Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid WV Class III+

Deception

Tygart Valley - 5. Above Arden to Big Cove Run (WV)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Tygart Valley River at Philippi, WV Upstream Primary
Runnable: 800.0 – 10,000.0 CFS
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Deception
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
From here the Tygart ramps up thru the next 5 rapids and things can get serious at high flows. The fun starts with Deception (Cl III+), so named for the powerful pair of offset holes hidden below a placid horizon line. Multiple routes exist but most paddlers elect to catch the left eddy just above the 1st hole and ferry to the right below the 1st and above the 2nd. The 1st hole is not only powerful, but also bordered by rock on the right and turned upstream on the left. If you drop into this hole be sure to write "what the f&%!" on the rock as yer gettin shaded. The 2nd hole is somewhat more forgiving. The 1st hole can be boofed to the right of the rock for those so inclined. Downstream from here you'll notice how the wavetrain run-outs are getting some pop to them. Watch out for the fat pourover hole right of center.
Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III+
Mile Marker
2.5 mi
Directions
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5. Above Arden to Big Cove Run
Tygart Valley
III-V 6.7 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater