Overview:
Many people don’t know that both the South Branch of the Potomac and the North Fork of the South Branch have their origins in Virginia.Both start in the mountains of northern Highland County.The headwaters of the South Branch are located in the westernmost inhabited valley in Highland, near the crossroads of Headwaters on Route 250 and the town of Bluegrass.The South Branch becomes navigable around Bluegrass, as several small tributaries join together from a fan-shaped array of small valleys.Putting in above Blue Grass is possible at very high water levels, as the South Branch runs along Route 642, but inadvisable due to many cattle fences, several low water bridges, and a dam.Below Bluegrass, the South Branch cascades over solid bedrock and some gravel bars to Forks of Water, where it joins Strait Creek and nearly doubles in size.At the confluence with Strait Creek the South Branch makes an abrupt left turn and heads north into West Virginia.
Recommended Trip:
Bluegrass to West Virginia: Put in on the eastern edge of Bluegrass and take out at one of the roadside access points along Route 220 in West Virginia for a pleasant half day or longer trip, depending on how far down Route 220 one wishes to travel.If taking out at the first opportunity in West Virginia, this is about a six mile trip.
Directions to Put Ins and Take Outs:
View South Branch of the Potomac, Strait Creek in a larger map
Blue Grass: Put in alongside Route 642 just east of Bluegrass, in view of the town but below a nasty steel low water bridge.
Route 220: There are a couple roadside take outs along Route 220 approximately one to two miles into West Virginia; pick one, or continue farther downstream.
Sections of River to Run:
Bluegrass to Forks of Water: From Bluegrass to Forks of Water the South Branch is a medium size stream, not so much a river, that courses over many evenly space bedrock ledges and occasional cobble bars. Most banks are grassy, and strainers are infrequent. There is one boulder garden where Route 642 climbs a hill on river left. There is a fence across the river just before the South Branch joins Strait Creek at Forks of Water. This run is fairly easy class II.
Forks of Water to West Virginia: After its confluence with Strait Creek the South Branch relaxes and begins its habit of passing over gravel bars that continues well into West Virginia. The river continues to be scenic and enjoyable.
