Cacapon River
🏔 Scenic River
Hampshire / Morgan Co. · 81 mi · Class I
314CFS/ 2.15 ft
Optimal
Stable
Water temp: 56°F
Optimal: 100–500 CFS · USGS #01611500
Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
81 mi
Length
Class I
Difficulty
100–500 cfs
Optimal
220 cfs
Avg Flow
200 cfs
Hist. Median
#01611500
USGS Gauge
West Virginia Scenic Rivers Program · Cacapon State Park

The Cacapon River flows 81 miles through the eastern panhandle of West Virginia past quiet farmland, forested ridges, and dramatic limestone cliffs. It is among the cleanest rivers in the state — a Class I float with excellent smallmouth bass fishing, easy multi-day camping options, and a gentle pace perfect for families. The name comes from a Shawnee word meaning 'medicine waters.'

Trip sections
Upper Cacapon — Wardensville to Capon Bridge, Class I, pastoral farmland
Middle Cacapon — Capon Bridge to Great Cacapon, Class I, smallmouth water
Lower Cacapon — Great Cacapon to Potomac confluence, Class I, final 10 mi
Outfitters
Cacapon River Outfitters
Kayak and canoe rentals for Cacapon trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.