Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program Title with the National Park Service arrowhead Parknet and arrowhead


West Virginia Segments

 

Chuck Barscz
National Park Service
Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance
200 Chestnut Street, Rm. 260
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 597-6482



Kayaker on rapids in West Virginia

River
County
Reach
Length (miles)
Year Listed/ Updated
Potential
Classi- fication
ORVs
Description
Other States
Big Sandy Creek Preston Cheat River to Bruceton Mills
10
1982
  S, G Geologic-(Segment includes unusual geologic formations, cliffs, sheer rock walls, large boulders, waterfalls and numerous rock ledges. The amount and diversity of features appears to be unique.)  
Blackwater River Tucker Hendrix to headwaters
32
1982
  S, R, F, O Recreation-(Segment includes significant Class 3-5 rapids and is surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest.)

Botanic-(River flows through, and is representative of, the Canan Valley which is a National Natural Landmark. The area is the highest mountain valley east of the Mississippi and the largest complex of bog and swamp communities in the Appalachian Region. Segment is also adjacent to Big Run and Red Run Bogs which are part of a unique bog system.)

Scenic-(Within the corridor are a variety of visually diverse landscape features including the 65' high Blackwater Falls and an area of bluffs.)

Fish-(Segment is part of a significant self-sustaining brown trout habitat.)

 
Blackwater River Tucker State Park bridge to N. Fork
3
1982/ 1993
S
S, R Flows over 57-ft. high falls and through Blackwater Falls State Park in an inaccessible 600-ft. canyon.  
Blackwater River Tucker N. Fork to Hickory Lick Run
6
1982/ 1993
S
S, R Class 4-6 whitewater stream in a steep sided scenic canyon up to 1400 feet deep.  
Buckhanon River Barbour, Upshur, Randolph Confluence with Tygart Valley to the headwaters
60
1982
  R Recreation-(Segment possesses a variety of flow gradients including Class 3-6 rapids. 36 miles of the segment are considered an excellent canoe-camping-fishing trip area.)  
Cheat River Preston, Tucker Albright to Parsons
49
1982
  W, O Botanic-(Segment includes an area noted as the southernmost stronghold of American larch.)  
Cheat River, Dry Fork Tucker Glady Fork to Otter Creek
7
1982/ 1993
R
R Provides challenging class 2-4 whitewater boating through a constricted scenic valley.  
Cheat River, Dry Fork Tucker Otter Creek to Blackwater
3
1982/ 1993
R
R Provides challenging class 2-4 whitewater boating through a constricted scenic valley.  
Cheat River, Dry Fork Tucker Blackwater River to Gladwin
9
1982
  R Recreation-(Segment possesses a variety of flow gradients including Class 3-4 rapids.)  
Cheat River, Dry Fork Tucker Laurel Fork to Glady Fork
4
1993
R
R Provides challenging class 2-4 (mostly 3) whitewater boating through a constricted scenic valley.  
Cheat River, Glady Fork Randolph, Tucker Dry Fork of Cheat River to headwaters above Glady
30
1982
  R, O Wild-(Corridor and surrounding watersheds are virtually undeveloped and remote.)

Recreation-(Segment possesses a variety of flow gradients including Class 3-4 rapids. The corridor, which is nearly 95 percent undeveloped and inaccessible, offers a unique natural recreation experience.)

 
Cheat River, Glady Fork Randolph Forks to Frazier Creek
4
1982/ 1993
R
R Provides opportunity for long-distance hiking on Allegheny Trail in scenic riverside setting.  
Cheat River, Glady Fork Randolph Frazier Creek to .5 miles above US 33
8
1982/ 1993
W
R See initial comments.  
Cheat River, Glady Fork Randolph .5 miles above US 33 to Waterfall Run
4
1982/ 1993
R
R See initial comments.  
Cheat River, Glady Fork Randolph, Tucker Waterfall Run to Dry Fork
15
1982/ 1993
S
R Provides opportunities for long-distance hiking on Allegheny Trail in a scenic riverside setting with a diversity of good fishing, boating and camping.  
Cheat River, Shavers Fork Randolph Faulkner to headwaters above Spruce
51
1982
  R Recreation-(Segment possesses a variety of flow gradients including Class 3-4 rapids. The corridor, which is nearly 90% undeveloped and inaccessible, offers a significant natural recreation experience.)  
Cherry River & South Fork Greenbrier, Nicholas, Pocahontas Richwood to headwaters
13
1982
  S Scenic-(Segment is entirely encased within a gorge and possesses numerous rocks, boulders and rapids.)  
Cherry, North Fork Greenbrier, Nicholas Rabbit Run to .5 miles from Richwood
11
1993
R
S, R    
Cherry, North Fork Greenbrier, Nicholas Darnell Run to Rabbit Run
5
1993
R
S, R    
Cranberry River Nicholas, Webster Headwaters to confluence with Gauley River
33
1993
W, S
O Botanical values due to Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, a National Natural Landmark.   
Elk River & Left Fork Braxton, Webster, Randolph Sutton Lake Reservoir to Webster Springs
73
1982
  O Hydrologic-(One of the longest, relatively free-flowing rivers in this section and province.)  
Gauley River Nicholas, Webster Donaldson to Panther Creek Junction
25
1993
S
S, R Gorge offers good white water in rugged, relatively unspoiled setting.  
Greenbrier River Pocahontas, Greenbrier Confluence of East and West Forks downstream to I-64 bridge at Caldwell
109
1993
S
S, R, G, F, H Mainstem of the Greenbrier from Durbin to I-64 providing a diversity of recreation including flat and whitewater boating, 78-mile state-managed Greenbrier River Trail, two state parks and two state forests, warm and coldwater fishing with a mixture of forested and pastoral areas.  
Greenbrier River Greenbrier, Monroe, Summers I-64 bridge at Caldwell downstream to confluence with New River at Hinton
53
1993
R
S, R, G, F, H Mainstem of the Greenbrier providing flat and whitewater boating and excellent warmwater fishing. Generally accessible, with several towns and significant residential and seasonal home development, and paralleled by CSX Railroad.  
Greenbrier River, East Fork Pocahontas Origin at Blister Swamp to Forest Service Road 36 at Island Campground
10
1982/ 1993
S
R, F Outstanding fishing, hiking; dispersed recreation in a forested environment.  
Greenbrier River, East Fork Pocahontas Island Campground downstream to confluence with West Fork Greenbrier at Durbin
9
1982/ 1993
R
R, H Provides limited whitewater boating opportunity through a readily accessible area of forests, pastures, and small communities.  
Greenbrier River, East Fork Pocahontas Bartow to headwaters
14
1982
  O Botanic-(Segment's headwaters include Blister Swamp which is notable for its native species of Balsam fir known as Blister Pines and southernmost known locality in eastern North America of the twinflower (Linnaea borealis var. americana).)  
Greenbrier River, West Fork Pocahontas Origin at Wildell to confluence with East Fork Greenbrier at Durbin
18
1982/ 1993
R
R, F Provides a diversity of recreation opportunities including fishing, whitewater boating, hiking on converted RR, and dispersed camping in an attractive forested environment.  
Greenbrier River, West Fork Pocahontas Durbin to headwaters
17
1982
  F Fish-(Recognized as a significant area for small mouth bass and float fishing.)  
Holly River & Left Fork Webster, Braxton Sutton Lake Reservoir to Holly River State Park
25
1982
  S Scenic-(Diverse juxtaposition and combination of land, water and vegetation elements.)  
Hughes River, North Fork Ritchie Cairo to Harrisville
8
1982
  S Scenic-(Diverse juxtaposition and combination of land, water and vegetation elements.)  
Laurel Fork Randolph Shears Hollow to private land
7
1993
W
S, R Class 3-4 whitewater boating opportunities through a largely undeveloped environment. Central portion (Segment 5) includes a 12-foot waterfall with extensive class 3 rapids and a long-abandoned logging railroad tunnel.  
Laurel Fork Randolph Enter NF land- exit Wilderness
16
1993
S
R Includes portions of Laurel Fork of North and South Wildernesses and the Laurel Fork Recreation Area. Offers diverse hiking, camping and fishing opportunities in a remote setting.  
Laurel Fork Randolph .5 miles North of US 33 to Shears Hol.
5
1993
S
R Class 3-4 whitewater boating opportunities through a largely undeveloped environment. Central portion (Segment 5) includes a 12-foot waterfall with extensive class 3 rapids and a long-abandoned logging railroad tunnel.  
Laurel Fork Randolph Private land to Dry Fork
1
1993
R
R Class 3-4 whitewater boating opportunities through a largely undeveloped environment. Central portion (Segment 5) includes a 12-foot waterfall with extensive class 3 rapids and a long-abandoned logging railroad tunnel.  
Little Kanawha River Wood, Wirt, Roane, Calhoun Confluence with the Ohio to the confluence of the W. Fork
30
1982
  H Historic-(Segment includes the Burning Spring National Register Site. The area was the site of world's 2nd oil field.)  
Middle Fork River Upshur, Randolph, Barbour Tygart Valley River to Lantz
13
1982
  R Recreation-(Segment includes a diversity of flow gradients including sections of Class IV rapids.)  
Middle Fork River Randolph Lantz to headwaters
28
1982
  R Recreation-(Segment includes a diversity of flow gradients and including Class 3-5 rapids.)  
Mud River Cabell, Lincoln Mud River to confluence with the Guyandotte River
70
1982
  H Historic-(Within the corridor is the Mud River Covered Bridge, a National Historic Landmark.)  
New River Fayette, Raleigh, Summers Gauley Bridge to Bluestone Dam
66
1982
  R, G, W, C Wildlife-(Segment includes 23 Federal threatened or endangered species including the New River crayfish, big mouth chub, Kanawha darter, New River snail, ephemeral cave scud.)

Cultural-(Segment includes the New River Bridge, the largest expansion bridge in the world.)

Recreation-(A nationally recognized whitewater recreation area.)

Geologic-(Reported to be the oldest river, geologically, in North America.)

 
North River Hampshire, Hardy Confluence with the Cacapon River to headwaters
44
1982
  O Hydrologic-(The North River is an undeveloped, free-flowing river in its entirety.)  
Ohio River Hancock From OH/PA state line to Wellsville
18
1982
  S, R, H See Ohio River, OH comments.
OH
Otter Creek Randolph, Tucker Enter Wilderness -exit Wilderness
10
1993
S
S, R High gradient stream with numerous cascades, waterfalls, and rapids within an essentially natural appearing landscape. Flows through Otter Creek Wilderness.  
Potomac River Morgan, Hampshire Hancock (MD) to Oldtown (MD)
52
1982
  H, O Historic-(Segment parallels the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park. This area, a National Historic Register Site, is one of the least altered older canals.)

Hydrologic-(One of the largest (in CFS), longest, free-flowing, sparsely developed remaining high order rivers in the section and province.)

MD
Potomac River, North Fork of South Branch Grant High Ridge Run-near Hopeville
3
1982/ 1993
S
S, R Unique and extremely diverse combination of land, water and vegetation elements. River flows through the narrow, cliff-lined Hopeville Gorge. Outstanding class 2-3 whitewater boating.  
Potomac River, North Fork of South Branch Pendleton, Grant Mouth of Seneca to South Br.
19
1982
  S Scenic-(Unique and extremely diverse juxtaposition and combination of land, water and vegetational elements.)  
Potomac River, South Branch Grant Canyon exit to NRA boundary
3
1982/ 1993
R
R    
Potomac River, South Branch Grant, Pendleton, Hardy Petersburg to Jake Hill Road crossing
26
1982
  R Recreation-(Segment flows through the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and is adjacent to attractions such as Seneca, Eagle and Champe Rocks, and the Smoke Hole gorge.)  
Potomac River, South Branch Hampshire, Hardy N. Br. to U.S. Rt. 220 crossing north of Moorefield
34
1982
  G Geologic-(Segment flows through the "Trough", a six mile gorge area with near wilderness qualities.)  
Potomac River, South Branch Pendleton Jake Hill Bridge to Shreve Store
5
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, G Fast-moving river flowing through upper Smokehole Canyon with towering rock formations and exposed rocky slopes. Outstanding whitewater kayaking and canoeing, fishing, developed camp and picnic areas and riverside vehicle access.  
Potomac River, South Branch Grant, Pendleton Shreve Store to Big Bend CG
5
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, H See initial comments.  
Potomac River, South Branch Grant Big Bend CG to Canyon exit
9
1982/ 1993
S
S, R, G, W Outstanding class 2 canoeing opportunities through lower Smokehole Canyon with towering rock formations, cliffs and geologic features. Rare plants and animal species.  
Potomac River, South Fork of the South Branch Hardy, Pendleton, Highland 1 mile south of Moorefield to Palo Alto
55
1982
  R, G, O Recreation-(Segment includes a diversity of flow gradients including Class 4 and 5 rapids at the Moorefield River Gorge and Ft. Seybert.)

Hydrologic-(The second longest, relatively undeveloped, free-flowing river within the entire province.)

Geologic-(Segment flows through the Trumbol Gap, a unique gorge-like "trough" enclosed by nearly perpendicular walls.)

VA
Red Creek Tucker Enter -exit Wilderness
5
1993
S
S, R High gradient stream flowing through Dolly Sods Wilderness. Hiking, backpacking opportunities in remote, steep-walled valley.  
Red Creek Tucker Perennial stream to Wilderness boundary
3
1993
S
S, R Near-unique scenic values with extensive grass vegetation. Hiking, camping, berry picking in remote, high-elevation.  
Seneca Creek Pendleton Trussel Run to North of Judy Springs
3
1993
W
R Outstanding recreation and scenic values related to hiking, backpacking, and fishing in a remote setting with several waterfalls and cascades, excellent water quality and native trout fishery.  
Seneca Creek Pendleton North of Judy Springs to private land
5
1993
W
S, R, F See initial comments.  
Seneca Creek Pendleton Private land to Whites Run
3
1993
R
R, F Highly productive fishing stream flowing through a mixture of wooded and pastoral environments.  
Seneca Creek Pendleton Whites Run to NRA boundary
2
1993
R
R, F Highly productive fishing stream flowing through a mixture of wooded and pastoral environments.  
Shavers Fork Tucker, Randolph Confluence with the Cheat River to Faulkner
30
1982
  W, O Botanic-(Corridor is adjacent to, and hydrologically connected with, the Gaudineer Scenic Area, a National Natural Landmark.)

Wildlife-(Segment is part of an area which is the habitat for a highly unusual and significant biological association of 22 species of warblers.)

 
Shavers Fork Randolph, Pocahontas Snowshoe Dam to Lambert Run
18
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, O Diversity of recreation opportunities related to fishing, hunting and nature study in a relatively remote scenic setting with extensive areas of red spruce and associated ecosystems. Opportunities for interpretation of early logging and mining history.  
Shavers Fork Randolph .5 miles above Rt 22 to US 33
9
1982/ 1993
R
R Class 2-4 whitewater stream with good fishing and opportunities for historical logging/sawmilling interpretation in an attractive forested valley.  
Shavers Fork Randolph McGee Run to .5 miles above Rt 22
15
1982/ 1993
R
S, R Outstanding winding, class 3-5 whitewater kayaking stream, with some class 6 portions, in a scenic and generally remote forested valley. Includes 15-ft Falls of Cheat and several popular swimming holes. Mostly accessible only by foot or railroad. Localized commercial coal mining and railroad loading near Yokum Road.  
Shavers Fork Randolph Lambert Run to US 250
2
1982/ 1993
R
R Similar to Segment 1, but without remote conditions. Readily accessible by vehicle with commercial coal activity evident.  
Shavers Fork Randolph, Tucker Rt 33/8 to Jobs Run
22
1982/ 1993
S
S, R Good canoeing stream in a scenic valley combining pastoral and forested areas with developed and dispersed camping and fishing opportunities.  
Shavers Fork Randolph US 250 to McGee Run
11
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, O Canoeable stream with outstanding stocked catch-and-release fishing opportunity in a scenic environment and good vehicle access.  
Tygart Valley River Barbour, Taylor, Marion Monongahela to Bellington
71
1982
  R Recreation-(Segment possesses a variety of flow gradients including up to Class 4 rapids. The river flows through a variety of environments and offers an extended recreation experience.)  
Williams Webster Three Forks to Spice Run
4
1993
R
S, R See initial comments.  
Williams Pocahontas National Forest land to Tea Creek
10
1993
R
S, R Diversity of recreation opportunities including excellent fishing for stocked trout with native and naturalized fish in the upper reaches, class 2-4 whitewater boating opportunities below Tea Creek, and both developed and dispersed camping along a vehicle-accessible stream in a scenic forested valley.  
Williams Pocahontas Tea Creek to Three Forks
11
1993
R
S, R See initial comments.