Sleepy Creek
2. CR 9 near Meadow Branch confluence to Potomac confluence
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 7.6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Back Creek Near Jones Springs, Wv |
| Flow Rate as of 52 minutes | 88 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 26, 2026 |
River Description
Sleepy Creek can be run from Rt. 9 down to the Cherry Springs Boat Launch (12 miles total). There is no parking at the put in; nearest parking is 0.6 miles down the road at Spruce Pine Hollow Park. As of May 2026, there is a riverwide strainer at the railroad bridge just before the Potomac Confluence. Exercise caution and be prepared to portage if necessary. Overall, a pretty fun ride when it's flowing.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportRan at 2000 cfs in a Dagger whitewater canoe. It was a good run overall. Very fast water (6 mph pace) with big waves (3-5 ft.). I'd say one rapid might have qualified as a Class III, but overall there was nothing super technical, just a lot of bounce. On the very last rapid before the Potomac confluence, there was a riverwide strainer right after the railroad bridge. Fortunately, the water was high enough that I went right over the tree without issue, but lower flow could have caused a very serious issue. Beware! The put in is not great. The nearest parking is 0.6 miles away. Fortunately I shuttled myself with an ebike, so I just chained it to the metal barrier on the bridge, but leaving a car here would require a significant road walk. Took out at the Cherry Run Boat Ramp.
Jim Armbruster from Martinsburg, WV looks dwarfed by the rocks in the background!