Birch, West Virginia, US
|
|
Cora Brown Bridge to the confluence of Diatter Run (Cora Brown Bridge to end of Smith Eddy)
| Usual Difficulty |
I-III (for normal flows) |
| Length |
10.5 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient |
27 fpm |
| Max Gradient |
45 fpm |
Herold Shoals
Herold ShoalsPhoto of WV Wildwater Club by Rob Johnson taken 04/03/01
Gauge Information
River Description
An informal gauge is found on the pier of the Herold Bridge. Ideal conditions will show 5 blocks
of stone. Current conditions are showing all 6 stone blocks @ June 7, 2001.
This section of river is included in the West Virginia Natural Streams Preservation Act.
Although not included in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, this section of Birch was
studied in 1982 and met the criteria for induction. Local landowner indifference and lack of
public land were the 2 reasons this section of Birch is not in the NWSRA. It has also been
overlooked by the NRI. Currently, that situation is in the process of being remedied. Look
at the website www.scenicbirchriver.com for
additional information.
A take-out may be made at the bridge above Herold at 6.1 river miles.
Another take-out may be made downstream of the Herold bridge on river left. Parking is (limited)
near cliff face when road starts going uphill and away from river. This makes for 7.4 river miles
with some of the better class III rapids included. The take-out at Diatter Run may be made from
river right or left depending on how much abuse your four-wheel drive shuttle vehicle is willing
to take. If continuing from here it is an additional 6.9 miles of scenic but flat water paddling
to the confluence with the Elk River.
StreamTeam Status: Verified
Last Updated: 2004-04-04 17:06:02
Editors
No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. 
