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Access Site WV

Welton Park

South Branch Potomac River

Source: west_virginia_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Petersburg, WV
County: Grant County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 38.99996389, -79.08638267
1979 Petersburg Gap Hwy, Petersburg, WV 26847, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg, WV Same River 4.8 mi away
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South Branch Potomac River near Moorefield, WV Same River 9.9 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on South Branch Potomac River
8 runs
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 6. S. Grove Street, Petersburg to US 220 bridge North of Moorefield
16.0 mi
I-II Downstream from here (11.3 mi to put-in) 7. US 220 Bridge north of Moorefield to Harmison's Landing near Sector
11.0 mi 10 ft/mi
I-II(III) Upstream from here (2.5 mi from take-out) 5. Big Bend Campground to S. Grove St., Petersburg WV
15.0 mi
I-III+ Upstream from here (13.1 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 (18.7 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 (25.1 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 (32.7 mi from take-out) 1. VA/ WV state line to CR 23 bridge near the confluence of Thorn Creek
13.1 mi
I-II Upstream from here (45.0 mi from take-out) 0. Confluence of Straight Creek to VA/Wv state line
1.0 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:**
Welton Park provides a convenient boat ramp access point on the South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg in Grant County, WV. The site includes trailer parking, making it suitable for both trailered motorboats and hand-launch paddlers. This is one of 17 established access points along the South Branch between Petersburg and Green Spring, WV (73.5 miles downstream).

**Paddling Characteristics:**
The South Branch Potomac in this area features a mile-long pool ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Paddlers can expect calm, scenic water suitable for wildlife observation, including frequent sightings of bald eagles, great blue herons, little green herons, and occasional golden eagles. The area is known for excellent birdwatching opportunities. A popular paddling route extends approximately 12.5 miles downstream from Welton Park, offering easy, beginner-friendly floating conditions.

**Planning Your Visit:**
This location is well-suited for casual paddling, family outings, and leisurely float trips. The established infrastructure and proximity to other access points along the South Branch make it a good base for exploring this scenic stretch of river. Contact local authorities or visit recreation websites for current information on specific amenities, parking fees, and seasonal conditions.