Where Your Trip Begins
There are currently nine existing access points on the Upper Cheat River Water Trail. These sites are owned and managed by public entities as well as private landowners and businesses. Please observe all posted rules and regulations and respect areas surrounding the sites to ensure continued access for future paddlers.
Access site conditions and regulations are subject to change – please visit the site kiosks and review all pertinent information. Currently, no access points along the Water Trail allow camping. Future plans include installing ADA access for several access points. Check back for updates.
The Upper Cheat River Water Trail map contains access information and can be found here on our website.
Things to keep in mind:
The Cheat River flows north. This is one of its many unique aspects, and one that continually surprises more than a few folks.
The Black Fork at Hendricks and Shavers Fork in Parsons join to form the Cheat main stem. Travelers on the Water Trail may access the main stem from either fork.
Putting in at the Hendricks foot bridge or The Fat Olive (formerly CJ’s Pizza) on the Black Fork means you won’t be able to access Parkwood Lane or the U.S. 219 Bridge access points on Shavers Fork – and vice versa.
Chart your journey and view the Water Trail from above with this Interactive Map.
CAUTION – EXPERIENCED PADDLERS ONLY
The CRWT segment, Hendricks to The Fat Olive (formerly CJ’s Pizza), has been classified as “Intermediate.” This section includes fast moving water containing various rocks, holes, currents, and waves that require skillful maneuvering to avoid. Swimmers could be at risk and may require help.
Mileage Matrix
Access Information
Holly Meadows to St. George
Distance: 8.1 miles (the average paddler moves 2 miles per hour)
Access
- The Holly Meadows Bridge is on river-right. Exit WV Rt 72 onto Holly Meadows Rd and cross bridge. Access is immediately after the bridge on the right side of the road. Follow a grassy foot path to the river.
- The St. George Bridge is on river-right. Exit WV Rt 72 onto Location Rd, cross the bridge, and take the first right. Follow the road until it ends.
Water Level Gauges
We encourage you to check water levels the morning of your floats to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Current water levels for the Water Trail can be referenced by USGS gauges in Parsons and Rowlesburg and are measured in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Water Level Guide
- Less than 100 cfs: Water is too low for paddling.
- 100–250 cfs: Getting out of the boat and dragging it through shallow areas is necessary, so short trips are recommended. Great for tubing and hot days when getting out of your boat is fun.
- 250–500 cfs: The river is still low and may require some boat dragging.
- 500–1,000 cfs: A great water level. Learning to read the river can help avoid getting hung up on rocks and having to get out of your boat.
- 1,000–5,000 cfs: The river is moving more rapidly, meaning less paddling and more floating. Stay away from river banks to avoid tree limbs and other debris hidden under the water surface.
- 5,000–8,000 cfs: Water is moving fast and can be dangerous—exercise caution. Standing in the river can lead to foot entrapments. This level requires boating experience and knowledge of river safety.
- 8,000+ cfs: EXPERTS ONLY! Water moving at this level is extremely swift and requires expert knowledge and experience to negotiate. Do not overestimate your skill level, which could put your life in danger!
Weather
Be sure to check the forecast leading up to and the morning of your float. Please keep in mind there are 70 miles of untamed river upstream of the Water Trail. A sudden storm or high-water event miles away can cause the river to rise several feet in just an hour. Flash flooding can occur during heavy downpours due to the steep topography of the Cheat.
- NOAA forecast for Parsons (section start)
- NOAA forecast for St. George (section finish)
What to Bring
- Food & Drinks: Make sure you have an appropriate amount of each for the trip and stay hydrated. Avoid drinking river or stream water! Alcoholic beverages and boating don’t mix and can be dangerous.
- Life Jackets: Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are as necessary as a paddle in every boat. The best and safest practice is to wear your PFD at all times. Law requires that a Coast Guard-approved PFD be available for every person in each boat.
- River Map: Make sure you know where you are at all times—you don’t want to miss your take-out. A downloadable and print-ready version of the water trail map is available here.
- Fishing: Be sure to have your West Virginia fishing license on hand at all times.
- Footwear: Having sturdy footwear, like old tennis shoes or secure sandals, will protect your feet from hazards like slippery rocks, glass, metal, and old fishing hooks.
- Clothing: In summer, most folks will be comfortable in bathing suits, shorts, and a synthetic t-shirt. Wearing a hat and/or using sunscreen can help you avoid sunburn. The risk of hypothermia is greater in cooler weather (60 degrees F or lower). We recommend wearing synthetic fibers and having a towel and an extra set of dry clothes in a vehicle at the take-out or sealed in a waterproof bag.
- Pack Smart: Place cameras and cell phones in secured dry bags or waterproof boxes.
- Leave No Trace: If you pack it in with you, pack it out. Stay off private property and respect all wildlife. For more information on Leave No Trace, visit http://www.lnt.org
Amenities
- Blackwater Outdoor Adventures: Located on the river’s edge in St. George, this outfitter offers guided paddling trips, rentals, and a general store for all your fishing, camping, and paddling needs. http://www.blackwateroutdoors.com/ 304-478-3775
- FOC Campground
- Shop and Save – Parsons
- Walgreens – Parsons
- Piccolo Paula’s Cafe – Parsons
- The Grand Slam Grill – Parsons
- MR. Pizza – Parsons
- BFS (Formerly Sheetz) – Parsons
General Notes
Visit [new web link] for the latest updates on the Cheat River Water Trail
Access points on the Upper Cheat River Water Trail are owned and managed by public entities, private landowners, and businesses. Please observe all posted rules and regulations, and respect areas surrounding the sites to ensure continued access for future paddlers.
Access conditions and regulations are subject to change. Please visit the site kiosks and review all pertinent information.
Friends of the Cheat monitors bacteria levels at public access sites throughout the Cheat River Watershed. View our findings at www.theswimguide.org