Kayak and canoe launches on Elk River, West Virginia
29 launch sites on Elk River from WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. 18 are listed as hand, car-top or paddlecraft launches. 11 are trailer ramps.
Fees: 0 list no fee, 0 list a fee, 29 not verified. Each listing names its source; check it before you go.
Sort these launches by distance from you
Launch sites A to Z
- Baltimore Run · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
- Roadside pull-off parking, not a lot: space may be limited. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Big Chimney · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Blue Creek · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
Access details not published; check before you go.
- Clay County Courthouse · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
Access details not published; check before you go.
- Clendenin · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Natural (dirt, sand or mud)
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Clendenin South · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Coonskin Park Boat Slide · Hand launch / carry-in (slide)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Boat slide
- Yes
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 47 m (150 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- +1 ft (about 1% average grade)
- Boat slide listed: slide the hull down with a hand on the bow or stern line instead of carrying it. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Dorfee · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
- Roadside pull-off parking, not a lot: space may be limited. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Duck · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 40 m (130 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -18 ft (about 14% average grade)
- Steep or stepped access: carry with two people (one at each end) or shoulder-carry with your PFD as padding, and consider a lighter boat. (REI Expert Advice)
- Steep bank: lower the boat bow-first, keep your weight low, and enter where the water is calm and deep enough to float the hull. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Elk River Rail Road Bridge · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
- Roadside pull-off parking, not a lot: space may be limited. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Frametown · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Natural (dirt, sand or mud)
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Hartland Bridge · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Ivydale · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
- Roadside pull-off parking, not a lot: space may be limited. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Jack Bend Downstream · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
- Roadside pull-off parking, not a lot: space may be limited. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Jack Bend Upstream · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
- Roadside pull-off parking, not a lot: space may be limited. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Jim Compton WMA · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- King Shoals · Hand launch / carry-in (slide)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
Access details not published; check before you go.
- Mary L Chilton Road Side Park · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Natural (dirt, sand or mud)
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Queen Shoals · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Natural (dirt, sand or mud)
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Slaty Fork C&R · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
- Roadside pull-off parking, not a lot: space may be limited. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Strange Creek · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 80 m (260 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -29 ft (about 11% average grade)
- Steep bank: lower the boat bow-first, keep your weight low, and enter where the water is calm and deep enough to float the hull. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Sutton dam Tailwaters · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Sutton Lake Bakers Run Campground · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Sutton Lake Bee Run · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Sutton Lake: Gerald R Freeman Campground · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Tate Creek · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Webster Springs Park · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 49 m (160 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- +0 ft (about 0% average grade)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Whitaker Falls · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
- Roadside pull-off parking, not a lot: space may be limited. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- WVDOH Clay · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
West Virginia paddling rules
Registration, permits, life jackets and AIS stickers
Other West Virginia waters with 5+ launches
West Fork River (25) · Guyandotte River (22) · South Branch Potomac River (19) · Ohio River (18) · Greenbrier River (16) · Little Kanawha River (15) · Kanawha River (15) · New River (15) · Tygart River (11) · Cacapon River (11) · Buckhannon River (10) · Gauley River (9) · All West Virginia launches
Data shown as published by the agency or mapped source; launch details and fees change, so check the official source before you go.