Take Out

This take-out site on the Elk River in Randolph County, West Virginia provides access to a large river system with significant whitewater characteristics. The Elk River is a substantial waterway classified as a Stream Order 6 river with a drainage area of 1533 square miles and an average flow of 2758 cubic feet per second. With an average gradient of 12 feet per mile and considerable elevation drop across its 175-mile length, this section of the Elk River presents dynamic water conditions suitable for whitewater paddlers.

As a take-out location, this site serves as an exit point for whitewater runs. The Elk River's average velocity of 4.17 feet per second indicates moving water with consistent current that experienced paddlers should be prepared to manage. The river's large size and significant flow volume mean that conditions can be variable depending on recent rainfall and upstream dam releases, which are common factors affecting whitewater rivers in West Virginia.

Paddlers using this take-out should be aware of the river's substantial gradient and current velocity. The location in Randolph County places it within the New River watershed region, an area known for challenging whitewater. Before launching any trip, boaters should scout conditions and check current flow data, as water levels in large West Virginia rivers can fluctuate significantly with weather and water management operations.