Elk River
🏔 Scenic River
Webster / Kanawha Co. · 172 mi · Class I–II
1,410CFS/ 6.04 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 300–2000 CFS · USGS #03197000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
West Virginia Scenic Rivers Program candidate
At 172 miles, the Elk is one of West Virginia"s longest rivers, winding from the highlands of Webster County to the Kanawha at Charleston. The gentle gradient and Class I–II character make it ideal for multiday canoe camping. Central West Virginia"s elk reintroduction program has brought the river"s namesake animal back to the watershed after a 200-year absence.
Trip sections
Webster Springs to Sutton — Class I–II, remote headwaters
Sutton to Clendenin — Class I, gentle valley float
Clendenin to Charleston — Class I, urban corridor
Outfitters
Elk River Touring Center
Canoe and kayak rentals, shuttle service for Elk River trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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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.