2. US 50 at Capon Bridge to WV 127 (Bloomery) Bridge

Summary: This is a beautiful run on the upper reaches of the Cacapon. The major rapids are riverwide ledges and fastwater in sharp bends. Usually up in the winter and spring, the Cacapon features unusual rock formations, especially Caudy's Castle, a sheer rock pinnacle that looms hundreds of feet over the river. Rapids: There are three ledges, with the third perhaps warranting a Class II+/III- rating because it can be sticky. The first ledge can be snuck on the far right. The second has a clean line on the center left. The third is about a 4 ft. cascading drop, and is best run to the right. The remaining rapids are Class I-II rock gardens, gravel bars and fastwater in sharp bends. Access: Capon Bridge put-in: The town of Capon Bridge just put in a public river access and parking lot right next to the water on Rt. 50. This put in adds about 4 miles of flat and Class I-II water meandering near private river properties. It's a nice stretch, but the best of this run (by far) is the stretch from Edwards Run onward. Edwards Run put-in: For most paddlers, the Edwards Run/Cold Spring, WV put-in is the preferred put-in for the popular section of river down to the Rt. 127 take-out (Edwards Run to WV 127 is roughly seven and a half miles). It is located about four miles downstream (north) of Capon Bridge and avoids a section of mostly flatwater. The launch lies 0.6 miles upstream of the Edwards Run W.M.A. on the property of Mr. Sine, who owns the land on both sides of the road in this location. To get to the Edwards Run/Cold Spring put-in from the WV 127 take-out, take WV 127 west for 1.4 miles. WV 29 comes in from the right and the road becomes WV 29, but you continue straight. Stay on WV 29 for 4.9 additional miles (at total of 6.4), at the town of Slainsville, turn left onto Cold Stream Lane, go 8.7 miles until the road parallels the Cacapon (you cross the North River on the way -- don't confuse the rivers), go about 0.3 miles further to Mr. Sine's brick house. The put-in is 200 yards upstream of his large brick house. Drive into the gravel and dirt driveway on the river side, opposite a burned out house. Go to Mr. Sine’s house, the big redbrick house 200 yards downstream from the gravel & dirt river access driveway. Mr. Sine accepts a $5 fee per car for the privilege granted to us to park on his property. The access is at 2977 Cold Stream Rd. Takeout: WV127 bridge on river right downstream of bridge. *(NOTE: When running a shuttle via Rt. 15 and Rt. 45/20, be sure to go to the second bridge as you head east on Hwy. 127. The first bridge is over the North River, a tributary of the Cacapon.)*