Canoeing:

Monongahela River

Description:

The Monongahela River allows for flat water canoeing right in downtown Fairmont and Morgantown, WV.  Due to the locks and Dams, the Mon. is a series of pools that are more like long lakes rather than a river.  During lower water, this allows for paddling out and back from a put-in spot.  However, if the water is higher, it can flow more like a river and make paddling against the current difficult.  It is possible to go through locks if you are paddling a longer distance. There are 14 access points that allow for put-ins and take-outs along 65 miles of river.

Directions:

The Monongahela River is located in northern WV.  There are multiple boat ramps located in and near Morgantown to access the Monongahela River. The Hazel Ruby McQuain Park boat ramp in downtown Morgantown, then two north of Morgantown at Star City Riverfront Park, and Van Voorhis launch, located at the end of Van Voorhis Rd.  To the south are two access points, including Uffington boat ramp and the Opekiska lock and dam.  Fairmont access points are Palatine Park and Pricketts Fort State Park. 
(Google Maps directions to Hazel Ruby McQuain Park below.)

Activities:

Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Bicycling

Web Resources:

Mon. River Water Trail site  

Morgantown Area Paddlers guide to flatwater paddling

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