Dry Fork rises in the high country of Randolph County near the Allegheny Front, beginning its northward journey through some of West Virginia's most remote terrain. The river flows approximately 39 miles before joining the Black Fork near Hendricks in Tucker County, forming the Black Fork of the Cheat River. Along its course, the river descends through forested valleys and past occasional waterfalls cascading from tributary streams, particularly along the left bank in the lower sections.

The paddling experience on Dry Fork varies considerably by section. The upper reaches from Job to the community of Dry Fork offer straightforward Class II water flowing through highland meadow farms, with the primary hazards being occasional fallen trees or low-water bridges. The middle section from CR 32/4 bridge to Jenningston maintains Class I-II character with good current and few technical demands. The lower section from Jenningston to Hendricks transforms into the river's most celebrated stretch, featuring nearly continuous Class III-IV whitewater over a 10-12 mile run. This lower section drops approximately 400 feet per mile in places, creating numerous ledge drops, wave trains, and excellent surf features that have made it a favorite among intermediate and advanced paddlers.

Paddlers should possess solid boat control, reliable eddy turns, and a dependable roll for the lower section, while the upper reaches accommodate less experienced boaters. The river requires significant rainfall or snowmelt to reach runnable levels, typically flowing best from February through May. Minimum flows around 700 cfs at the Hendricks gauge are necessary for the lower section, with optimal conditions between 1,000-3,000 cfs. Above 4,000 cfs, the river becomes pushy and hole-intensive.

Access points include bridges along River Road in Randolph County and at Jenningston and Hendricks in Tucker County. The town of Harman in Randolph County serves as a logical staging area for upper sections, while Hendricks provides takeout facilities for the popular lower run. The shuttle along the lower section follows a small country road that parallels the river, allowing for easy scouting.

The river corridor remains largely undeveloped through Randolph County, with the valley widening somewhat as it approaches Tucker County. Wildlife sightings include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and various woodland birds. The surrounding Monongahela National Forest provides primitive camping opportunities along much of the upper river.

Safety considerations include the remote nature of much of the drainage, cold water temperatures even into late spring, and the potential for strainers in the upper sections. The lower section's continuous nature means committing to several miles of whitewater once started, with limited exit points until Hendricks.