Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch) river run
Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch)
The segment mileage for this run is approximately 9 miles, with the average run time being around 2-3 hours. Some of the notable rapids and obstacles on this section of the river include the "Tumblehome" rapid, "Minnieska" rapid, and "Demon Drop" rapid. It is important to note that this run requires intermediate to advanced paddling skills and experience.
There are specific regulations that apply to this area, including a required permit system for commercial and private boaters. Additionally, all boaters are required to wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch) -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| N F South Br Potomac R At Cabins | 680 cfs | → |
| So. Branch Potomac River Nr Petersburg | 1,160 cfs | → |
| So Fk So Br Potomac R At Brandywine | 73 cfs | → |
| South Branch Potomac River At Franklin | 167 cfs | → |
| So Fk South Branch Potomac R Nr Moorefield | 281 cfs | → |
| Blackwater R Nr Davis | 132 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Other river runs
- Shreve Store To Big Bend Campground
- Canyon Exit To Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks Nra Boundary
- High Ridge Run To Outskirts Of Hopeville
- Jake Hill Road Bridge To Shreve Store
- Enter Dolly Sods Wilderness To Exit Dolly Sods Wilderness
Campgrounds
- Jess Judy Group Campground
- Princess Snowbird Campground
- Seneca Shadows Campground
- Red Creek Campground
- Camp Run Campground
- Brian's Place
Fishing spots
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch) as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch)
What's the optimal flow for Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch)?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch).