Cheat River at The Narrows (Upper)

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The Narrows is a popular reach of the Cheat River located downstream of Rowlesburg. During normal flows, the Narrows offers Class II and III rapids that becomes increasingly more difficult as you paddle downstream. This monitoring location is located at "The Caves" and is a popular put-in to paddle The Narrows.

The parking area is a gravel pull-off along Route 72. Please be careful pulling off or merging with traffic.

Check out the American Whitewater page for more information on paddling The Narrows. http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2346

Note: this is not a designated swimming area. Swim at your own risk.

Get directions to this beach

WATER QUALITY

Passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time
Historical Status
This status is based on the latest sample, taken on August 14th, 2019. Friends of the Cheat updates the status of this beach as soon as test results become available. These results were posted to Swim Guide on at

For water quality icon legend, click:

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MONITORING FREQUENCY

SOURCE INFORMATION

Sites are monitored for E. coli and total coliform as well as temperature, pH, and conductivity.

Bacteriological samples are analyzed using the IDEXX Quanti-Tray/2000 method
Samples are collected throughout the year. Water is monitored twice per month during peak river recreation months (April – September) and once per month during the off-season (October – March). Samples are generally collected on Wednesdays and results are posted on Fridays.

Advisory issued when E. coli concentration is greater than 410 CFU/100 mL.
A beach is Green when E.coli is less than 410 CFU/100 mL.
A beach is Red when E.coli is equal to or more than 410 CFU/100 mL

WATER QUALITY GRAPH