Upper James River Water Trail - Kayak Trip / Canoe Trip
Report Type: Weekend Trip Report
Trip Dates: June 1-4, 2012
Nearest City: Daleville, VA
Difficulty: Easy
Submitted by: barbcrane
Description:
Our group of 8 kayakers based in Daleville, VA to paddle 3 sections of the Upper James River Water Trail.
Day 1 was Eagle Rock to Horseshoe Bend, a trip of about 6 hours including a lunch stop. Plenty of Class 1s and a couple of easy Class 2s. Put-ins and take-outs are clearly marked and VERY easily accessible by state route 43 (Eagle Rock is on US Route 220).
Day 2 was Horseshoe Bend to Buchanan, about. 4 hour paddle with a lunch stop. One moderately tricky Class 2 at Ritchie's Falls, the rest easy riffles. Buchanan's public boat ramp is next to Twin River Outfitters, which has a nice shop and does a good variety of trips - great folks!!
We plan to make a return visit to take on the stretch between Buchanan and Alpine.
This was a beautiful, quiet, and very scenic paddle trip. Just make sure you have enough water - the Buchanan gauge should be over 3.5 feet or you are going to do some walking.
Accommodations:
Boat ramps and parking are good at all access points that we used. Restaurants in Buchanan, plenty of hotels in Daleville and the general Roanoke area.
Fees:
No fees, but you will need a license if you want to fish.
Directions:
I-81 to Buchanan, then State Route 43. Or, I-81 to Daleville, the north on US Route 220 to Eagle Rock boat launch
Resources:
website:
www.upperjamesriverwatertrail.com
Also
www.canoevirginia.net for Twin River Outfitters.
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