Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
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The Chesapeake boat ramp, located at 12511 McCorkle Avenue in Chesapeake, WV, provides public access to the Kanawha River in Kanawha County. This is a West Virginia DNR-maintained access site suitable for kayakers, canoeists, and motorized boats. The ramp offers a convenient launch point for exploring this major navigable waterway.
From this access point, paddlers can travel downstream to the Marmet Pool, which maintains a 9-foot navigable channel extending approximately 15 miles to London Dam near Belle, WV. Upstream access is available to the London Pool, which provides navigation to the head of navigation on the Kanawha River. The river in this area is a developed waterway with commercial barge traffic, so boaters should be prepared for potential wake from larger vessels and maintain awareness of river traffic.
The Kanawha River is a substantial waterway suitable for various skill levels depending on water conditions and your intended route. As a West Virginia DNR site, this access point ranges from basic to improved facilities; contact WVDNR for specific details about current amenities and conditions before your visit.