The wild, the wonderful, the rivers of West Virginia
For World River Day 2020
With over 10,000 named streams and 46 named rivers, West Virginia is among the highest density stream areas in North America.
For every 1 square mile of land in West Virginia there are 1.26 miles of streams.
How much do you know about the waters of WV? Highlighted below are seven rivers which encompass the beauty and importance of WV's waterways.
Kanawha River
This 97 mile long river has had people residing alongside its banks since at least 10,000 BC. After the installation of lock and dams at the turn of the 20th century, industry (especially chemical companies) moved into the region. Water pollution soared, causing dissolved oxygen levels to drop to nearly zero. All aquatic life requires oxygen to live, so this effectively rendered the river dead.
With a change in regulations and a concerted effort by citizens, the water quality of the Kanawha has been improved over the last 50 years. The Kanawha River is now home to large and smallmouth bass, walleye, freshwater drum, and catfish.
The New River
If you are 'in the know', you're likely aware that the name New River is a misnomer-- the river is among the oldest in the world! Running from the mountains of North Carolina to Gauley Bridge, WV this 360 mile river has helped plants and animals spread between the coast and the midwest for millions of years.
In 1978, the New River Gorge National River was designated by Congress. Today the region is know for whitewater rafting, fishing, and scenic beauty.
If you are super in the know, you may be aware that some scientists argue the Kanawha and the New River should be considered the same river!
Gauley River
Flowing from the Monongahela National Forest in Pocahontas County all the way to Gauley Bridge in Fayette County, this 105 mile long river is home to rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and muskies.
Notable for recreation, the Gauley River is impounded near Summersville, WV to create Summersville Lake. Just downstream of the lake is the Gauley River National Recreation Area which boasts several class V+ rapids.
Cheat River
This 78 mile river has headwaters in West Virginia and travels across state lines into Pennsylvania to empty into the Monongahela River. A hydroelectric dam impounds the river south of the Pennsylvania border to create Cheat Lake.
Like many rivers in the region, the Cheat River has been plagued with pollution, notably Acid Mine Drainage which has led to poor water quality and thus low fish populations.
Friends of the Cheat , a citizen watershed association, was formed with the purpose of restoring, protecting, and promoting the river. They host events to educate the public and design and secure funding for water quality improvement projects. With their efforts, such as the " River of Promise Taskforce ", the Cheat River's water quality has been improving.
Bluestone River
This 77 mile long river has 10.5 miles that are recognized as being a ' national scenic ' river--it is the only river with this designation in the state.
The National Scenic portion of the Bluestone River is considered a High Quality Warm Water stream, while the lower reaches not in the 'National Scenic' designation have impairments that cause it to not be of high quality. Areas for hiking, hunting, and fishing can all be found along the banks of the Bluestone.
Ohio River
Making up most of West Virginia's western border is the Ohio River. This 981 mile long river has a watershed spanning 11 states and is the drinking water source of three million people. The river has played an important part in American History, and remains critical for industry and commerce.
With 10% of United States citizens living in the Ohio River's Watershed, the river has had a slew of nonpoint source pollution problems. This includes issues such as Acid Mine Drainage, to combined sewer overflow events, to urban and agricultural runoff. As recently as 2015, the federal Environmental Protection Agency has called it one of the nation's most polluted rivers.
Cacapon River
Name meaning 'medicine water' this 81 mile long river in the eastern panhandle of WV is one of the relative few in the state that is part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed . Unlike the rivers above which will flow into the Mississippi River and then the Gulf of Mexico, water from the Cacapon flows to the Potomac River, then the Chesapeake Bay, and finally to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Cacapon River is known for kayaking, bass fishing, and bird watching. River otters also call the Cacapon River their home.
Like many rivers in this region, the Cacapon is facing development pressures due to increases in population in the area. Friends of the Cacapon was formed to help restore and protect this river.
Do you know the major stream or river closest to you? Or which watershed (land area that drains to a particular stream/river) you live in? Click on the map to zoom into your area to find out!
Love West Virginia's Rivers? Interested in how you can be empowered to work for clean water in the Mountain State? Using the map on the right, locate which area you are in, and then connect with the Basin Coordinator of that region to learn more!
Potomac Basin: Alana Hartman Alana.C.Hartman@wv.gov
Northern Basin: Martin Christ Martin.J.Christ@wv.gov
Western Basin: Tomi Bergstrom Tomi.M.Bergstrom@wv.gov
Western Basin Assistant: Klancey Burford Klancey.M.Burford@wv.gov
Southern Basin: Jennifer Liddle Jennifer.D.Liddle@wv.gov