WEST VIRGINIA RIVER RUNS

Last Updated: January 6, 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	751	III-IV
Private Land Above Falls Of Seneca To Whites Run	193	III-IV
Whites Run To National Recreation Area Boundary Near Us 33	193	III
High Ridge Run To Outskirts Of Hopeville	137	III-V
Canyon Exit To Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Nra Boundary	137	III-IV
Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch)	137	II-III
Shreve Store To Big Bend Campground	137	III-IV
The West Virginia 259 Bridge South Of Wardensville To Ends Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River	3	NONE
Begins Where The Lost River Becomes The Cacapon River To Wardensville	3	II-III
Meadow Creek Junction To The Route U.S. 19 Bridge	337	III
The Route U.S. 19 Bridge To The Confluence With The Gauley River	337	II-V
Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss	337	III-IV
Wardensville To The Town Of Capon Bridge	3	II-III
Begins South Of Largent To The Confluence With The Potomac At Great Cacapon	349	II-III
The Junction With Williams River To The Junction With Panther Creek	154	III-V
Frazier Creek To .5 Mile Above Us 33	193	III-IV
,5 Mile Above Us 33 To Waterfall Run	193	III-IV
Waterfall Run To Dry Fork	358	IV-V
Laurel Fork River To Glady Fork River	358	II-III
Glady Fork River To Otter Creek	358	II-III
Otter Creek To Blackwater	358	NONE
Enter Otter Creek Wilderness To Exit Otter Creek Wilderness	358	NONE
Forest Land At Entrance Of Laurel Fork South Wilderness To Exit Laurel Fork North Wilderness	153	III-IV
.5 North Of Us 33 To Shears Hollow	193	NONE
Darnell Run To Rabbit Run	98	NONE
Shears Hollow To Private Land	137	III-IV
The Headwaters To The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground	98	II-III
Private Land To Dry Fork	137	III-IV
State Park Bridge To North Fork	176	III-IV
North Fork To Hickory Lick Run	358	IV
Rabbit Run To Private Land .5 Mile From Richwood	98	III-IV
National Forest Land To Tea Creek	316	III-IV
Tea Creek To Three Forks	316	III-IV
Three Forks To Spice Run	154	NONE
Snowshoe Dam To Lambert Run	113	NONE
The U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground To The Confluence With The Gauley River	154	III-IV
Jake Hill Road Bridge To Shreve Store	208	III-IV+
Lambert Run To Us 250	171	III-III+
Us 250 To Mcgee Run	171	II-III
Mcgee Run To .5 Mile Above Route 22	153	III-IV
Perennial Stream At Forks To Dolly Sods Wilderness Boundary	137	III-IV
Enter Dolly Sods Wilderness To Exit Dolly Sods Wilderness	137	III-V
Trussel Run To Run North Of Judy Springs	49	NONE
Run North Of Judy Springs To Private Land	49	III-IV
.5 Mile Above Route 22 To Us 33	193	III-IV
Route 33/8 To Jobs Run Near Porterwood	358	NONE
Forks To Frazier Creek	153	III-IV

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