Paul Davidson - Canoeing & Kayaking West Virginia

This guide began as a collective effort by members of the West Virginia Wildwater Association, who had been exploring the creeks, streams, and rivers of West Virginia since 1965. Bob Burrell and Paul Davidson published the first edition in 1972. Now, over 30 years later, A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to West Virginia, formerly Wildwater West Virginia, remains the most complete, up-to-date paddlers guide to Mountain State rivers. It has been revised frequently, incorporating comments from dozens of active paddlers. In addition to covering the states classic whitewater trips, it also describes a broad selection of flatwater and mildwater touring rivers. And, to keep pace with the cutting edge of whitewater sport, noted steep-creek expert Bobby Miller has written up many recently discovered hardcore creek runs. There is truly something for everyone here.

Since this guide was first published, the number of paddlers on West Virginias rivers has exploded. The Mountain State is now a mainstay for canoe and kayak enthusiasts from around the world. A vibrant and progressive commercial rafting industry gives less experienced people the opportunity to see our rivers as well. Roughly 200,000 people travel down the New River Gorge each year, and the famous Gauley River sees over 80,000 visitors during its 6-week fall season. Some people may think West Virginia rivers are getting a little too popular! But while a few other whitewater runs see intense use on a few choice spring weekends, you can still run most of the wild and beautiful rivers in the state without seeing another soul.

This guidebook notes with sadness the destruction of life and property caused by flooding. In 1985 Hurricane Juan unleashed a deluge of rain on the Cheat and Potomac River watersheds. The result was a massive flood of geological proportions. For the residents of West Virginia, this unprecedented high water had tragic results: 40 dead, 2,600 homeless, and property damage totaling $500 million. Entire towns were wiped out, dozens of bridges were destroyed, and some communities were cut off for weeks. In June and July of 2001 a similar disaster hit communities in the southern part of the state. Many roads, including all of the access roads into the popular New River Gorge, were closed for weeks. Some rivers and creeks were changed, and we have made note of this in our guide. Other scars will remain for decades, both on the land and in the minds of those who experienced the disasters.

We hope that this guide will help you to appreciate West Virginias magnificent rivers. If youre a paddler, angler, or hiker, we can direct you to some stunningly beautiful places that few people have seen. If you love the sight and sound of moving water, well lead you to some of the most spectacular whitewater rapids in the country. And for federal and state legislators, we bear witness to the treasures that exist here and that some unenlightened special interests seek to destroy. If this book helps you appreciate our states rivers and understand what is happening to them, we have succeeded.