Explore and sustain the James River Watershed

River Trip: Bent Creek to Wingina

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This pastoral journey along the Middle James offers beginner paddling, easy camping access at James River State Park, and fishing for smallmouth bass.

Northeast of Lynchburg there is a 14.5 mile stretch of the James between the Rt. 60 bridge and Bent Creek and the Rt. 56 bridge at Wingina that has become a favorite for river trips with family and friends. While this distance makes for an arduous day trip, make it an overnighter by reserving a riverside campsite at James River State Park. Now you can relax and enjoy the meanders of the James as it finds its way through the rolling hills, farm fields, and forests of Virginia's Piedmont. The rapids in this section of river are relatively tame Class I and II, so bring your landlubber friends and the kids and introduce everyone to the joy of river trips.

James River State Park is located conveniently right in the middle of this trip, giving you two 7-mile sections on either side perfect for taking your time, picnicking, fishing and relaxing. James River State Park also runs a canoe and kayak livery that will not only provide you equipment but also run your car shuttle. The park itself is one of Virginia's finest, featuring many miles of hiking trails, a camp store and an informative visitor center.

 

James River Trip Resources

Guide to Trip Planning: http://www.jamesriverassociation.org/enjoy-the-james/overnight-camping

Find River Maps from JRA: http://www.jamesriverassociation.org/enjoy-the-james/james-river-maps

VDGIF Guide to Access Points: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/display.asp?id=158§ion=maps

Buy River Atlases of Historic Sites from VA Canals and Navigation Society: http://vacanals.org/store/

NOAA Hydrologic Prediction Service (River Levels): http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/?wfo=akq#

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