Bluestone

I have paddled this section a few times over the years mostly at higher water (1800cfs, 2500 cfs, and 4500 cfs). It is a wonderful river with nearly continuous rapids after the first few miles, countless waterfalls pouring in, incredible scenery and solitude.

In Spanishburg, there is a small pull-off just upstream of a bridge with a confluencing waterway that has a seal-launch entrance. This is a great put-in for kayaks.

I realize that this AW Reach has a takeout at Eades Mill, but I like to link this with the section downstream and take out in Lilly at the confluence with the Little Bluestone. There are rapids and current all the way to Lilly. With this put-in and takeout, your shuttle driving is all done on country roads on the north side of the river, and it's not too bad. At a good flow, your time on the water should be about 5 hours. I do not recommend continuing down to Bluestone State Park! Shortly downstream of Lilly, you reach the backwater of Bluestone Lake and it is a flatwater slog for the rest of the way...

Most of the rapids on this section and the one below are read and run. The whitewater is not difficult, but you should consider a few things before jumping on this as a beginner. This river is very continuous. A swim could easily result in a lost boat or lost gear, and you are a long way from civilization (and within a deep, steep walled canyon!!). Also, there are many, many strainers on the banks, and at the water levels I like to kayak this section, the river is flowing through the trees on the sides and through islands.

Here is a description of the most notable rapids on the upper section:

I have always run the broken dam on the far left where the dam is completely gone and there is a class II-III slide. As you approach, you will see a left bend in the river, an island, a distinct horizon line, and a well kept farm and house on river left.

Bear Claw comes immediately downstream of a spectacular 50 foot waterfall and backcut grotto which come in on river right. At higher flows, I have found that it is best to enter the rapid on the right to avoid a sticky, nearly river-wide ledge. There is plenty of room to work back to the middle after the ledge and avoid the undercut shelf on the bottom right. At 4600 cfs the ledge at the top is probably terminal and best avoided.

The next rapid of consequence comes just downstream of the I-77 bridge and just above the Eades Mill takeout. The left cliff wall at the bottom of this rapid is undercut and should be avoided. I have found it best to enter with the main flow on the left and work my way to the right at the bottom.