Explore the Waterways of West Virginia
West Virginia, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States, has a network of rivers, lakes, and streams that contribute to its natural beauty, recreation, and historical significance. Here's a description of the primary waterways in West Virginia:
1. Ohio River: The Ohio River forms a significant portion of West Virginia's western border with Ohio and Kentucky. It is one of the major rivers in the United States and has played a vital role in the state's history and transportation. The river provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront parks along its banks in cities like Wheeling and Huntington.
2. Kanawha River: The Kanawha River is a major tributary of the Ohio River, flowing through the central part of West Virginia. It is known for its recreational opportunities, including boating, kayaking, and fishing. The Kanawha River also has several locks and dams that allow for navigation.
3. New River: Despite its name, the New River is considered one of the oldest rivers in the world, even older than the Appalachian Mountains. It flows through the southern part of the state and is famous for its rugged beauty and whitewater rapids. The New River Gorge is a renowned destination for rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. The New River is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-span steel arch bridges in the world.
4. Potomac River: The Potomac River forms a portion of West Virginia's eastern border with Maryland. While the river is more associated with neighboring Maryland and Washington, D.C., the Potomac's West Virginia section provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation.
5. Monongahela River: The Monongahela River flows through the northern part of the state, forming part of West Virginia's border with Pennsylvania. It serves as a transportation route for coal and other goods and offers opportunities for boating and fishing.
6. Elk River: The Elk River flows through central West Virginia, and its upper reaches are known for their scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The river offers fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, especially in the Sutton Lake area.
7. Shenandoah River: The Shenandoah River flows through the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, providing opportunities for paddling, tubing, and fishing.
8. Lakes and Reservoirs: West Virginia has several lakes and reservoirs, both natural and man-made, that provide opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Examples include Cheat Lake, Stonewall Jackson Lake, Summersville Lake, and Beech Fork Lake.
9. Greenbrier River: The Greenbrier River meanders through the eastern part of West Virginia, offering a tranquil setting for canoeing, tubing, and fishing. The Greenbrier River Trail is a popular route for hiking and biking along the riverbanks.
10. Small Streams and Creeks: West Virginia is dotted with numerous smaller streams and creeks that flow through its mountainous terrain, providing excellent trout fishing and opportunities for exploring remote wilderness areas.
West Virginia's waterways, surrounded by its picturesque Appalachian landscapes, offer a wide range of outdoor experiences for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're interested in tackling whitewater rapids, fishing in serene mountain streams, or simply enjoying the natural beauty along a riverbank, West Virginia's water resources provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
1. Ohio River: The Ohio River forms a significant portion of West Virginia's western border with Ohio and Kentucky. It is one of the major rivers in the United States and has played a vital role in the state's history and transportation. The river provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront parks along its banks in cities like Wheeling and Huntington.
2. Kanawha River: The Kanawha River is a major tributary of the Ohio River, flowing through the central part of West Virginia. It is known for its recreational opportunities, including boating, kayaking, and fishing. The Kanawha River also has several locks and dams that allow for navigation.
3. New River: Despite its name, the New River is considered one of the oldest rivers in the world, even older than the Appalachian Mountains. It flows through the southern part of the state and is famous for its rugged beauty and whitewater rapids. The New River Gorge is a renowned destination for rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. The New River is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-span steel arch bridges in the world.
4. Potomac River: The Potomac River forms a portion of West Virginia's eastern border with Maryland. While the river is more associated with neighboring Maryland and Washington, D.C., the Potomac's West Virginia section provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation.
5. Monongahela River: The Monongahela River flows through the northern part of the state, forming part of West Virginia's border with Pennsylvania. It serves as a transportation route for coal and other goods and offers opportunities for boating and fishing.
6. Elk River: The Elk River flows through central West Virginia, and its upper reaches are known for their scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The river offers fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, especially in the Sutton Lake area.
7. Shenandoah River: The Shenandoah River flows through the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, providing opportunities for paddling, tubing, and fishing.
8. Lakes and Reservoirs: West Virginia has several lakes and reservoirs, both natural and man-made, that provide opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Examples include Cheat Lake, Stonewall Jackson Lake, Summersville Lake, and Beech Fork Lake.
9. Greenbrier River: The Greenbrier River meanders through the eastern part of West Virginia, offering a tranquil setting for canoeing, tubing, and fishing. The Greenbrier River Trail is a popular route for hiking and biking along the riverbanks.
10. Small Streams and Creeks: West Virginia is dotted with numerous smaller streams and creeks that flow through its mountainous terrain, providing excellent trout fishing and opportunities for exploring remote wilderness areas.
West Virginia's waterways, surrounded by its picturesque Appalachian landscapes, offer a wide range of outdoor experiences for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're interested in tackling whitewater rapids, fishing in serene mountain streams, or simply enjoying the natural beauty along a riverbank, West Virginia's water resources provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Water Temperature and Weather by Waterway in West Virginia
Bluestone National Scenic River, Pipestem, WV
Cacapon River , Great Cacapon, WV
Elk River, Webster Springs, WV
Greenbrier River, Alderson, WV
Kanawha River, Kanawha Falls, WV
Middle Island Creek, Little, WV
Monongahela River, Morgantown, WV
North Branch Potomac River, Barnum, WV
Shavers Fork, Cheat Bridge, WV
South Branch Potomac River, Springfield, WV
Tygart Valley River, Colfax, WV
Tygart Valley River, Grafton, WV
Tygart Valley River, Philippi, WV
West Fork River, Enterprise, WV