Laurel Run (Cheat River trib.)
To Cheat River
| Difficulty | V+ |
| Length | 1.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 565 fpm |
| Gauge | Deckers Creek at Morgantown, Wv |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 52 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 4, 2026 |
River Description
Steep. Scouting and portages necessary. Numerous large and dangerous drops with some ending in entrapment or physical destruction and/or pain. This is not for boaters who prefer placid runs like the Upper Yough, Big Sandy, Daugherty Run, Fike Run, etc. that are located in nearby vicinities. Bring a friend and a rope and do some hiking. Lower section is extremely steep and may be considered totally unrunnable by many. For those with adventuresome spirits and very good skills it is a fun lesson in technical lines. Enjoy.
Lat/longitude coordinates are a rough approximation.
For a detailed account of the latest attempt to run this creek along with a video, go to http://www.exploringelements.com/the-next-level-west-virginias-savage-indian-creek/
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportWhat is the best way to access this stream? It seems everywhere I've found to get near it, it is heavily posted NO TRESSPASSING
Now that the run is listed here, I thought I'd add some pics from a descent in the spring of '03. This run is a lot of fun, but don't even go if you're not prepared for some bush-wacking, steep portages, and steep tight drops. Don and I have run most of the drops, and I know Bobby Miller has run another one or two (Any input Bobby?). A couple are definately no-go's. On one decent, at Crash Landing, we came over the ledge to find another group of boaters. Three of the four boats on shore were pig-nosed and the guys decided to hike out from there. It will be a long day no matter what.
where is this? It empties into Cheat Canyon, river left, a mile or so below the put-in.
Super tight and steep.
If you boof hard you'll piton (or even end up on) the bank, if you don't boof, your butt is gonna hurt. What ya gonna do?
Nice ledgy slide.
The slot in Slim Shady
One of a number of waterfalls.
Just another pic from the creek.
Super steep and tight.
Nice ledgy slide.
The slot in Slim Shady.
One of a number of waterfalls.
Just another pic from the creek.