About
Meadow River, West Virginia — 1861 Battle of Carnifex Ferry. From pastoral valley farmland to expert whitewater gorge, the Meadow River cuts 60 miles through Greenbrier and Fayette counties before joining the Gauley. At 600 CFS average with an optimal range of 300–2000, the river transforms completely across its three distinct sections. The upper Meadow from Rupert to Nallen flows Class I–II through open valley, while the Meadow River Gorge drops into Class III–IV technical whitewater that wasn't widely run until expert boaters discovered it in 2020. The lower section moderates to Class II water approaching the Gauley confluence. Cherokee and Shawnee peoples knew this valley long before European settlement, and the dramatic contrast between the gentle upper reaches and the gorge's demanding drops still catches paddlers off guard. ACE Adventure Resort runs commercial trips on the appropriate sections. The river holds candidate status in West Virginia's Scenic Rivers Program, though full designation remains pending.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.