Potomac, North Branch

As noted by others, there are a few additional rapids upstream of the normal put-in at Barnum. To get to these, the 'easiest' way is go upstream on river right (the left side of the river as you go upstream) via the trail that goes by directly by cabin #4 (cabins #9 and #10 will be off to your right 50 m off in the woods reached via another trail). You can take this trail all the way to the base of the dam (no trespassing signs are present right at the very base of the dam). It's about a mile. You can walk or theoretically drive a vehicle though this likely isn't encouraged or even allowed. I have not tried to access this area by going from the dam downstream but it is likely to be challenging to do so without trespassing in plain view of the dam. Trying to get there from Barnum Rd. isn't good either -- it might be a shorter distance than the trail but would be very steep and very overgrown (for example down the hill where the power lines are). The trail seems like the best access. There are about 4-5 rapids including a couple of class II+. Probably not worth it for most paddlers but just FYI for those who share the irresistible itch to try new sections.

Picture taken by Pete Martin of Lunch Stop on the N. Br. Potomac, Bloomington Dam release.

Nice wide easy class 2 run at 1000 cfs.

Fantastic release last weekend. Robin's Nest was in full form and the paddling was great!

The final big left-hand bend in the river where the channels split around several islands holds some downed trees in the left channel. Stick to the main channel or the right. Definitely a fun run!

the AWW info is incorrect, i called Barmum at 12 pm 5/23/08 and its running at only 450 cfs and will be like that for the weekend, unless it rains.

Link to release schedule: click here

Main COE link: click here

Lots of photos of this section: click here

Below the Barnum to Bloomington stretch is a nice Class 2 section that is rarely paddled since you first have to portage the Westvaco dam on river right, then paddle by the huge monstrosity that is the paper mill. But the river entertainment continues all the way to Keyser.

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