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Access Site WV

South Branch Water Management Area

South Branch Potomac River

Source: west_virginia_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Moorefield, WV
County: Hardy County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 39.14585701, -78.92482357
980 Clover Dr, Moorefield, WV 26836, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
South Branch Potomac River near Moorefield, WV Same River 3.4 mi away
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South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg, WV Same River 17.2 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on South Branch Potomac River
8 runs (7 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I-II This location is on this run 7. US 220 Bridge north of Moorefield to Harmison's Landing near Sector
11.0 mi 10 ft/mi
I-II Upstream from here (3.7 mi from take-out) 6. S. Grove Street, Petersburg to US 220 bridge North of Moorefield
16.0 mi
I-II(III) Upstream from here (17.4 mi from take-out) 5. Big Bend Campground to S. Grove St., Petersburg WV
15.0 mi
I-III+ Upstream from here (28.1 mi from take-out) 4. US 220 Bridge North of Upper Tract to Big Bend Campground
10.0 mi 25 ft/mi
I-II Upstream from here (33.7 mi from take-out) 3. Ruddle near Buffalo Run confluence to US 220 bridge north of Upper Tract
7.7 mi
I-II Upstream from here (39.9 mi from take-out) 2. CR 23 bridge near Thorn Creek confluence to Ruddle near Buffalo Run confluence
10.2 mi
I-II Upstream from here (47.4 mi from take-out) 1. VA/ WV state line to CR 23 bridge near the confluence of Thorn Creek
13.1 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
I-II 60 mi away 0. Confluence of Straight Creek to VA/Wv state line
1.0 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The South Branch Water Management Area boat ramp in Moorefield provides access to the South Branch Potomac River, a popular 75-mile paddling and fishing destination that flows through scenic pastoral countryside. This is a public boat ramp location managed by WV DNR, making it a convenient put-in for kayakers, canoeists, and trailered boats. The ramp is located near the bridge in Moorefield, offering a straightforward launch compared to some of the steeper, more challenging carry-down access points upstream.

The South Branch in this region features moderate current and meanders through relatively calm water, making it suitable for paddlers of varying skill levels. However, be aware that during low water conditions, the river contains granite ledges and shallow sections that may require portaging or walking your boat. Wildlife viewing is excellent in this area, with bald eagles commonly spotted along the river corridor. The proximity to this ramp makes it an ideal starting point for day trips or longer canoe expeditions down the South Branch.