The Cheat River runs north into the Monongahela River in Morgantown, WV from high mountain feeder streams and creeks. It is not as popular a whitewater rafting destination as the New and Gauley Rivers in southern West Virginia, but still boasts the same adventurous experience. For the serious whitewater kayaking enthusiast, the Cheat Canyon Downriver Race is held every spring along a 10-mile section of the river.
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking Through Cheat Narrows
Cheat Narrows is a medium difficulty 10-mile portion of the Cheat River located upstream from the more difficult Cheat Canyon. The most popular rapid along this course is Calamity Rock, a large boulder in the middle of the river that forces paddlers to choose which side to tackle. The section’s namesake rapid, the Narrows, is a series of narrow rapids that are all similar and range from Class II to Class III. In general, the Cheat Narrows section has a tame rating up to Class IV but heavy rains or late snow melt can bump the excitement up to Class V.
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking Through Cheat Canyon
Cheat Canyon is more difficult and many whitewater outfitters require a minimum age of 14, given the increased need for skill and dexterity. At peak water levels with high rains Cheat Canyon will produce rapids in Class V+ but normal levels provide a challenging set of Class III to Class IV rapids. The primary season for Cheat Canyon is early spring through June, but most outfitters will run whitewater rafting and kayaking trips after heavy rains during late summer. Popular rapids include Decision, Big Nasty and Swimmers Rapid.
Cheat Canyon Downriver Race
The Cheat Canyon route is the location for a popular whitewater kayaking race held during the Cheat Festival on the first weekend in May. The Cheat Canyon Downriver Race is held when the water is swift and high during spring. Experienced kayakers can make the 10-mile run in about an hour, while paddlers bringing up the rear will finish in just under two hours. Since the first race in 1996, the number of race participants has steadily grown from about 20 to almost 160 contestants.
Whitewater Paddling Fun for Everybody
West Virginia’s state slogan, “Wild and Wonderful,” applies to many recreation opportunities available to residents and tourists. The popularity of whitewater paddling sports has created beds of whitewater outfitters along the New, Gauley and Cheat Rivers. Whitewater rafting and kayaking enthusiasts will find pleasure in what Cheat River has to offer, whether for competition or leisure.
Ashley Raybourn - Ashley specializes in travel and recreations. She also writes for Demand Media and articles have been published on USA Today Travel ...
