Flatwater paddling (Elkins, Buckhannon, Petersburg: transplants, house, camping)

[bethany12]

I was wondering, besides the Greenbrier, what are some of the better flatwater rivers/lakes? What about the North Branch and South Branch of the Potomac? I am looking for an area with great outdoor opportunities (kayaking and fishing) but without the sprawl and city transplants.

[bobbyconn]

I live on the Poca River. It is a very scenic flatwater paddle. Good fishing too.

[vec101]

Buckhannon River/ Buckhannon/ Upshur County
West Virginia whitewater - Buckhannon River - Left Fork, Upshur/ Randolph County
Buckhannon River - Left Fork, West Virginia, white water, Star to Alexander

Also see WVRC River Resource
West Virginia Rivers Coalition
West Virginia, white water (I find it hard to believe some of the rivers on the list area considered whitewater - ex: Buckhannon river is on the list but it's a nice smooth river. Do all rivers have a whitewater classification? Perhaps a Class I is mild?)

Greater Canaan Valley area. http://www.canaanvalley.org/West-Virginia-Vacations/West-Virginia-Activities.html
Elkins http://www.randolphcountywv.com/OutdoorRecreation.htm

[David Kennedy]

My favorite is the Cheat River..

St. George to the RT # 50 bridge...about 15 miles and done in a day..

Water gets too low after June 15th...

[Lady of the Lake 1959]

Stonewall Jackson Lake, Burnsville Lake, Tygart Lake, Stonecoal Lake and yes the Buckhannon River, Tygart River. The North Fork and rivers up in Pendleton are too shallow.

[Two-Rivers]

Elk river through Clay county in the Fall if water levels are normal. Great smallmouth fishing. Catch and release, please.

[Call me Tres]

If you want to go real slow and real flat, stop by my house on your way down the Little Coal. Right across the golf course with a fire pit by the water, can't miss us!

[Threerun]

Back Creek in Berkeley County is one of my all time favorite floats. Clean, pike and muskies in the water, can float all the way to the Potomac.. Nice ride.

[David Kennedy]

Bethany, you asked about The South branch and the North Branch...

Seneca Creek to Petersburg to Moorefield is great for trout and smallmouth but throw the bass back as they have tumors from fertilizer runoff. The stocked trout are ok.

Water level is the issue here and canoes and kayaks are mainly used.

Moorefield's South Branch is poor...not enough water because of mountain flood control dams.

AND Upper Tract to Petersburg on the North Fork is poor too...need higher water and that make this narrow channel run risky.

Moorefield to Romney through the Trough is a great float...and the fishing is good too..

[billscamaros]

threerun - where would you start on back creek to float to the potomac? i'm familiar with the bridge at rt 9 and the bridge further south .... i think that is rt 45? i've spent some time camping at sleepy creek public hunting ground, and have always wondered about fishing and floating on back creek. thanks.