Whitewater:

Cherry River

Description:

The Cherry River is located near one of West Virginia's greatest outdoor playgrounds.  With some of the best backpacking, hiking mountain biking, fishing and camping to go along with the whitewater, this is a spectacular part of West Virginia.  The Cherry provides a good novice to intermediate kayak run that is bordered by roads the whole way.  There are three access points along the section that allow for 3,6 and 9 mile paddles.   Rt. 39/55 & Cranberry Tri-Rivers Trail boarders the whole section.  This allows for an easy shuttle (by bike if you want) Class II-III. 9 miles.  Find more details on the American Whitewater link below.  

Directions:

The Cherry River is located in south central West Virginia, flowing through Richwood.  The put-in is located just outside of Richwood at the CR 39/13 bridge (Google directions below) and the take out is at the Gauley River.   Put-In:  38.220600 ,-80.552498   Take-Out:  38.290837, -80.641075.   Alternative access point:  Rt. 20 Bridge (Fenwick) 38.229684, -80.582838

Activities:

Backpacking, Bicycling, Camping (Big Rock Campground), Camping (Cranberry River Sites), Camping (Cranberry Campground), Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Swimming Holes, Whitewater

Web resources:

American Whitewater Page

ORC Resources:

Book ” A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to West Virginia”


Hero photo and gallery photos courtesy of Jeff Macklin.

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