Explore our rivers, lakes and streams.
North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac – Hopeville Canyon
One of the most beautiful canyons anywhere. The North Fork Mountain cliffs in the background, rock formations jutting out of the water and a good possibility of seeing Bald Eagles make this a must-see spot. Good Class III run. 4-5 miles. The put-in is on Rt 28 about 8 miles north of Seneca Rocks. The put-in is off a large pull-out as the river comes right up to the road. The takeout is just north of Hopeville across the road from the Jordan Run road intersection, or three miles further down at the Smoke Hole Road Bridge.
South Mill Creek Lake
Located in Grant County. The 48-acre lake located 7.7 miles south of Dorcas, accessible from WV Rt 9. The lake was built in 1994 has a maximum depth of 35 feet with an average depth of 17.5 feet. The lake provides a 24-foot-wide concrete boat ramp, a wheelchair accessible wooden fishing pier with a paved access path, 12 paved parking spaces and 64 gravel parking spaces as well as picnic table and toilet facilities. No camping, electric motors only.
Spruce Knob Lake
Built in 1952 the lake is 23-acres and regularly stocked with trout. There is small boat launch for kayaks, canoes, and electric trolling motors only, parking lot and vault toilets. A wooden pier along the shoreline provides barrier free access.
Smoke Hole
This is a classic float/fishing trip in a long, beautiful canyon that features massive rock formations and great camping spots. The rapids are consistent Class I – II with a couple Class II+. Keep an eye out for Bald and Golden Eagles. The take-out is at a public river access site in Petersburg on the north side of the 220 bridge. To get to the put in’s take 220 south for about 16 miles to Smoke Hole Rd. Follow this road for 5-10 miles along the river to many put-in alternatives. Put-in at the picnic area bridge make this a 21-mile run, while put-in at Big Bend Campground makes it about a 15-mile trip.
Jennings Randolph Lake
The lake stretches along 5.5 miles of spectacular countryside on the North Branch of the Potomac River. The area is renowned for its unspoiled wilderness and natural beauty. The lake is a 952-acre reservoir with wide two-lane concrete ramp with floating docks for loading and unloading. Large parking area with restroom facilities. Motorboats, sailboats, kayaking and canoeing – great lake for water skiing. Day use fee is charged for launching trailered boats, annual passes are available.
North Fork River
Public river access west of the Smoke Hole Bridge to Petersburg Bridge
Trough
6.5-mile-long stretch of the South Branch of the Potomac River, north of Moorefield and south of Romney – bald eagle sightings, easy float.
Welton Park to Brighton Park or onto Old Fields Bridge
About 12.5 miles, put in at Welton Park – trailer parking available. Mile long pool; Bald Eagle, Little Green Heron, Great Blue Heron and an occasional Golden Eagle sighting. After the pool, riffles, river drops about 15 feet in about 200 feet with a double chute. This run is a series of pools followed with rapids ranging from Class I to Class II, each rapid has a well-defined horizon line at the top so you know when you are coming up to it. Just below Fisher Bridge-South access point – sign says “STAY RIGHT” – follow the sign. Past the second Fisher Bridge access point river widens and becomes shallow, the river bottom is bedrock with several short ledges and rock gardens. The last pool is 1 ½ - 2 miles long ending just below the Old Fields Bridge. To shorten this run you can take out at the Brighton Park.
