| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 7.9 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 20 fpm |
| Gauge | Cheat River Below Saltlick Creek at Rowlesburg, Wv |
| Flow Rate as of 15 minutes | 404 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 19, 2026 |
The Narrows is a great section of Class II-III, that is runnable most of the year at a variety of flows. Rapids are mostly wave trains and boulder gardens. This is a great beginner run and a summertime swimming oasis.
Though you can put in and takeout at several spots along the road (Rte. 72). You can put in in Rowlesburg at the park or if you just want the rapids, try the caves put-in. For better parking and rafts the 'Driveway' put-in is convenient. The typical takeout is at the Friends of the Cheat Access, or at Pringle Run.
Downstream is the more difficult and more committing Cheat Canyon. For bad craziness, you might want to grab a look at Pringle Run, which drops into the Cheat just upstream of Lick Run.
A huge rock, which creates a rapid that's totally out of character for this reach. It makes a bad pourover hole, especially at higher water levels. (Boofing right of it is the normal line.)
At lower levels, the edge of the hole is a good play spot.
Jul 15, 2026
Nice float on the Narrows with a shredder and thrillseeker at 900 cfs Rowlesburg Gauge and 1.5’ Albright Bridge Gauge. This is a good low flow. Bear Dog had a great time in the Shredder.
May 9, 2023
Great level to run the narrows at, wasn't much to have to avoid besides 2 big holes you can doge by staying river left. Finished the run in about 45 minutes, big wave trains that are super fun.
Jan 5, 2012
The map display takeout is not right. It is well upstream from this. If you run it this far the dangerous dam comes into play.