DIY James River
February 15, 2019
Written by Hunter Steadman
It’s no secret that Lynchburg has a lot to offer the outdoor enthusiasts in the area. The Appalachian Trail, multiple national forests and, Smith Mountain Lake are just a few attractions that are within an hour and a half from Lynchburg. Though the James River is right in our backyard, most people have never experienced it because we just don’t know where to start. Where do I go? What do I do? What do I need? These are the questions that I want to help answer so that you can safely plan and execute your next adventure on the James River.
The Upper James River (Lick Run in Botetourt County to Lynchburg) offers a wide array of trips suited for paddlers of all skill levels. From long sections of flat slow-moving water which are ideal for fishing to class III rapids that can both fun and challenging to more experienced paddlers.
The Section from Buchanan to Arcadia is a 6 mile (2 ½ hours) float with good rapids and current. The trip includes three Class II rapids that can be challenging in higher water conditions (above 4 ft. on the Buchanan River gauge). The ideal water level for this trip in 2 ft. -3.5 ft. The trip features some impressive mountain views and is fairly remote once you leave the Buchanan area. Remains of the Wasp Dam from the James & Kanawha Canal era can be found about 3 miles into the trip on river left. The trip ends at the Arcadia boat landing under the Arcadia (Route 614) bridge.
If you are looking for a longer day trip you can continue past Arcadia and end at Alpine. This would add 4.5 miles to the trip. This section is ideal for smallmouth bass fishing, with large sections of slower water that allow for fishing both from the boat and from shore. Fly rods and spin rods would both be great things to pack if you decided to do this full 10.5-mile paddle, though a spin rod is a bit more compact and easier to set-up, which would be a slightly better choice if you have to choose.
Lucky for you, Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center has kayaks and canoes available for rental that would be perfectly suited for this particular trip.
What to bring
Water, and plenty of it- Being on the river means you will be in direct sunlight for the majority of the day and will need to hydrate.
Snacks or a lunch- Whether you do the shorter section or add those additional miles, you’re going to get hungry.
Sunscreen- If you’ve ever spent time on any body of water you know that the sun’s rays are reflected off the water and give you twice the exposure to UV rays, ultimately increasing your chance at serious discomfort.
Fishing gear- This is not a necessity but it can be a fun change of pace when you have been paddling for a few hours.
Waterproof and floating case for valuables- I have heard way too many stories of friends and students who went out on a body of water, flipped their boat and lost all their important belongings. You can buy a case at Walmart on wards road for $8 that can hold all your important belongings.
Personal Flotation Device/Life Jacket- This is an absolute must have. If you rent a boat from Hydaway we will always give you a PFD, so no need to buy one. (But having a PFD of your own is a worthwhile investment).
First aid kit- This is another great thing to have just in case. Again you can find a basic kit at Walmart for as little as $5
Multiple Vehicles- Because you will be parking and then traveling down river you will need to drop a vehicle at the pull out (exit point) of the trip before going to the put-in to start the trip. If you don’t have multiple vehicles that can carry/ tow the boats on a trailer just use the vehicle at the end point to drive and pick up the vehicle that you left behind at the start point of the trip
Where to go
Buchanan to Arcadia | 6 Miles
- 645 Lowe Street Buchanan, VA 24066 Latitude: 37° 31′ 48″ Longitude: -79° 40′ 46″.
- This is where you will find the put-in and the start of your trip. A concrete boat ramp and shallow water make this an easy entry point into the river.
- 1738 Arcadia Road Buchanan, VA 24066 Latitude: 37° 33′ 17″ Longitude: -79° 38′ 14″
- Riverbank access for the pull out will be river right (right side if facing downstream) just before the route 614 bridge.
Buchanan to Alpine | 10.5 Miles
- 645 Lowe Street Buchanan, VA 24066 Latitude: 37° 31′ 48″ Longitude: -79° 40′ 46″.
- This is where you will find the put-in and the start of your trip. A concrete boat ramp and shallow water make this an easy entry point into the river.
- 3180 Gilmers Mill Road Buchanan, VA 24066 Latitude: 37° 34’ 54.29” Longitude: -79° 36’ 10.14”
- Riverbank access to this pull out will be river left (left side if facing downstream).
Final thoughts
It is important to do your own research and planning for any trip that you may want to embark on, but the river calls for special planning. A fun day on the river can turn into a messy situation if you are not properly prepared with the right gear, and knowledge. Be sure to check the weather and water conditions leading up to the day you go as conditions can change rapidly. Planning properly will allow you to have a fun and safe trip. And lastly please come to Hydaway and talk to us if you have questions, we would love to help you plan your own trips both on the river or wherever else you may want to go on your next adventure.