5. Big Bend Campground to S. Grove St., Petersburg WV

Most of the rapids are straightforward gentle drops over gravel and cobble bars. The most vigorous drop is called 'King Queen Jack' (III-) and is usually run right or right of center. The rapid was formed when part of the canyon wall on river left fell into the river. The old scar is visible high on the mountain for a considerable distance upstream. This is the reason for the alternate name 'Landslide', but some people find this confusing because of another 'Landslide' rapid on the Upper Smokehole Canyon. It is a beautiful river, with steep canyons walls, usually remarkably clear water, great vistas, and fun shoals and riffles. It is often done as an overnight trip When there's enough water, this section is suitable for canoers and beginning kayakers who have competent eddy turns in their bag of tricks. The remains of the old Royal Glen Dam is below the confluence of the North Fork. It is easily runnable in breaches far left (easiest) and center. The earliest take-out is shortly below here on river left and is accessible from WV 28/55 (turn-off near state road maintenance garage) via River Road (CR 28/1). Take-out - Petersburg, WV. A few hundred yards further down the river past the 220 bridge, on river left, is a gravel lot for boaters, along with an access ramp. Lat/longitude coords are approximate, from TopoZone.