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#
Comment
You Might Also Like
River Trip: The Fall Line in Richmond
The seven amazing miles of the James River described as the Fall Line offer limitless recreational possibilities, from simply sunbathing to running Class IV whitewater below the high-rise skyline of the state's capital.
River Trip: Maidens Landing to Watkins Landing
Just west of the capital city of Richmond, VA, find escape into nature along the James as it runs between Goochland and Powhatan Counties and enjoy the pastoral landscapes and history of the the area.
River Trip: Howardsville to Bremo Bluff
The Middle James River between Howardsville and Bremo Bluff winds through Virginia's Piedmont, offering an 25-mile overnight trip, fun Class I-II paddling, fascinating glimpses into the history of navigation on the river, a great river town, solid …
River Trip: The Upper James Water Trail
From the James River's beginning at the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers and following its dramatically beautiful path through the Allegheny Mountains, is the Upper James River Water Trail, a Botetourt County project that invites …
River Trip: Balcony Falls
Ready to put your paddling skills to the test? Jump on the James and descend with it through the Blue Ridge Mountains at Balcony Falls.