Exploring the Rapids of Meadow River in West Virginia

Focused on commercial real estate lending, William Alexander Scherzinger is an underwriter at PNC Bank in Cincinnati, Ohio. An avid hiker, William Alex Scherzinger also enjoys rafting scenic destinations such as the Meadow River in southern West Virginia.

One of the Gauley River’s principal tributaries, Meadow River inhabits a rugged forested canyon that only opened up to logging in the early 20th century with the introduction of a railroad line. Operated by the Meadow River Lumber Company, Rainelle was home to the world’s largest hardwood sawmill for decades.

Today a large part of the upper river is protected within the Meadow River Wildlife Management Area, while a 12-mile lower stretch is situated within the Gauley River National Recreation Area. The latter area features dramatic cliffs along the river that are popular with rock, ands well as fast-running rapids ideal for whitewater kayaking.

Stretching 4.6 miles, a popular whitewater route starts just south of Summersville and features undercuts around boulders that should be traversed only by those familiar with the area. A particular challenge is the nearly one-mile Class V+ rapid “Coming Home Sweet Jesus,” which local boaters attempt via a narrow clean line that passes inches from undercut rock. Unfortunately, becoming pinned in the water head down poses a serious risk, and most people walk their kayak on the bank across this stretch.