Middle Fork/Tygart
Middle Fork/Tygart
Audra State Park to Tygart / Buckhannon Junction
6.6 miles 2.6 on the Middle Fork 4 on the Tygart
Class 3-4
Average Gradient for Middle Fork is 79 fpm
Level Reporting:
3.65' 513 cfs @ Audra State Park +
4.29' 867 cfs @ Belington =
1380 cfs for Tygart Gorge below Middle Fork
8-1-04
Craft: Hyside Duck
Highlights: The level reported for the Middle Fork was approaching the minimum. However, there was still plenty of water for a good run. This trip starts at Audra State Park. The first rapid can be viewed from the bridge. It is known as "The Slide" The typical line is down the right, then sharp left to avoid a retaining wall at the bottom. If you have doubts here, you may want to reconsider. After leaving the park, the surroundings become beautiful and isolated. Rapids build in difficulty and it's not long before the gradient causes the stream to resemble a big creek. Paddling here is technical. Blind drops are frequent and there are some impressive horizon lines. Good eddies exist. However, boat scouting is difficult due to large boulders obstructing the view. There where times when choosing the best route was tricky. Since a bad decision could terminate in a nasty rock pile, It may be a good idea to go with someone that knows the run. The last rapid before reaching the Tygart is called "The Wall" Usually, down the left is the way to go. Just be on the lookout for a sharp limb sticking up. We ended up twisting through the middle. Now you're at the bottom of the Tygart Gorge with more volume. This is a fun ride with a few intimidating drops mixed in. The first one is "S-Turn" It is blind and approached from the left. Then, shooting for an eddy on the right bank is key. What a sight! "Shoulder Snapper" lurks below. This 8' drop can be scouted on river right. Right of center is a good choice. Last, but by no means least is "J-hook" named for the move required. Beware of holes in the midst. Enjoy the rest of the run. When the Buckhannon is reached, paddle upstream a bit to find a good spot to walk up to the railroad tracks. From here it is about a mile to the covered bridge in Carrollton.
Middle Fork
Laurel Fork to Audra State Park
5 miles
Class 1-3
Level Reporting: 3.66' 517 cfs @ Audra State Park
4-10-04
Craft: OC-1 Mohawk Probe 12
Highlights: Level was getting low but still plenty of water. Good intermediate run. Starts off easy with class 1. Then gets technical with continuous small ledges and rock/boulder gardens. Great test of maneuverability. Scenery is pretty, only to be shared with small cabins and The Middle Fork Resort. Just below the resort is the biggest drop on the run. "Resort Rapid" is a slanted 8 foot drop with some challenging water. Good fun!