The Kanawha River measures distance starting at its mouth (Point Pleasant,
WV), or mile 0 and ending at Kanawha Falls or mile 99.5. The river is
not navigable by boat past Deep Water, WV (at the train trestle) so we
will not highlight past that point. Most of the highlights listed are
not located at actual Mile Markers but when they are, it will be noted
as such. Mile Markers are actually located on
"Day Beacons" which on the Kanawha River most
have lights at night as well. Day beacons are located on land and can
be found on both the right and left banks. We will start at Mile 0 and
go upriver.
When heading upriver:
Green makers
are
on the left ascending bank (LAB)
Red
markers 
are on the right
ascending bank (RAB)
| Mile 0 |
Mouth of the Great Kanawha River
Located at Point Pleasant, WV. This is were the Kanawha joins the
Ohio River.
Note: There are no gas or food locations
between here and the Winfield Dam. |
| Mile 31.1 |
Winfield Dam and Locks |
| Mile 36.5 |
Gas
- Hidden Cove Marina
Located on the RAB |
| Mile 39 |
Pocatalico River
Located on the LAB |
| Mile 45.5 |
Coal River
Located on the RAB |
| Mile 46.1 |
Gas - Lou
Wendell Marine Sales
Located on the RAB, this marina and Rinker dealer has service and
a parts department should you need to do a quick repair. |
| Mile 50.9 |
Food - Tomahawks
Landing
Located on the RAB |
| Mile 53.5 |
Food - Lock
6 Marina, Huck Finns Restaurant and Bar
Located on the LAB, from out on the water it looks like there is not
dock space to tie up, but come in closer and you will see there is
plenty. Great menu. |
| Mile 54.1 |
Gas -
Pier 54 Marina and General Store
Located on the LAB, this marina offers a general store. They
have an assortment of frozen foods, snacks, and drinks all at reasonable
prices. |
| Mile 56.5 |
Charleston Marine Sales and Service
Located on the RAB, this marina and Sea Ray dealer has service
and a parts department should you need to do a river repair. |
| Mile 56.7 |
Food
- The Barge Restaurant and Trojan Landing
Located on the RAB at the C&O Railroad Bridge you can't miss The
Barge. "The spot" on the Kanawha River for food and drink.
Full bar and the best cheeseburgers in Charleston (land or sea). Lots
and lots of boat space to tie up. |
| Mile 57.9 |
Elk River
Located on the LAB |
| Mile 58.4 |
Haddad Riverfront Park
The heart of downtown Charleston, Haddad offers overnight tie up without
electric. Electric permits are available from the city. The Summer
time concert series is every Friday night and boats anchored in the
area have no problem hearing the music. On any given weekend you will
find many boaters with an anchor thrown in this area.
Note:
This is a NO WAKE zone. ALL boats need to be respectful of fellow
boaters and slow down while passing through this area. It is clearly
marked!! |
| Mile 59.9 |
University of Charleston
No public docks but beautifully located with the State Capitol on
the LAB and UC on the RAB, the campus hosts several musical events
during the Summer months including the Wine and Jazz festival, Blues,
Brews and Barbeques, and Symphony Sunday, all of which make for great
listening from your boat. |
| Mile 60.8 |
Gas - Charleston
Boat Club
Located on the RAB, the boat club is a private marina for members
only. The gas docks are open to the public. (no jet ski's) |
| Mile 67.7 |
Marmet Dam and Locks |
| Mile 70.4 |
Gas/Food - Chesapeake Marina
& Kanawha River Cafe
Located on the RAB, the marina has the only gas between London and
Marmet and the cafe has good food, beer and wine, and a friendly staff. |
| Mile 82.8 |
London Dam and Locks |
| Mile 84.8 |
WVU Tech Dock (old Lock 2).
Located on the LAB, overnight stays are with permission of the school
only. |
| Mile 90.5 |
End of commercial navigation
Located just above Alloy, WV. |
| Mile 91 |
Deep Water, WV
This is as far upriver as a recreational boat dare go. This site is
marked by the grand Norfolk & Western - Virginia Railway Bridge.
Bass boats or John boats with trolling motors can continue on but
beware of rocks. |
