Explore River Trails
The Petersburg area is well-known for our epic hiking and biking trails that attract thousands of visitors to our mountains each year. But we are also blessed with amazing river trails perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or just a leisurely float.
The Hopeville Canyon is one of the best paddling pleasures in West Virginia. The North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac flows through the canyon creating about five miles of Class III river perfect for adventure kayaking. The scenery is incredible with the North Fork Mountain cliffs in the background, rock formations jutting out of the water and there is a good possibility of seeing bald eagles on your journey. The put-in is on Rt 28 about 8 miles north of Seneca Rocks.
For a classic float/fishing trip, the long and beautiful Smoke Hole Canyon features massive rock formations and great camping spots. The rapids are a consistent Class I – II with a couple Class II+, so the paddling is easy and relaxing. After joining with the North Fork of the South Branch, the waters roll through Petersburg, Moorefield, then into the Trough to Romney. To get to a put-in, take 220 south from Petersburg for about 16 miles to Smoke Hole Rd. Follow this road for 5-10 miles along the river to many put-in alternatives.
The Trough is a narrow, six-mile wooded gorge that is almost inaccessibly steep. Bounded by Mill Creek Mountain to the west and Sawmill Ridge to the east, this area is only open to paddlers and train travelers. But if you’re one of those lucky few with a boat or a train ticket, you’re in for a beautiful journey.
The put-in at Welton Park, 1.6 miles east of Petersburg, is a breeze. You can actually drive right down to the water. Trailer parking is available and local outfitters offer shuttle service. This section of the South Branch is known for Bald Eagle, Little Green Heron, Great Blue Heron and an occasional Golden Eagle sighting. The river passes through a number of pools, from a half-mile to a mile long, each one terminating with a rapid, ranging from Class I to Class II. You can paddle the full 12.5 miles to Old Fields Bridge or shorten your trip and take out at Brighton Park.
If flat water paddling is more your style, the area has several lakes perfect for paddling. From the 23-acre Spruce Knob Lake with a small boat launch, to the 48-acre South Mill Creek Lake with a concrete boat ramp, all the way up to the 952-acre Jennings Randolph Lake with a two-lane boat launch and 5.5 miles of surrounding shoreline.
Bring your kayak or canoe to Grant County and discover our many river trails. Don’t have your own boats? One of our local outfitters can help get you set up with the proper equipment for your adventure.