Wheeling Creek is a great intro into what water trails are all about! Very popular with locals for tubing as well as canoeing and kayaking, it is mostly flatwater with a few small riffles for most of its length. This creek is quite diverse as it cuts across West Virginia’s northern panhandle, moving from rural farmland and forest toward the more urban landscape of Wheeling at its confluence with the Ohio River.

You can dock or drop in at the ample put-ins and take-outs, and as Wheeling Creek nears the City of Wheeling, there are even some nice multi-use trails, parks and restaurants that line its banks.

Water Levels Link: Wheeling Creek Hydrograph

The most ideal water level to paddle on Wheeling Creek is in the range: 1.8 feet - 4 feet. Anything below 1.8 ft will require extensive walking and dragging of your watercraft. Anything above 4 feet is NOT recommended and can become extremely dangerous. Remember to always tell people where you are going, time frame of your journey, go with a buddy, wear sunscreen, and don't forget your personal flotation device (PFD) per state law.