Pringle Run - Above Falls to Cheat River


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Pringle Run,

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Above Falls to Cheat River

Class IV-V+
0.5 Miles
Avg Gradient 500 fpm
Max Gradient 500 fpm

Pringle Run


Pringle Run
Photo of Andy Maser runs the Falls by Bobby Miller

Gauge Information

Name Range Updated Level
BIG SANDY CREEK AT ROCKVILLE, WV 7.00 - 100000.00 ft 02h37m 4.17 ft (rc= -0.0 )


River Description

Pringle is short but very schweeeeeeet! Once it starts dropping, it's ballzout all the way to the Cheat! Once you pop, you just can't stop! This one gets the restaurant quality, Grade A Top Choice, ZoneDogg seal of approval!
Not long after you putin, Pringle Run begins to drop through several boulder drops as you approach the big falls. There are a few downed trees in this section so be on the lookout. You'll know that you're at the falls when you see a slide leading into a large horizon line. Most of the water goes down the cascade in the middle, falling about 25 feet onto a rock. However, some of the water leaks down a chute on the right and cascades down before turning back to the left and leaping off a 20 footer into deep water. If you run the approach slide make sure you get into the right channel, which is difficult due to the shallowness of the water. You can portage the cascade on the right and putin right above the falls if you don't want to chance washing down the center.
Below the falls, there is an awesome 75 yard long slide! Then, it is steep boulder drop after boulder drop for the remaining 3/10 of a mile to the Cheat. These boulder drops are long and complex, often require you to make 5, 6, and 7 moves in a row before you reach a rest area. Make sure you scout and make sure you remember where you need to be on each move (it is very easy to lose track). Like all small steep creeks, you have to watch for sieves, cracks, and pin rocks that you will want to avoid. Avoiding these is no easy task amidst this maze of boulders and 4-8 foot ledges. I would rate this creek as tougher than Bull Run. When you finally reach the Cheat (if you're in one piece), carry up and do it again or check out some of the other small creeks in the area.

ZoneDogg runs the Falls.

SHUTTLE: Head up Rt.72 away from Albright towards the Cheat Narrows. When you are within sight of the last easy rapids of the Narrows, look for a bridge over a small creek. There is a gravel road heading up the river left bank of the creek. Park here. The road is normally gated off so carry your boat up as far as you like. You'll see the falls as you carry up. I putin above the falls where I see the creek starting to flatten out. This creek is a good one to combine with some of the other creeks in the area.
StreamTeam Status: Verified
Last Updated: 2001-06-20 19:52:44
Stream Team Editor
Robert Miller
Williamsport, MD