The Tygart Valley River is at the limits of our range; we have included descriptions of four noncontiguous sections that are favorites of the Pittsburgh area closed boat paddlers. This river is often used as a weekend trip for groups of boaters who have mixed levels of interests and skills. Most of the interesting sections of this river are in places where the river has narrowed. This has the effect, that this river gets much more difficult as the flow increases, quicker than one would expect. More detailed descriptions of the Tygart (these sections and other sections) plus other rivers in the area can be found in Davidson, Eister, and Davidson's Wildwater West Virginia.
"The Loop" 6.5 miles
Norton to Junior
Class Grad Size
(Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
III-IV 25/36 xxx(/)
C/B 4.0-5.0
Belington
Topographic Maps: Junior
(WVa)
County Maps: Randolph (WVa), Barbour (WVa)
Description: This section, where it can be seen from the road near the beginning and the end, is flat with some riffles. In the loop, away from the highway the Tygart becomes considerably more interesting. It has Class II to IV rapids in a beautiful, isolated, forested valley. It builds gradually to the Twin Giants rapid in the middle of the run and then gradually gentles. The Twin Giants rapid is significantly more difficult and different in character from the other rapids on the river. This rapid is marked from well upstream by rows of house size boulders on the left shore and in the center. See Davidson, Eister, and Davidson's Wild Water West Virginia for details. [Reported 1988]
"The Gorge" 11.0 miles
Belington to mouth of Buckhannon
Class Grad Size
(Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
IV-V 37/65 Medium
(408/814) A/B 2.5-6.8
Belington Belington
Topographic Maps: Belington
(WVa), Audra (WVa)
County Maps: Barbour (WVa)
Description: This is the Tygart at its most spectacular. The river drops over huge boulders and ledges through an isolated gorge. It begins quietly as it leaves Belington and remains flat for 3 miles before the rapids start. "Keyhole", two ledges, and "Hard Tongue Falls" begin the real fun. The rapids closely follow each other to the junction with the Middle Fork. In the 2 miles below the Middle Fork, the Tygart increases to its most difficult, but saves many play spots for the remainder of the trip to the mouth of the Buckhannon. See Davidson, Eister, and Davidson's Wild Water West Virginia for details. [Reported 1988]
"The Arden Section" 8.0 miles
2 miles above Arden to Big Cove Run
"The Arden Section"
Class Grad Size
(Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
V 27/39 Medium (916/1,926) C/B 2.5-4.5
Philippi Philippi
Topographic Maps: Philippi
(WVa), Nestorville (WVa)
County Maps: Barbour (WVa)
Description: This is another big water section of the Tygart River. Here the river is broad, in a steep-walled, wooded valley. The rapids are generally more open and less technical than in the upper gorge, but every bit as big. These wide rapids provide many routes among the powerful currents. There are big waves, ledges, holes, two major waterfalls and two known dangerous undercuts. The road turns away and the Tygart is isolated from below Teter Creek to the access at Big Cove Run in the reservoir. The final mile or two may be pooled or may have ugly mud slopes, depending on water level in the reservoir. See Davidson, Eister, and Davidson's Wild Water West Virginia for details. [Reported 1988]
"The Valley Falls" Section 0.5 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
VI 40/40 Large A/A
Topographic Maps: Fairmont East (WVa)
County Maps: Taylor (WVa), Marion (WVa)
Description When there is enough rain or if Grafton Dam is releasing water, this section consists of two waterfalls with lethal hydraulics and Class VI rapids.
During the summer, when everything else is too low, this short stretch is a great place to practice running waterfalls and technical maneuvering. There is an 8-foot and a 14-foot falls and four Class IV-V rapids, all terminating in quiet pools. Those considering running the river down to Hammond should read Davidson, Eister and Davidson's Wild Water West Virginia for details. [Reported 1988]