In celebration of National Trails Day and the 75.4 mile West Fork River Water Trail, we will float 6 miles from the Good Hope to West Milford. Kayaks, canoes and paddle boarders of all boating experience levels welcome to come! Paddle Board enthusiasts can enter a race in conjunction with the Float.

Friday, May 31- Early boat drop, demos & check in at Veterans Memorial Park

Join us between 4 and dusk to pick up your registration packet and drop your boat off early. Enjoy stand up paddle boarding demos from Appalachian Boarding Co. and WV SUP, try out kayaks with Day Trippin' Adventures, enjoy food from Heavenly Hoagies, and more. We will have guards at Good Hope watching over your boat so you can skip the hassle on Saturday.

Saturday, June 1 - Float

Float the Fork begins at 9am at the Good Hope access site. Registration starts at 8 (unless you came on Friday). Park at the Good Hope Methodist Church where you will be directed to the boat drop off. You will then drive to West Milford, register and take one of our courtesy shuttles back to Good Hope.

Upon arrival at the West Milford Park, we will celebrate with vendors, food for hungry paddlers from JAWS! BBQ, Heavenly Hoagies and West Milford Lions Club, presentations from sponsors, and more. Those who choose not to float are invited to join the celebration at the community event in West Milford!

The $20 donation includes shuttles to and from access points, a commemorative T-shirt and boating insurance and will help fund Guardians of the West Fork's efforts to preserve and improve the river.

No boat? No problem!

Our friends at Day Trippin' Adventures llc. have kayaks to rent. Get in touch by calling (304) 516-6353 or emailing daytrippin19@gmail.com

FAQs

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket includes shuttles to and from access points, a commemorative T-shirt and boating insurance.

What kind of boat can I use?

We only allow kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards on this float.

How long with the float take?

The float is just under 6 miles long. We estimate that it will take between 2-4 hours to complete this float.

What is the difference between a float and racer registration?

If you are an experienced paddler boarder, you can enter to race from Goodhope to West Milford on June 1st. This race is not sanctioned and will begin after all non-racers have departed.

Can I rent a boat?

Absolutely! These outfitters can rent a kayak, canoes and paddle boards.

Day Trippin’ Adventures LLC.

304-516-6353

daytrippin19@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/DayTripper19/

WV Stand Up Paddlers

681-753-2935

info@wvsup.com.

https://www.wvsup.com.

I am not an experienced paddler can I still participate?

Definitely! We welcome all experience levels to our float. There will be experienced safety boaters on the water to help you if needed.

Can children participate?

Sure! Children are welcome to join but must be accompanied by a parent at all times. We recommend that they have kayak experience or they ride with an adult. Here are some helpful tips for kayaking with kids.

Do I need to wear a life jacket?

The state of West Virginia requires all children 12 years and younger to wear a life jacket on a boat. We strongly encourage everyone to wear a life jacket at all times on the water.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

You will either drop off your boat in Good Hope Friday, May 31 (where it will be guarded overnight) and drive straight to West Milford on June 1. You may also drop off you boat at Good Hope on Saturday. From there you will park your car in West Milford where you will register. Then we will shuttle you back to Good Hope, so you can get on the water!

Can I register on the day of the float?

Yes, as long as we have capacity you can register by the shuttle pickup on June 1. You can also register May 31 at Veterans Memorial Park in Clarksburg. The earlier you sign up, the better! If you register after May 10, we do not guarantee that you will get a commemorative T-shirt. We will have extra on float day for sale.

Can I come just for the community event?

Yes! If you do not want to participate in the actual float you are welcome and encouraged to come to the community event starting at noon held at the West Milford Park; GPS points: N39.19845 W080.40611. You can let us know that you are coming by registering, though it is not mandatory.

What if there is bad weather?

We will contact you ASAP if we need to cancel the event due to weather.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

For questions please contact us by email at guardians.westfork@gmail.com or by phone contact John Ciesla at (304) 627-1019.

What's the refund policy?

Your ticket is considered a donation to The Guardians of the West Fork Watershed, so that we can continue to conserve, clean and promote the West Fork River. Therefore, your ticket is not refundable. However, your ticket is considered tax-deductible subject to federal tax regulations.

Guardians of the West Fork Watershed is a volunteer 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the ecological integrity of the West Fork River, its tributaries, and its watershed. We monitor and assist agencies in monitoring biological, physical, chemical, and cultural characteristics of the watershed to identify sources of degradation and suggest their elimination. We publicize the status of the watershed and encourage education and recreational enjoyment of the watershed. We seek wide membership and outside funding to support our activities.