Blackwater, North Fork

Gradients:

1st 0.9 mi: 35 ft

2nd mi: 75 ft

3rd mi: 100 ft

4th mi: 390 ft

For a helmet-cam video view of the entire run, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-YpxnaA-Bc

The following description courtesy of 'Blackwater Bobby' Miller. For another great description, check out The NFB Page (with lotsa pictures).

Starting below the dam at Thomas, the North Fork flows lazily towards the edge of the mountain. The run for the next 3 miles is made up of mostly continuous Class 2 rapids. There is a 6-8 foot ledge underneath a railroad bridge shortly after leaving Thomas that should be scouted. About 2.5 miles below the putin, lies Barber Shop Falls, named for an old barbershop that used to overlook the area. This is a slide into an 8-10 foot falls that should be run on the right. Soon, Long Run (a sizeable tributary) comes in on the right and you should be looking to get out soon. Not long after Long Run, the North Fork drops off the face of the Earth.

The steep section begins with a slide into a 40-foot waterfall. Most of the water lands on rocks except on the right where it falls into a shallow pool. Portage on the right. This falls has been run only once and many excellent creek boaters have passed on it. Rumor has it that the ZoneDogg has had his eye on this falls for some time now. I hear that he plans to run it at the next good rainfall.

Extra! Extra! ZoneDogg Drops Douglas Falls (Second Descent)!!

Below the falls lies the meat of the North Fork. It is one steep mile that drops around 400 feet. This section is very demanding and should only be attempted if you possess the skills that make runs like the Upper Yough and drops like Big Splat on the Big Sandy easy. I would also recommend g

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