JRA RiverRats’ Top 5 Stretches for Beginner Paddlers

by Amber Ellis, Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Manager

Looking for some great spots along the James River or one of its tributaries to go paddling, but are still a beginner? Check out these stretches throughout the watershed. All of these spots have been tagged on JRA’s Interactive Map of the James River, just click on the links to go to the map.

1. Powhatan Creek near Jamestown. There is plenty of parking and easy access. The creek widens as you head downstream towards the James. Paddle upstream and you get into a cool swamp. (Recommended by RiverRat Steve Forrest)

Powhatan Creek Map Link

2. The foot of 7th Street at the James River in downtown Lynchburg. This is a public City of Lynchburg Park canoe/kayak ramp with 11 parking spaces. It is next to the Griffin Pipe plant. You will have a good float (and fishing) upriver for about ½ mile to the Scotts Mill dam or you can float downriver over the small riffles that contain the debris from the old 9th Street Bridge. (May be difficult to get back through the riffles to get back to the 7th Street Ramp). This ramp is great for just paddling around and getting back to your car at a put-in and a take-out all in one spot. (Recommended by RiverRat Joe Seiffert)

7th Street Ramp Map Link

3. Windsor Castle Park (Cypress Creek) near Smithfield, kayak launch and Jones Creek in Isle of Wight County, boat ramp (has a floating dock also). Both creeks are tidal tributaries of the Pagan River, which is a tidal tributary of the James River. Windsor Castle Park has other amenities, such as a nice walking trail, and a dog park. Jones Creek and Cypress Creek are both great for paddling because they are relatively protected from the wind (Recommended by RiverRat Tim Jones)

Cypress Creek Map Link

Jones Creek Map Link

4. Deep Bottom Park/Four Mile Creek area in Henrico County. Great tidal flat water for paddling. It is quiet, even though there's access for larger boats at the park. The mouth of Four Mile Creek at the James River lends itself to gorgeous sunsets and lots of wildlife can be heard and observed. This is just an all-around relaxing place to spend some time. (Recommended by RiverRat Tracy Warner)

Four Mile Creek Map Link

5. Morris Creek, Charles City County, is a tributary of the Chickahominy River, which is a tributary of the James River. This tidal creek is a good place for beginners and very scenic. There is a nice boat launch in the VDGIF's Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area. (Recommended by RiverRat Steve Forrest)

Morris Creek Map Link

For more information on JRA’s Interactive Map go to http://jrava.org/enjoy-the-james/interactive-map