Rugged mountains and wilderness areas punctuate the relatively small state of West Virginia. But don't let the lack of acreage fool you. Big whitewater action awaits you with steep gradients, large hydraulics and surprising twists that challenge even the most expert rafters. World-class rafting rivers in the state serve up whitewater fun for all experience levels, with waters that can be enjoyed by families and novices as well.
River Characteristics
Full of surprises, West Virginia rivers are characterized by seemingly straightforward rapids with hidden holes, unseen rocks and unexpected currents. Undercut ledges and underwater caves line the banks, making departing your raft in midstream a dangerous affair. The technical nature of runs in even mild rapids easily leads to fatigue and resulting impaired judgement and slower reaction time when fast maneuvers are required. On the upside, surprisingly warm water and adequate year-round water levels keep West Virginia's rivers popular play spots for three seasons of the year.
World-Class Whitewater
Class IV and V rapids challenge rafters on both the Upper and Lower Gauley. Home to the world's largest whitewater festival the third week of each September, the Gauley Fest attracts rafters from all over the world to camp, enjoy music and see the latest in whitewater technology in addition to taking on the highly technical hydraulics the upper portion of the river serves up. Aptly named rapids, such as Pure Screaming Hell and Tumblehome, hide treacherous holes and wind between undercut rocks that wait to suck in the unwary or unlucky boater.
Intermediate Water
The Middle Gauley begins at the take-out from the challenging upper river with a mild class II rapid before gearing up to class IIIs for the rest of its five-mile run. Fuzzy Box of Kittens is the one of the first sizable rapids, with a long wavetrain concluding in a corkscrew hole that flips rafts that enter on the wrong angle. It immediately enters a large pool, giving rafters plenty of time to regain their seating before the next hydraulic. Hidden hydraulics such as the Fuzzy Box of Kittens are characteristic of the Gauley and this stretch is optimal training for those aspiring to the advanced features of the Upper and Lower Gauley.
Family-Friendly Whitewater
Straightforward class II and III rapids will delight the entire family on the Cheat River Narrows run. Embarking at Rowlesburg, Cave Rapid sets the tone for the five-mile trip, which is characterized by large wavetrains. Once in the Narrows, a giant boulder named Calamity Rock divides the river and can make passage on either side a rafting challenge. The action continues past the town of Kingwood to Lick Run, the usual exit. If you choose to continue on the river, the water smooths out until entering Cheat Canyon, where extreme rapids test the skills of expert raftsmen.
Wild and Scenic
The Bluestone River includes 10.5 miles designated as Wild and Scenic. Put in at the confluence of Rich Creek in Spanishburg and enjoy mild riffles before running a breached dam three miles downriver. Straightforward class II and III rapids characterize the journey down to Pipestem State Park, but be aware of undercut ledges both above and below water level. By making prior arrangements, you can have a tramway at the state park transport you and your raft out of the gorge. The river continues downstream with a few minor rapids and riffles before waters backing up from the Bluestone Dam turn the journey to a flat-water paddle trip.
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