Cheat, Dry Fork

Alternate put-in at head of river road (Gladwin). Alternate takeouts at end of river road (Gladwin), at confluence with Otter Creek (footbridge and parking lot access to Otter Creek trail) and at AW takeout at foot of 2nd street in Hendricks (footbridge).

The lower Dry Fork starting at head of river road (Gladwin) is an excellent intermediate training run and a surfer's paradise with numerous holes and waves, some of which are even fine park and play. Though not a wilderness run, it's still very scenic with creeks entering from both sides and several waterfalls cascading in from the left. In addition, this may be the safest class III run in WV, since it harbors little in the way of large boulders,undercuts,strainers or recirculating holes. It has been run at very high levels by strong advanced paddlers. River road runs streamside for approx 5 miles.

The (once) popular takeout 1 mile downstream of Otter Creek is not recommended since there have been several incidents of vandalism to paddlers vehicles there. CJ's Pizzeria in Parsons is the post-paddling spot for food and libations.

Directions from AW takeout in Hendricks: Take Rte. 72 South to river road (1st right after crossing bridge over Red Run). To put in at Gladwin, stay on river road past the AWFS flood gauge to a wide spot on the road, above which this road becomes private property. To put in at Jenningston, turn left at the AWFS flood gauge and then right onto Rte. 72 south and follow Rte. 72 to a right on the Jenningston road (yes, there is a sign). Cross the bridge in Jenningston and turn downstream to a small parking area in approx 200 yards.

For advanced/expert paddlers looking to boat the Dry Fork as a dessert run, the Blackwater River and Otter Creek are nearby.

Paul