Description:
A notoriously undercut river section with waterfalls and other powerful class III-V rapids. 4-7 miles. A bike shuttle can be set up by taking out along the road along the river. Alternatively, playboaters can park and play at Galloway Beach, an excellent surf hole which comes in between 5-6' on the Tygart at Philippi gauge. The best levels are those around 5.8'. Map (pdf)
There are also a couple other low water play holes. The best of which is above the bridge at the put in by 2-3 rapids. It's good at exactly 1,000 CFS on the gauge.
The other is a pocket hole directly above Undercut rapid. Check it out in this YouTube video featuring the spot. Ideal levels are around 950 CFS.
Directions:
The Arden section of the Tygart River is located south of Grafton, WV. The put in is located at the Arden bridge (Google directions below). For the take-out, follow the rd along the right side of the river for 3.6 miles for roadside take-outs. If you want to do the whole run down to the backwaters of Tygart Lake, continue on CR 10 for 1.6 miles to SR 92. Go north (left) for 3.4 miles. Go left on cr 2 (coal run rd) for about 4 miles to the river.
Activities:
Whitewater, Waterfall
Web resources:
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2452/
Resources:
Book ” A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to West Virginia”