Potomac, S. Branch, West Virginia, US

5. Big Bend Campground to US220 bridge South of Petersburg (Lower Smokehole)

Usual Difficulty	I-II(III) (for normal flows)
Length	16 Miles

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
SOUTH BRANCH POTOMAC RIVER AT FRANKLIN, WV
usgs-01605500	2.50 - 5.50 ft	I-II(III)	19h26m	2.46 ft (rc= -0.0 )

River Description

Most of the rapids are straightforward gentle drops over gravel and cobble bars. The most vigorous drop is called Landslide (III-) and is usually run right or right of center. The rapid was formed when part of the canyon wall on river left fell into the river. The old scar is visible high on the mountain for a considerable distance upstream.

It is a beautiful river, with steep canyons walls, usually remarkably clear water, great vistas, and fun shoals and riffles. It is often done as an overnight trip When there's enough water, this section is suitable for canoers and beginning kayakers who have competent eddy turns in their bag of tricks.

The remains of the old Royal Glen Dam is below the confluence of the North Fork. It is easily runnable in breaches far left (easiest) and center.

The earliest take-out is shortly below here on river left and is accessible from WV 28/55 (turn-off near state road maintenance garage) via River Road (CR 28/1).

Below here there is also a public boat ramp site on river right accessible from US 220 via CR 220/2.

Lat/longitude coords are approximate, from TopoZone.