from “Upper James River Water Trail website UpperJamesRiverWaterTrail.com
Travel + Leisure Magazine just designated the Upper James River Water Trail as one of the best, easy outdoor adventures in the world! The most popular access point for the trail just happens to be located in downtown Buchanan!
The list of destinations is specifically intended for beginning adventurers who want to experience the great outdoors without needing expert-level skill. Other excursions recognized include sailing in Fiji, hiking in Italy, and snorkeling in Antarctica, putting the James River in world-class company. The mighty James River begins its majestic journey in Botetourt County and winds through Rockbridge County, the Blue Ridge Mountains and southern Shenandoah Valley on its way to the Chesapeake Bay. The unspoiled beauty of the river is more accessible than ever through the Upper James River Water Trail. Paddlers, anglers and families can get back to nature and enjoy the sights and sounds Upper James and a portion of the Maury River. See the mountains like you’ve never seen them before on the Upper James River Water Trail.
The Trail
The Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers converge in northern Botetourt to form Virginia’s greatest river, the James River. These headwaters provide some of the finest canoeing and freshwater fishing available in Virginia. The Virginia General Assembly recently passed Senate Bill 1196 and House Bill 1454, patroned by Senator Creigh Deeds and Delegate Terry Austin respectively. The bills extend the Scenic River designation on the Upper James River from 14 miles to 59 miles. This bill is waiting to be signed into law by the governor.
Along 64 miles of the Upper James River in Botetourt and Rockbridge Counties and 10 miles of the Maury River, you can get up close and personal with the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll experience the unspoiled beauty of the river as you paddle through scenic valleys and past rolling farmland while keeping a watchful eye out for native wildlife. Some Class I and Class II rapids along your journey will make it a fun day for all members of the family by canoe, kayak or tube.
Fishing
The Upper James River, from its headwaters in Botetourt County through Rockbridge County provide some of the finest freshwater fishing available in Virginia. Adjacent to the James River are several stocked trout streams in some of the Blue Ridge Mountain’s most scenic settings. Anglers visit from all across the country to fish the region.
The James River offers a wide range of angling opportunities and settings. Smallmouth bass are the dominant game species, but spotted and large mouth bass can also be caught. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass).
Three-year classes of trout have been established in the Roaring Run stream and fish up to 16 inches in size are available for anglers. Rainbow trout predominate in North Creek, although brook trout are present as well. Adult trout will range from 7-12 inches. Adjacent to North Creek is Jennings Creek, a Heritage Trout Day stocked stream. At several locations along Jennings Creek, people can drive right up to the side of the stream, find trout water, and hopefully even catch a fish.
Plan A Trip
When you hear the river calling, head to the Upper James River Water Trail. Perhaps your perfect day on the river is a carefree float in a tube and chatting with friends on a hot summer day. Maybe you would rather be casting a fly in search of a trophy catch. For others, it means packing a lunch and enjoying some undisturbed time with the whole family surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Chances are, a portion of the Upper James has exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re bringing your own canoe or kayak, there are numerous public access points with free parking. For those who need gear, private outfitters are ready to help make your trip a memorable experience with expert advice, equipment rental and shuttle service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the trips last?
It mainly depends on the water level. Trips are normally much faster in the springtime when the water is higher. The average summer time paddler travels between 2 – 3 miles per hour. The Upper James River Water Trail is perfect for a large variety of day trips of various lengths. The trips can be as short as a couple of hours or as long as you wish to make them, depending on how many stops you make for wildlife-watching, fishing and exploring. Additional time should be added if the group is fishing, many serious fishermen average only 1 mph. Make note of distances when planning your trip and make sure you launch early enough in the day to make it to your take out well before it gets dark.
What should I bring?
A life jacket is required for each person in the watercraft. Children 16 and under must wear their life jackets any time they are on board the boat.
Recommended equipment includes a river map, food, water, sunscreen, footwear (water sandals, river shoes, or old tennis shoes), a shirt for sun protection, a cap or sun hat, insect repellent, sunglasses, ID, cell phone in water proof dry box, and a trash bag.
You may also want to bring a camera, binoculars, and dry bag, fire starter, fishing gear and license, knife, paddling gloves, rain gear, toilet paper and baggies, waterproof flashlight and extra batteries, and extra lines or tie-downs.
Can I picnic on the river bank?
Plan your stops on public land, such as small low islands that are part of the river way. Please respect private property along navigable rivers shore lines. Private property may be marked by signs, or fences. Please avoid stopping on private property whenever possible and keep noise levels low. Picnicing is allowed on the Buchanan Town Park.
How deep is the river?
The river level of the Upper James River Water Trail varies from a few inches to well over 15 feet in some places. However, the average depth of the James is waist deep or less for an average adult. When the river clarity is clear you will be able to see the river bottom in all but the deepest pools along the way. Since the river depth is constantly changing all paddlers should wear their life jackets while on the water.
Do I need to be able to swim to go on the river trail? Is it safe for very young children?
Even the easiest sections of the Upper James River Water Trail contain rapids that can tip over unsuspecting paddlers. The river is a wild and natural environment and not set up like an engineered water park ride at an amusement park. Upon flipping over, each person must be able to safely make a self recovery to be able to get to the river bank on their own. Accordingly, the river is no place for small children and non swimmers for safety reasons.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Pet life jackets are recommended.
Is alcohol allowed on River Trips?
Rivers and the river access points are considered public property. Display and consumption of alcohol is illegal. Paddlers boating while intoxicated risk arrest and injury.
Do I need a fishing license, where do I get them?
Yes, fisherman 16 and older will need to purchase a fresh water fishing license from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Fishing license can be purchased at H&H Outdoors in Buchanan.
What type of fish are found in the Upper James?
Smallmouth bass are the dominant game species, but spotted and largemouth bass can also be caught. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flat head catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass). Muskies are also annually stocked in the Upper James, but are rare and can get quite large.
