The Birthplace of Rivers is a campaign aimed at protecting the headwaters of the Gauley River as a National Monument. This designation would protect some great whitewater rivers and beautiful landscapes, and help the Forest Service manage them for recreation and conservation.

The rivers within the proposed boundaries of the proposed National Monument are:

• North Fork Cherry River
• Upper Cranberry
• Middle Cranberry
• Lower Williams River
• Middle Williams River
• Upper Williams River
• Tea Creek
• Elk River

These are some wonderful rivers - moderate in difficulty and incredibly beautiful. They also flow downstream into other great whitewater runs, not the least of which is the Gauley River.

American Whitewater supports the Birthplace of Rivers concept and is working to see this important landscape protected and celebrated as a National Monument.

The Cranberry River is one of many that would be protected by the Birthplace of Rivers National Monument. Photo By Peter Bross