Cheat River Watershed Expedition
Cheat River Watershed Expedition
Twelve days of boating and backpacking adventure while exploring the majestic Cheat River watershed.
Trip Overview
The Cheat River Watershed is the largest free-flowing watershed in the eastern United States, meaning that there are no dams altering its wilderness character. On the Cheat River Watershed Expedition, we will travel from the headwaters of the Cheat River to the main stem of the Cheat. On a five-day backpacking trip, we’ll hike 15-20 miles through lush forest while passing creeks and waterfalls. Along the way, we’ll drink from fresh springs and creeks, learn backpacking and leadership skills, and study the ecology of this pristine wilderness area. Once we reach the Cheat, we’ll spend three days canoeing, rafting, and camping along the river as it winds its way through the hills and hollows of West Virginia. We’ll also take a day to explore an underground cave. To wrap up the trip, we’ll explore the small towns of Davis and Thomas, as well as Blackwater Falls State Park. On closing day, our group will celebrate our challenges and successes!
No experience is necessary to join the trip. All you need is a curious, open mind and the willingness to learn about yourself.
Intended Outcomes
- Have fun! Participants will get outside and experience outdoor adventures they may or may not have experienced previously.
- Create a community of friends who live nearby.
- Learn technical skills such as canoeing, rafting, and navigation. These skills will prepare participants for future trips with Appalachian Expeditions or on their own.
- Learn leadership and communication skills that will make participants more effective and engaged members of their communities.
- Explore the cultural and natural history of this beautiful region.
Travel Information
Getting dropped off and picked up in Davis?
July 6: Meet us at the Pendleton Point Picnic Shelter at Blackwater Falls State Park at 9am
July 18: Pick up at Pendleton Point Picnic Shelter at Blackwater Falls State Park at 11am
Or meet us at Dulles International Airport (IAD) the day before the start of your program.
You can arrive to Dulles by plane, bus, or get dropped off by car. We will meet you at the airport at the set times below and transport you from the city to the mountains! That first night, we’ll camp at Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis, WV. Participants getting dropped off in Davis will arrive the following morning.
Arrival Day (day BEFORE start of program) – July 5, schedule your flight to arrive between 2-5pm
Departure Day (last day of program) – July 18, schedule your flight to depart between 4-7pm
Once we have more information on participant travel details we will contact you with a specific place and time to meet up at Dulles International Airport.
What is the total cost of the trip?
$3,900
Why do we Charge This?
Safety, fun and learning are our main priorities. Tuition from these programs goes towards our highly developed risk management systems and top of the line gear that will keep participants warm, dry, and safe. Our instructors are the face of our programs, we seek to employ and retain highly qualified instructors and pay them a livable wage so that we can create the best possible experiences for our students. Lastly, as an education program, we are committed to teaching our intentional curriculum to create better leaders and more engaged citizens of this planet. Education is an investment in ourselves and our communities. If you are excited about our programs, but unable to afford the full tuition, consider applying for a scholarship or contacting us directly.
Tuition covers all trip costs including meals, travel, and accommodations. Participants will be responsible for hiking boots, personal items, and transportation to and from Davis, WV. APEX will provide group gear (e.g. tents, stoves, water systems, etc.) and has some personal equipment for rental (e.g. sleeping bags, and sleeping pads).
For financial assistance and scholarship information please go to our Financial Assistance page. You will need to apply for Financial Assistance before registering for your program.
Discounts Available Upon Registration
WV Kids: $40 off for any child attending school in West Virginia or Garrett County, MD.
Kids Sibling: $20 off when you register 2 or more young people
Kids Multi-Session: $20 off when you register for 2 or more sessions for the same child
No code is needed; discounts are automatic!
Trip Details
July 6-18
Application Deadline:
Spaces filling fast, don’t miss out!
Ages: 14-17
Activities: backpacking, canoeing,
and rafting
Location: Cheat River Watershed
Difficulty: 4/10
Cost: $3,900