Cacapon,
|
|
US 50 at Capon Bridge to WV 127 Bridge
| Usual Difficulty |
II (may vary with level) |
| Length |
12.6 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient |
15 fpm |
| Max Gradient |
15 fpm |
First Ledge 2
First Ledge 2Photo of Steve by John Duke taken 9/27/03 @ 1 ft. on 127 bridge
Gauge Information
River Description
Summary:
This is a beautiful practiced novice run on the upper reaches of the Cacapon. The major rapids are
riverwide ledges and fastwater in sharp bends. Usually up in the winter and spring, the Cacapon
features unusual rock formations, including Caudy's Castle, Chapel Rock and Ice Mountain.
Access:
After closure of the Cold Stream access in 2003, regional paddling groups were working to secure
reliable access three miles upstream at the Hwy 50 bridge in Capon Bridge, WV. Word is there may be
a small use fee associated with the parking there and it is hoped the access will be available by
April, 2004. Takeout at WV127 bridge on river right downstream of bridge. (NOTE: When running a
shuttle via Rt. 15 and Rt. 45/20, be sure to go to the second bridge as you head east on Hwy. 127.
The first bridge is over the North River, a tributary of the Cacapon.
Rapids:
There are three ledges, with the third perhaps warranting a Class II+ rating because it can be
sticky. The first ledge can be snuck on the far right. The second has a clean line on the left and
the last is usually cleanest in the center right. The remaining rapids are Class I-II rock gardens
that are mostly wide open.
Posted by Ron on May 21, 2004 at 17:17:01:
In Reply to: Paddler's Access Notices posted by Ron Ray on May 21, 2004 at 17:13:39:
PAN Access Advisory Cacapon River at Capon Bridge (Rte 50) by Bing Garthright, 301-330-1225, April
22, 2004
Putting in at the Rte 50 bridge over the Cacapon River, in the town of Capon Bridge, adds about 4
miles to the more usual float from Edwards Run/Cold Spring down to Rte 127, the Forks of Cacapon.
This firm-ground parking spot and long, sloping bank is especially attractive during high water
levels. Thanks to the kind toleration of Mr. Donald Wolford of Capon Bridge, Paddlers' Access
Network (PAN) has found a new, very good access at the bridge. Mr. Wolford owns the Red Rooster
store (undergoing restoration in April 2004), the building immediately west of the bridge on the
north side of Rte 50. He is willing for us to turn downstream (north) immediately at the western
end of the bridge, drive down the gravel driveway, and park any vehicles that we leave there off to
the right of the driveway, along the river bank-not against the side of the store. The put-in is
about 25 yards downstream from the bridge on the left bank, down a well-grassed slope with a gently
sloping bank at the bottom.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (1) We must call Mr. Wolford at least one day before paddling and let him
know the trip leader's name/telephone number and the number of cars that will end up being parked
at his store while we paddle down the Cacapon. Mr. Wolford's phone number is 304-856-2832. If we
reach his answering machine, it will be enough to leave the information on the machine. He is not
giving permission, but rather just trying to keep informed about what cars are doing parked on the
property. (2) Parking space is probably limited to three vehicles, but parking for a few minutes
while unloading could be done by about 8 vehicles. (3) Mr. Wolford has had problems with other
paddlers leaving trash at this put-in. Please bag and remove any trash you find there before
putting in.
THANKS TO: Don Wolford's kindness; Zeth Zajac's extensive scouting, and a tip from Dick
Gramm.
PLEASE NOTE: Private owners and organizations never invite paddlers to use their land. Most are
kind enough to tolerate it. Just as we paddle at our own risk, we use advisories, parking spaces,
and access sites at our own risk.
StreamTeam Status: Verified
Last Updated: 2004-06-01 23:03:59
Editors
No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. 
User Comments
boating public access located on the Cacapon River at the State Route 127 bridge near Forks of
Cacapon will be temporarily closed, according to Bret Preston, Assistant Chief, Wildlife Resources
Section, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The West Virginia Division of Highways will
replace the existing bridge. The public access site will close during construction, which is
expected to last one year. The Route 127 public access is a popular float fishing access on the
Cacapon River. Anglers and boaters should plan alternate float trips during the construction of the
new bridge. The current boat launch and fishing pier will be rebuilt with a number of improvements
that will benefit anglers and boaters, according to Preston.
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It was early April and the river running pretty good. My son and I decided we would try out our new
fiberglass canoe. At the end of our trip all we could say was WOW!! The end results was seven holes
in the canoe and several good, cold soakings.
only Class 2 if you see it and avoid it to the right in time. However, I do think that a stronger
warning about this hole is appropriate. It appears below a right turn and has a small crag/cliff on
the left side. Putting in was no problem---5$ per boat.
regional river access issues, the putin situation at the Cacapon has changed do to a change in
ownership at the property boaters have been using to putin. Access info, current to Aug. 1, 2005,
is copied below. Please check this link for any changes:
http://www.monocacycanoe.org/pan/cacapon-caponbridge_july05.htm
"Access to the Cacapon River, from US 50 in Capon Bridge. This adds about 4 miles of flatwater to
the traditional Cacapon whitewater run.
The former arrangements with Mr. Wolford, owner of the Red Rooster store, are obsolete. Mr. Wolford
has sold the store.
The store is now Flower Creations and Gifts. The new owners allow put-in and take-out on the
property, at $5 per boat. The store is located at the end of the west-bound side of the US 50
bridge at Capon Bridge, or downstream river left.
We THINK parking privileges are included, at the prior location. Immediately at the west end of the
bridge and BEFORE the store, turn downstream / north onto a gravel driveway. The put-in is about 25
yards downstream, at a grassy slope. Park vehicles on the river side of the driveway, NOT alongside
the store.
No advance notice is required, and you can launch / land after hours. Your payment goes into a
self-service box that's stocked with envelopes, so you'll need a pen along with your $5. If you
have questions, the store's phone is 304 856-2225. The owners may be running a shuttle service by
summer 2006.
I haven't notice the river being muddy, except after a good rain. For those who don't know, the
Lost River is a few miles West of Wardensville, off of Rout 55. Though I must say I don't have a
lot of knowledge of the Lost River. It is said that the river disappears through a hole in the
ground, and then when it reemerges it is then called Cacapon River.
He has seen an extreme amount of mud this year on the river..
Do you know of anything other than the lost river construction goin on that could be the problem ?
1.9, witch is low. I started at Yellow Springs and attempted to go to Capon Bridge at rout 50. Let
me just say, I did more walking the paddling. After a few hour walk, it started to storm. About
half way, I and a few others decided to call it quits. I must say though, all and all I still had a
great day on the river.
the gauge is showing the river running when it is WAY to low
boats on the river, on a rainy warm fall day, with the sodden smell of decaying leaves and a river
running full and turbid. I have never forgotten that trip--the last time I paddled with my father
before he died--and though I live far far away now, I hope someday to run it again--perhaps with my
son.