Description:
The main stem of the Cheat includes 36 miles of class I water that has recently been established as a river trail. Check out the web site link below for more detailed information on access sites, river level suggestions and other valuable information. Camping on the river is possible on islands or at the Seven Islands area (be courteous of people's private property). This section runs in the spring and early summer and sometimes when thunderstorms bring the water up in the summer. The level has to be above 4 feet at the Parsons gauge to keep from scraping, but it can be run much lower (if you are ok with walking/dragging through the rapids). This is a large volume river and can produce large waves that are dangerous for canoes at high water levels. Blackwater Outdoor Adventures runs a canoe livery and guide service on this section of river.
Stories:
The Cheat from Seat to Seat (Highland Outdoors)
Directions:
The Cheat River is located in northern WV, starting in Parsons. There are seven put-in and take-out options for the Cheat River: Parsons- Rt. 219 Bridge (Google Directions below), Holly Meadow Bridge. 39.121918, -79.675215, St. George Bridge 39.165301, -79.706154, Hannahsville Ford. 39.245251, -79.707690, Riverview Lounge. 39.319643, -79.682588, and Rowlesburg Park. 39.349217, -79.671052.
Activities:
Camping, Fishing, Canoeing, Swimming
Web Resources:
http://www.cheatriverwatertrail.org/
Resources:
Books – ” A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to West Virginia”, "Paddling Virginia and West Virginia: A Guide to the Area's Greatest Paddling Adventures"