Tygart Valley River
🏔 Scenic River
Taylor / Barbour Co. · 120 mi · Class III–IV
1,410CFS/ 4.85 ft
Optimal→Stable· -40 cfs in 3h
Water temp: 55°F
Optimal: 800–3000 CFS · USGS #03054500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
West Virginia Scenic Rivers Program candidate
The Tygart's remote Arden section is one of the most technical and undervisited Class III–IV runs in the Appalachians — a 10-mile gorge through Taylor County with no road access and dramatic sandstone walls. The upper river offers family-friendly floats through rolling farm country before the river drops into the gorge.
Trip sections
Dailey to Elkins — Class I–II, upper valley float
Arden Gorge — Class III–IV, 10 mi remote canyon
Grafton to Pruntytown — Class I–II, lower river
Outfitters
Elk River Touring Center
WV river trips including Tygart shuttles
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
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.