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Rapid WV Class II+

"Kelly's" rapid

Potomac, North Branch - 5. Bloomington, MD to Black Oak (Gary Yoder River Access) Nr. Rawlings, MD (WV)

Monitor this Rapid

Gauge Conditions

North Branch Potomac River at Luke, MD Upstream Primary

Runnable: 400.0 – 3,000.0 CFS

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Description

Take the left channel (the right channel just shoals out). The river takes another right turn against the left bank and because it shoals up to the right, you can't just sneak the right side. There are two ledge holes against the left bank to avoid, but which also may be playable. Start left, but set a line to the right to avoid dropping into the holes, finishing the rapid in the center. Class II+ at 1,000 cfs, but maybe class III or more at higher water levels. This rapid is named for the late Kelly Day, who liked to work those features. It is unclear whether the preferred name is Kelly's Hole or Kelly's Ledges; so best call the rapid "Kelly's".

Location

Other Rapids on This Run (13)

Put In - Bloomington, MD

Westvaco dam

Put-in - Piedmont, WV

Put In - Westernport, MD

"Westernport" rapid

McCoole River Access -- Put-In/Take-Out

Keyser North Branch Public Stream Access -- Put-in/Take-out.

Keyser North Branch Public Stream Access -- Put-in/Take-out.

"Keyser Ford" rapid

Western Maryland 21st Bridge.

Waxter Ridge Rock Outcroppings

Waxter Ridge Rock Outcroppings

Take Out - Black Oak (Gary Yoder River Access)

Type

Rapid

Difficulty

Class II+

Mile Marker

5.8 mi

Directions

5. Bloomington, MD to Black Oak (Gary Yoder River Access) Nr. Rawlings, MD

Potomac, North Branch

Current Conditions

5-Day Forecast

Whitewater data from
American Whitewater