I've never rafted this river, but am thinking of doing so in the Spring. Does anyone who's done it have any tips? I've heard that, while it's good, it's not as good as the Gauley River unless you catch it after a good rainfall. Is it worthwhile? Trip reports? tls

Just make sure you run the "Canyon" (which is the more challenging part of the Cheat). As a work outing one time we took a group of novices there. We were going to run the Canyon, but it had been raining quite a lot and the river was up. The outfitter wanted us to be cautious. This other portion (called Cheat Narrows, at least by our outfitter) that we ran is pretty tame. Had only a couple of good rapids, and that was because of the rain.

Spring is supposed to be the proper Cheat season. I'm sure it won't be like the Gauley (I've rafted the New but not the Gauley, so nothing firsthand), but the key Gauley season is in the fall when they release watter from Summersville Dam. So if you want to go somewhere soon that's nearby and better than the tame Shenandoah (which is even closer to DC) this could be a good trip.

Despite (in my opinion, at least, as one looking for wilder water) them steering our group wrong, I would recommend Cheat River Outfitters. http://www.cheatriveroutfitters.com/ They seem to have good location near the put-in points, and did a good job with everything. Not the greatest web site, but there's some info there. Ask them if Crazy Frank is still a guide. Most guides are high-school or college kids doing summer jobs; this guy is a real river rat, been guiding for 20 years or something ridiculous like that. The ride could be somewhat more "interesting" (might be read "terrifying" by some, but hey, you're looking for whitewater action here) with him as the guide.

Let us know what you decide, etc. Sounds like fun.

Edit: Should've read the other threads first! Didn't realize they were all you. Anyway, since you've done the Gauley, well, I don't know. It's certainly a notch down, but that doesn't mean it won't be fun. I would still recommend it as a good trip that's close to home. Save the Gauley for fall. You know, if you haven't done a leisurely whole-day New River trip, that's an option as well. Not as action-packed (the rapids are spaced far apart), but the scenery is cool.

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--Greg

[This message has been edited by CrazyOne (edited 03-20-2002).]

Thanks for the info CrazyOne. Hopefully this April or May I'll be able to do the Cheat. Will definitely ask for Crazy Frank and to do the Canyon. And yeah, all these threads are from me. Little by little I'm going to try to breathe some life into Adventure Travel. Maybe a few threads per week for a while. We'll see. Have you ever done the Youghagheny (sp?)? I've rafted the lower Yough during the summer, which was kinda tame. Do you know what the Upper Yough is like? thx tls

Never rafted on the Yough, but the upper is the most challenging bit. You could consider this for your "local" spring trip as well; it's gonna be in almost the same place. The upper bit of the Yough is in Maryland. (Flows north, etc.) The Cheat is uncontrolled water and will depend upon snowmelt and/or rain for the big rush. (The more, the better, usually.) The Yough is a dam release, although it's not a specific short season like the Gauley. Normally they release all through the summer at least some days. With the water conditions being the way they are, though (drought-like in some areas) it certainly warrants checking that part thoroughly. I think the Upper Yough is in theory rated more difficult than the Cheat Canyon, but it's probably pretty close. I don't know any specific companies to recommend; just a search for "upper yough" should get you a few. Some of the same companies raft the Cheat as well, though the Cheat company I mentioned before doesn't do the Yough far as I know.


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--Greg

Thanks again! tls

I don't venture into this forum often,but here goes!

Gauley is awaesome, but the water is FREEZING since it comes from the bottom of the reservior, plus fall weather can be a crapshoot. We had mid 40s at 7am with no sun, inched up to high 50s by noon in late Sept.

Cheat won't disappoint. Summer rafting is unbeatable when weather is great.

Email me direct if you want more info.

Hey beuabo, thanks for the response. I may be going to the Cheat next month and am looking forward to it. (I've done the Gauley 4 years running now, and it is a blast, and cold!) tls