Cheat
Location: North-central West Virginia (about 135 miles northeast of Charleston; about 60 miles south of Pittsburgh; about 160 miles west of Washington, D.C.).
Length of trip: 11 miles in five to seven hours.
Season: March through Labor Day. The water flow usually peaks in spring.
Weather: Be prepared for wet-suit weather (40° to 70°F) into May. Water and air temperatures can warm up and also drop quickly in spring. Daytime highs average in the 70s in late spring and the high 80s in summer, then cool off in autumn. Springtime tends to be rainy, while summer and autumn are dry.
Lodging: Campgrounds, hotels, and resorts in nearby Kingwood and Morgantown.
Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.
Rapids: Class III, IV, and V. The water level can change dramatically overnight or even while youre on the river. Acidic mine runoff has polluted the water, but the situation is improving each year.
Special features:
- Spectacular mountain gorges.
- Largest undammed watershed in the East.
- The put-in at Albright provides a true wilderness experience.
- Spectacular spring wildflowers.
- May be warm enough in summer to swim in the calm stretches.
- Glorious autumn colors.
- White-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, hawks, ospreys, songbirds.
- Although no river-running experience is required, rafters should be in good physical condition and have no fear of water. Check with your outfitter about age limits for children.
Nearby excursions:
- Blackwater Falls State Park.
- Canaan Valley.
- Seneca Rocks.
- Cathedral State Park.
- Hawks Nest State Park.
- Horse Shoe Recreation Area.
- Deep Creek Lake.
For a list of outfitters and more information:
- West Virginia Bureau of Commerce and Tourism, 2101 Washington Street East, Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0317; +1 304 558 2200 or 800 225 5982, fax +1 304 558 2279. Try to book at least three or four weeks in advance.
For more information:
- Potomac Highland story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, March/April 1992. To order a copy, please click here.
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