As many as 500 participants are expected to attend the sixth annual Elk River Float Trip June 8 at Sutton, West Virginia, in Braxton County.

Paddlers might not encounter the region's legendary Braxton County Monster, but they can expect two to three hours of splashy fun on this gentle, five-mile section of river in the very heart of West Virginia.

Gentle, fun, and easily accessible, the float is ideal for new paddlers and groups with mixed experience levels, says Andrew Smith, executive director of the Braxton County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"The Elk River is perfect for newcomers to kayaking to aquaint themselves with the activity," Smith says.

"It's relatively calm and slow-moving with occasional small rapids."

Smith said the float trip should last between two to three hours though participants are encouraged to take their time and spend the day fishing, swimming, or taking in the scenery.

The float coincides with the state's Free Fishing Weekend, during which fishing is permitted without a license.

"This is the perfect opportunity for out-of-state fishing enthusiasts to test themselves against the musky, walleye and smallmouth bass of the Elk River," Smith said.

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Registration is $15 a person and includes an Elk River Float Trip t-shirt and shuttle services.

To guarantee an event shirt, participants should pre-register before May 18.

Registration will also be accepted beginning at 9 a.m. at the Sutton Dam.

Paddlers should arrive at the Sutton Dam at 9 a.m. and drop off their gear and passengers. If pre-registered, one person from each group can check-in their whole group. If registering that day, each adult must register at the check-in.

Once gear and passengers are unloaded, and registration is in order, vehicles should be driven downstream to the Elk River Camp and RV. There, drivers will park and board waiting shuttles, which will bring them back to the Sutton Dam where they can begin the float.

For more information visit the Braxton County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

See also: Hotels near Sutton, West Virginia