Kayak and canoe launches on West Fork River, West Virginia
25 launch sites on West Fork River from WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. 19 are listed as hand, car-top or paddlecraft launches. 6 are trailer ramps.
Fees: 0 list no fee, 0 list a fee, 25 not verified. Each listing names its source; check it before you go.
Sort these launches by distance from you
Launch sites A to Z
- Bendale 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.
- Clarksburg Baseball Complex · 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.
- Georgetown Launch · 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.
- Glady Launch · 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.
- Goodhope · 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.
- Hartland Dam · 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 215 m (710 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -21 ft (about 3% average grade)
- Very long carry (over about 200 m): plan on a cart, or make two trips with gear first. (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)
- Roadside pull-off parking, not a lot: space may be limited. (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.
- Highland Dam · 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 65 m (210 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -26 ft (about 12% 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)
- 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. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Highland 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
Access details not published; check before you go.
- Jackson Mill · 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.
- Jacksonville Launch · 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.
- Limestone 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
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 322 m (1060 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -80 ft (about 8% average grade)
- Very long carry (over about 200 m): plan on a cart, or make two trips with gear first. (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.
- Middle Run 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.
- Monongah · 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 136 m (450 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -33 ft (about 7% average grade)
- Long carry: a kayak cart or stern wheels saves your back on a long, fairly flat walk. (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.
- Stonewall Jackson Lake · 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
- Yes
- Dock launch: set the boat parallel to the dock, paddle within reach, sit on the dock and lower yourself into the seat, keeping your weight centered. (REI Expert Advice)
- 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.
- Stonewall Jackson Tailwaters at Dam · 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 104 m (340 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -22 ft (about 6% average grade)
- Long carry: a kayak cart or stern wheels saves your back on a long, fairly flat walk. (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.
- Two Lick Dam · 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.
- Vandalia Access Trail · 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.
- Vandalia Bay Launch · 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.
- West Fork River · 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.
- West Fork River 2 · 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.
- West Milford Dam · 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 Milford 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
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- 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)
- 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.
- Weston · 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 396 m (1300 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -15 ft (about 1% average grade)
- Very long carry (over about 200 m): plan on a cart, or make two trips with gear first. (REI Expert Advice)
- Roadside pull-off parking, not a lot: space may be limited. (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.
- Worthington City Park 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)
Official fields: WV DNR Public Fishing Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Worthington City Park 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
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 141 m (460 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -7 ft (about 1% average grade)
- Long carry: a kayak cart or stern wheels saves your back on a long, fairly flat walk. (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.
West Virginia paddling rules
Registration, permits, life jackets and AIS stickers
Other West Virginia waters with 5+ launches
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Data shown as published by the agency or mapped source; launch details and fees change, so check the official source before you go.