Tygart Valley,

5. Above Arden to Big Cove Run (Arden)

Usual Difficulty	III-V (may vary with level)
Length	8 Miles
Avg. Gradient	35 fpm
Max Gradient	50 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
TYGART VALLEY RIVER AT PHILIPPI, WV
usgs-03054500	800 - 10000 cfs	III-V	06h46m	366 cfs (rc= -0.0 )

River Description

The first 5 miles are roadside with multiple access/egress points, excellent inter to advanced training grounds and play. The lower 3 miles include 1-mile lake paddle out when at summer pool level. At winter pool, rapids extend to the take-out on right at Cove Run (very muddy take-out in wet conditions). Cove Run take-out is reached by driving up Teter Creek to bridge, across bridge and left, cross mountain and left along Cove Run down to a public-access boat ramp. The lower section is isolated with emergency take-out on the trail that runs along river right. Wells Falls can munch the foolish above 6 ft Philippi!!

The rapids descriptions and class ratings are given from the perspective of an advanced but somewhat conservative kayaker with river levels between 1500 cfs and 3000 cfs USGS Philippi.