White Water Paddling in West Virginia, WV

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About West Virginia White Water Paddling

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  1. A commercial raft crew drops into the foam pile at the bottom of class-V Sweet's Falls as spectators line the banks.
    The Gauley River

    Known as the Beast of the East, the Gauley River has some of the best whitewater paddling on Earth. It's definitely upper world class—and it's within a day's drive.

    Difficulty
    5 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    39.9 miles
    Duration
    The Upper Gauley's 10-12 miles take 4 hours at a leisurely pace. The Lower Gauley's 14 miles take 4 hours if you're booking.
  2. A commercial raft makes its way into Fayette Station Rapid under the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Level: .5 feet.
    The New River

    The East Coast’s big water run that built West Virginia's rafting industry is accessible and fun for most paddlers.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    39.9 miles
    Duration
    Regardless of which section of the river you choose to run, expect about a 3-hour river trip at normal summer flows.
  3. Paddlers enter Big Nasty Rapid during an annual Cheat River Race.
    Cheat River - White Water Paddling

    Ranks among the best for whitewater paddling in the region.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    132.7 miles
    Duration
    Plan to spend most of the day out on the Cheat River.
  4. Paddling on the Cherry River.
    Cherry River - Whitewater

    A tributary to the world-famous Gauley River, West Virginia’s Cherry River flows through the Allegheny Mountains in the eastern part of the state.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    55.0 miles
    Duration
    Plan to spend most of an afternoon or most of a day out on the water.
  5. The Lost River twists through the forest.
    Lost River - Whitewater

    The Lost River is already a popular kayaking destination when the water is running high.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    156.9 miles
    Duration
    You could spend a half day on the calmer upper section of the river, but the lower section is fast, so it won’t take you very long to get through.
  6. Tucked out of the way and utterly scenic.
    Cranberry River - White Water Paddling

    A rare classic, this steep river will engage intermediate and advanced boaters with its blind drops and technical maneuvers.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    58.9 miles
    Duration
    Plan to spend a few hours out on the river.
  7. Paddling the Greenbrier.
    Greenbrier River - Whitewater

    At 162 miles long, the Greenbrier River in West Virginia is one of the longest rivers in the state.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    81.1 miles
    Duration
    There are shorter and longer sections on the Greenbrier, which will take anywhere from about 2 hours to multiple days. Most people spend about a half day out on the river.
  8. The waters of the Potomac River have plenty of opportunities for white water paddling.
    Potomac River - White Water Paddling

    The Potomac River near Harpers Ferry has several sections that are great for paddlers looking to to get into some whitewater.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    219.3 miles
    Duration
    A whitewater paddling trip on the Potomac River can last several hours, depending on distance.
  9. Even beginning rafters and kayakers can navigate Tygart Valley Falls.
    Tygart Valley Falls - Whitewater Rafting

    Tygart Valley Falls is a thrilling whitewater run that is perfect for intermediate boaters. It is also popular for its late-season flow.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    107.8 miles
    Duration
    This is a fun whitewater trip that usually has water late into the season.
  10. Shaver's Fork.
    Shavers Fork - Whitewater

    Shavers Fork is one of the 5 forks that make up the Cheat River, beginning in the high hills surrounding Snowshoe Mountain Resort in eastern West Virginia.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    101.0 miles
    Duration
    There are 5 runs that will take you anywhere from 2 to 7 hours to complete, depending on which one you paddle.
  11. In the middle of the wild section of the Upper Meadow known as the Rapids is the only named individual drop on the entire run, Natural Weir.
    Meadow River - Whitewater Paddling

    Between the New River and the mighty Gauley, in both geography and white water paddling difficulty, lies the Meadow.

    Difficulty
    4 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    39.5 miles
    Duration
    Plan to be out on the Meadow River for most of a day.
  12. Whitewater paddling on the Big Sandy
    Big Sandy - Whitewater Paddling

    Whitewater paddlers will find tons of thrills running world-class rapids on Big Sandy in Morgantown.

    Difficulty
    5 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    125.6 miles
    Duration
    If you aren’t comfortable in Class IV and V rapids, you’ll want to take a guided trip. Either way, plan for about a half-day on the river.
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