
2023 Season Open: May 26 – September 3
- Canoe & Kayak Rentals
- Shuttles
Departure Times
- Open Fri, Sat, Sun
- 8am/10am/12pm/2pm
NEED MORE INFO? Call or Text: 304-822-0820
Calleva’s Trough Outfitters We are happy to say that Trough Season 2 is going to happen! “The Trough” is also our basecamp for our amazing WV High Adventures and an incredible destination for families wanting to get outdoors!
Located a short 2.5 hour drive from DC, this beautiful spot in West Virginia offers everything needed to create a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. CTO Kayak & Canoe Rentals outfit groups to paddle or float down the South Branch of the Potomac — choose a section that fits your timeline. After a year like this one, it’s time to get the entire family outdoors and connecting with nature!
What to Expect: This is the perfect beginner river trip for the entire family. The South Branch of the Potomac offers options for those seeking a remote paddling experience. Crank out 16 miles in 1 day, or plan 2 days with an overnight campout for a more relaxed 7 mile paddling trip. The river offers great birding, fishing, and many shallow class I-II rapids between sections of slow moving water. Water temperatures fluctuate in the spring and fall, but are extremely refreshing during those hot summer months. Expect higher waters in the Spring and lower water flows during the late Summer. NOTE: The lower the water, the more scraping you will do down the rapids. Depending on the weight in your canoe, you may have to get out and walk your watercraft through some shallow sections.
Paddling Options: Looking for the best half-day, full-day, multi-day paddling trip for your family that isn’t just boring flatwater!?! We have got you covered and can help you make it a success. A general rule of thumb is that if you are planning on “floating more then paddling” then expect to go about 1-2 miles per hour, and if you are “paddling more then floating” you can cut that in half! If you’re planning on camping, let us know prior to getting on the river and we’ll suggest some good spots to stop overnight!
Starting upstream and ending at Trough General Store:
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- 7 miles ~ McNeil/Sycamore Bridge ($90/canoe – $55/kayak) **the most popular option
- 12 miles ~ Old Fields Bridge ($110/canoe – $65/kayak)
- +$30 every additional day/any vessel
- Email for extended 3 + day rentals
- 7 miles ~ McNeil/Sycamore Bridge ($90/canoe – $55/kayak) **the most popular option
Shuttle Options: Each rental comes with free shuttle service. If you have your own equipment and just need a ride, we got you covered as well. The fees below only apply to non-rental guests..
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- 7 & 12 mile upstream sections $20/person
Camping: One site is available on weekends through reservations for up to 10 people. $10/pp
Booking: We are taking reservations on-line for Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays with departure times at 8am, 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Walk-ins are welcome but please note that we will NOT be running 8am & 2pm departure times unless we have a reservation on our books. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your booked departure time to inspect your watercraft and learn about the gear required for your outing. Each rental comes with the necessary lifejackets, paddles, and includes one shuttle for each watercraft. All others must get dropped off at the launch location, or pay a per person shuttle fee of $20. Because of poor cell phone reception, late arrivals will have to wait until next departure time.
The Store & The Boats: The majority of our fleet are Paluski Canoes (75lbs), and “sit-on kayaks” 1-person Jackson Riviera (58lbs) and 2-person Jackson Riviera (70lbs). We sell boats, gear, and supplies in the general store.
- Got Questions? Email [email protected]
- We are located at: 9690 S Branch River Road. Romney, WV 26757
- Want to talk to someone? 304-822-0820

IMPORTANT FINE PRINT:
Prices, equipment availability, and rental policies subject to change without notice.
General Policies
You must be 18 yrs old or older to rent.
Credit card # will be held until all rented equipment is checked in and assessed for damages or lost equipment.
Payments in full for all rentals are due at the time of reservation. At the time of reservation a credit card will be held for rental cancellations and or damaged equipment or incidentals such as recovery of abandoned equipment.
Walk-ins, Please be aware that departure times of 8am and 2pm may not be available if a prior on-line reservation was not made.
Calleva, Calleva’s Trough Outfitters, and Trough General Store, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any individual(s).
Cancellation Policy:
There is a $35 charge per boat that is reserved/cancelled 24 hours before departure time. The fee(s) will be charged to the credit card given and held at the time of reservation so please only hold what you are willing to pay for.
There are no refunds for illness, weather, early returns or non-usage that has not been properly canceled ahead of time. Be certain of the desired number of canoes or kayaks you hold as you will be responsible for full payment for any unused boats the same day of service due to any party member(s) cancellation in your group.
Check-Out Procedures: PLEASE ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR to your reserved DEPARTURE TIME!! All individuals 18 or over MUST sign a liability waiver.
Before setting off onto the South Branch of the Potomac River, you are responsible for inspecting all equipment carefully and to bring any missing or damaged equipment to a staff member’s attention. Make sure any discrepancies are noted on the rental agreement. Failure to note any discrepancies may result in a fee for damaged or missing equipment. If needed, please ask a staff member for assistance with inspection and/or instructions on how to properly set-up the equipment.
It generally takes 30-45 minutes to check out watercraft. Please consider this as you make your reservation. Deviation from this time may result in delays as equipment may not yet be prepared.
Returning Procedures: Equipment must be returned by 5:45 PM. Returns later than this time will incur a late fee of $50 and $50 each additional hour thereafter. *A cleaning fee of $25.00 per boat will be collected if they are not returned in the same condition they left. You will be charged for equipment that is dirty (including left behind trash), damaged, or missing, up to and including the cost to replace such equipment at the current equipment costs, regardless of the age of the equipment. Any bags of trash left on our premises including the state public access will be charged $50 per bag.
Equipment left unattended (during Closed hours) at Trough General Store Rentals will be charged a $50.00 fee regardless of the reason unless arrangements are made before hand with a staff member. Should the equipment be lost or stolen while left unattended, the renter will be responsible for all replacement costs at full retail prices.
Equipment Damage: Rental Fees do not cover any portion of damages to equipment. Any damaged equipment interfering with the rental or reservation of another will be charged the entire cost of the other rental in addition to all equipment repair and/or replacement costs.
Canoes $750, Canoe Paddle $30 each, Kayaks $400, Tandem Kayak $750), Kayak Paddle $60, life vest $10, adult or kid life jackets $30.
Late fees are assessed at 1.5 times the daily rate for each day the equipment is not returned- including holidays and closed dates. This is strictly enforced as it jeopardizes another person’s trip. Any late equipment affecting another person’s rental will be charged the entire cost of the other rental.


