Surprise Rapids is a stretch of rapids in Fayette County, West Virginia, in the Central Appalachians region. It lies about 6.9 miles east of Oak Hill and roughly 76.1 miles northwest of Roanoke as the crow flies.
The Central Appalachians are a high, rugged plateau of sandstone and shale with mixed oak, hemlock and northern hardwood forest and a cool, wet climate. Streams drop steeply through gorges and hollows over sandstone ledges.
Fayette County holds 15 recorded rapids, and several are close by. Upper Railroad Rapids, is about 3.2 miles away. Lower Railroad Rapids, is about 3.5 miles away. Silo Rapids, is about 3.6 miles away.
Surprise Rapids is located at 37.9646° N, 81.0223° W. The listing is based on the USGS Geographic Names Information System, one of the sources compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey in its inventory of waterfalls and rapids of the conterminous United States. The position was verified on aerial imagery. Details on trails, parking and access have not been documented for this rapid yet.