otter Creek Wilderness	204	NONE
Forest Land At Entrance Of Laurel Fork South Wilderness To Exit Laurel Fork North Wilderness	1170	III-IV
.5 North Of Us 33 To Shears Hollow	196	NONE
Darnell Run To Rabbit Run	259	NONE
Shears Hollow To Private Land	134	III-IV
The Headwaters To The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground	259	II-III
Private Land To Dry Fork	134	III-IV
State Park Bridge To North Fork	180	III-IV
North Fork To Hickory Lick Run	204	IV
Rabbit Run To Private Land .5 Mile From Richwood	259	III-IV
National Forest Land To Tea Creek	428	III-IV
Tea Creek To Three Forks	428	III-IV
Three Forks To Spice Run	139	NONE
Snowshoe Dam To Lambert Run	151	NONE
The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground To The Confluence With The Gauley River	139	III-IV
Jake Hill Road Bridge To Shreve Store	182	III-IV+
Lambert Run To Us 250	89	III-III+
Us 250 To Mcgee Run	89	II-III
Mcgee Run To .5 Mile Above Route 22	1170	III-IV
Perennial Stream At Forks To Dolly Sods Wilderness Boundary	134	III-IV
Enter Dolly Sods Wilderness To Exit Dolly Sods Wilderness	134	III-V
Trussel Run To Run North Of Judy Springs	73	NONE
Run North Of Judy Springs To Private Land	73	III-IV
.5 Mile Above Route 22 To Us 33	196	III-IV
Route 33/8 To Jobs Run Near Porterwood	204	NONE
Forks To Frazier Creek	1170	III-IV

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