Top 5 Tubing Spots Along the Middle James

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

It’s been a wet start to the summer, but things looks like they are finally getting back to normal, which is music to river lovers’ ears! A great way to spend a warm summer day out on the river with your family and friends is to go on a tubing trip. Here is a list of some great spots along the middle James recommended by JRA’s RiverRats. These locations are good whether you have your own tube or need to rent one. Have fun and be safe!

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James River State Park: This is a 2-mile float with a few riffles. It runs alongside the park through rolling hills. The park offers tube rentals and provides a shuttle. Make it a weekend trip and camp or stay in one of their cabins. “Along the way, there is only one or two spots of "swift" water. One of which is at Treasure Island on the right side, a good half way point with a nice beach to take out, relax, stretch, or have a snack. All in all, you can't beat the services and amenities offered by the park, plus that part of the River is great for beginners.”-RiverRat Kevin Hansen

Warren to Hatton Ferry: This is a 3-mile trip that takes you along the James through rural Virginia and is a great easy float. If you do not have your own tube, James River Runners offers tubes and shuttles. “Warren has a nice sandbar with eddies that make a nice swimming hole and lunch spot. If Hatton is your pickup there is a set of class 1 and you'll navigate through a riverwide rocky outcrop. Fun stuff.”-RiverRat Chad O’Brien

Hatton Ferry to Scottsville: This is a 4-mile trip along the James that is a pretty calm float. If you do not have your own tube, James River Reeling and Rafting offers tubes and shuttles. If you have time after tubing, take a little walk through Scottsville, a great little river town! Horseshoe Flats is a great place to camp if you want to make it a weekend trip.

Cartersville to West View:  Enjoy a 5-mile float that is mostly flat with a couple of riffles. You will need to provide your own tube, but there is parking at Cartersville and West View. “I would recommend Cartersville to West View… We have enjoyed the float with family on 4th of July several times.” –RiverRat Roy Hyle

Powhatan State Park to Maidens: Come out to visit Virginia’s newest State Park on the banks of the James! This float is about 5 miles and is mostly flat with a stretch of big boulders and deep water. You will need to provide your own tube, but there is parking at the park and at Maidens landing.

There are also great spots on the Upper and Lower James, but that would be just too big of a list! For more recomendations along the James and throughout Virginia, visit http://www.virginia.org/directory/outdoorsandsports/raftingtubing/