rapids (and Class V rapids at upper levels), has become a favorite destination for whitewater kayaking and rafting. On the first weekend in May of every year, paddlers gather from many states to attend the Cheat Festival. A very popular whitewater race—the Cheat River Race—takes place in the Cheat Canyon on the Friday of that weekend. Unlike the overwhelming majority of whitewater races, which employ a staggered start, this race uses a mass start (in which all participants start at the same time). For the first few miles, paddlers must avoid one another, in addition to the whitewater hazards that the river presents. The race, which usually attracts 150 people, is often cited as the largest whitewater race in existence. The Cheat Narrows section of the Cheat River (upstream of Albright) is also utilized by whitewater paddlers, and features Class II and III rapids. See also List of rivers of Pennsylvania List of rivers of West Virginia References External links U.S. Geological Survey: PA stream gaging stations National Whitewater River Inventory: Cheat Narrows National Whitewater River Inventory: Cheat Canyon Friends of the Cheat Tributaries of the Monongahela River Rivers of Pennsylvania Rivers of West Virginia Rivers of Monongalia County, West Virginia Rivers of Preston County, West Virginia Rivers of Tucker County, West Virginia Monongahela National Forest Rivers of Fayette County, Pennsylvania Allegheny Plateau