About
Shavers Fork, West Virginia — Cheat River Headwaters, B&O Railroad, 1930s CCC Era. Cheat Mountain hunting grounds supported native peoples for centuries before European settlement, and the Shavers Fork still runs wild through 88 miles of Randolph County's Monongahela National Forest. At 410 CFS average, the river builds from Class II brook trout headwaters above Cheat Bridge through increasingly technical Class II-III whitewater toward Parsons. The upper reach from Cheat Bridge to Bemis holds native brook trout in cold, clear pools between moderate drops. Below Bemis, the middle fork transitions into the main whitewater section, with Class II-III rapids that run well from 200 to 1000 CFS on gauge 03068800. Near Glady, the High Falls of Cheat drops dramatically into a plunge pool accessible by hiking trail. West Virginia designated the Shavers Fork a Native Brook Trout Stream, and a 2002 recovery program has worked to restore wild populations throughout the watershed. Elk River Touring Center runs commercial trips on the whitewater sections.
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.