Savage

On March 24, 2007 we encountered two unpleasantly aggressive landowners at the bridge where Avilton-Lonaconing Road crosses the Savage. Signs read 'DNR and everyone else keep out'. They own both sides downstream, one side upstream, and act like they own everything else! We had an entire family screaming at us as we attempted to launch from an unposted stretch of river across the street from them,and they continued when we moved to put in along the bridge right if way.

We were probably in the right, but we didn't want to risk my buddy's unattended shuttle truck. We continued across the bridge towards Lonaconing and took a left turn following signs towards the Savage River Inn. There is parking on state-owned property where the road crosses the river. It adds a few miles of fast-moving flatwater to the trip at 750 cfs at Barton.

It's a beautiful run through one of the prettiest gorges I've seen. It's isolated, lush, and unspoiled. There are high cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, and interesting rock outcropings.

Watch out for strainers! We carried the 'strong class IV' towards the end of the gorge. There's lots of fresh rockfall and large boulders block many chutes. We took out at the Westernport Road Bridge.

The gorge is Class II-III with one IV++ drop. The person who says it's Class II is referring to the section below our takeout. The river here is milder and less scenic.