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Access Site WV

Fisher Bridge

South Branch Potomac River

Source: west_virginia_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Rig, WV
County: Hardy County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 39.05332574, -78.99106830
234 Brighton Pk, Rig, WV 26836, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
South Branch Potomac River near Moorefield, WV Same River 3.9 mi away
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South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg, WV Same River 10.8 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 6. S. Grove Street, Petersburg to US 220 bridge North of Moorefield
16.0 mi
I-II Downstream from here (4.1 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 (10.0 mi from take-out) 5. Big Bend Campground to S. Grove St., Petersburg WV
15.0 mi
I-III+ Upstream from here (20.6 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 (26.0 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 (32.1 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 (39.5 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 52 mi away 0. Confluence of Straight Creek to VA/Wv state line
1.0 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Fisher Bridge is a public boat ramp on the South Branch Potomac River in Hardy County, WV, maintained by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. This access point serves as a convenient launch for kayakers, canoeists, and trailed boats exploring this section of the river. The site features a parking lot and provides access to a popular paddling area characterized by pools and gentle rapids, making it suitable for paddlers of various skill levels.

The South Branch Potomac in this area transitions between moving current and slack-water pools. Be aware that there is a second Fisher Bridge access point approximately 2.5 miles downstream, which can be useful for planning shuttle trips. Paddlers should note directional markers and signs along the river—particularly the "STAY RIGHT" sign below the Fisher Bridge South access point—to navigate safely through moving sections. If you encounter rapids that exceed your comfort level, portaging around them is always an option.

This section of the Potomac offers a scenic paddling experience with relatively remote surroundings, though some industrial noise may be audible from nearby areas. The river gradually widens and becomes shallower as you progress downstream. Fisher Bridge is an ideal put-in for day paddles and multi-day trips on the South Branch.