Top 40 Hikes in the James River Watershed

This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the James River Association. To celebrate this anniversary we’ll be releasing Top 40 lists throughout the year celebrating some of the awesome experiences the James River watershed has to offer.

In honor of Earth Month, we have surveyed our staff to bring you the Top 40 Hikes in the James River watershed. So here they are, in no particular order, 40 places to take a hike!

1.    Mt. Pleasant

2.    Spy Rock

3.    Crabtree Falls

4.    Beaver Lake Trail in Pocahontas State Park

5.    High Bridge

6.    Triple Crown

7.    Jamestown Island, footpath to Black Point

8.    Greensprings and Powhatan Creek Trail

9.    Hoffler Creek

10. Noland Trail

11. Appomattox River Greenway

12. Fort Monroe Seawall Trail

13. Balcony Falls Trail

14. Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest

15. James River Face Wilderness

16. Three Ridges Wilderness

17. Thunder Ridge Wilderness

18. James River State Park

19. Powhatan State Park

20. Douthat State Park

21. Governor's Land Conservation Easement (co-held by James River Association)

22. Chippokes Plantation State Park

23. Chapel Island (Great Shiplock Park)

24. Belle Isle

25. Pony Pasture

26. Huguenot Flatwater

27. Bear Creek Lake State Park

28. Van Clief Nature Area

29. High Bridge Trail State Park

30. Appalachian Trail

31. Ivy Creek Natural Area

32. Pocahontas State Park

33. James River Heritage Trail (Riveredge Park)

34. Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area

35. Canal Walk

36. Floodwall Park

37. Robious Landing Park

38. Crawford State Park

39. City Point

40. Virginia Capital Trail

Grapevine Bridge Access Site is a Finalist for Better Housing Coalition Golden Hammer Award

The Grapevine Bridge river access site is a finalist for a Better Housing Coalition Golden Hammer Award! 

The Golden Hammer Awards celebrate thoughtful revitalization of Greater Richmond’s neighborhoods and recognizes the best residential, adaptive reuse, new construction, and community placemaking projects in Greater Richmond. The Grapevine Bridge river access site is a finalist in the "Placemaking" project category. Awards will be presented May 21st, 2015 during TransformRVA at the Omni Hotel. 

Vote for your favorite projects here!

The Grapevine Bridge river access site opened to the public in November 2014 and provides low-impact fishing, canoe, and kayak access on the Chickahominy River in eastern Henrico County. 

 The effort to enhance the site began in early 2014 when a concept plan for the site was developed by James River Association staff and numerous volunteer events were held to beautify and improve the site for public enjoyment. Improvements include a trail and boardwalk, canoe launch, benches, and interpretive signage for the Chickahominy Water Trail, a segment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. 

The project is a collaboration between the James River Association, Virginia Department of Transportation, Henrico County, and National Park Service. In addition to being the guardian of the James River, the James River Association works to connect communities to the James River and its tributaries for quality of life and economic benefits. To learn more about the James River Association's public access work visit www.jrava.org.

2015 James RiverFest

This Saturday the 25^th, the James River Association will be hosting the Fourth Annual James RiverFest at Eco Discovery Park in James City County. This years’ festival will have many new and exciting features sure to appeal to anyone who wants to learn more about preserving “our nation’s founding river”.

Have you ever wondered how long a Great Atlantic Sturgeon can grow to be, what a water footprint is, or how to properly escape an environmental fire?  This year learn these and much more as we focus on learning about our environment and how we can protect it for generations to come. 

Along with the James River Association and Eco Discovery Park, our friends at Historic Jamestowne, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Chippokes Plantation State Park, the Mariner’s Museum, James City County Fire Department, Stormwater and Parks and Recreation Divisions, and many more will be providing fun and educational activities for all ages.

Participate in one of Chesapeake Experience’s free kayak paddles down Powhatan Creek or take a free pontoon boat ride with Jamestown Boat Tours.  Eco Discovery Park will also have bikes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards available to rent throughout the day. 

See Forever Wild’s live animal demonstration and a touch tank displaying critters found right in our river. Bring the kids to complete our ‘treasure map’ of questions to which only our educational tents can provide the answers - learn something new while having fun!

A selection of incredibly talented local artisans will be showcasing their work and we can’t forget the food! In Layman Terms and The UnXpected, both local bands, will be providing live music during the event.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to enjoy our river and all that it has to offer! We hope to see you there!

www.JamesRiverFest.org

Top 10 Apps for River Users by the James River Association's RiverRats

Many of us go out on the river or into the woods to get away from technology, but these days most of us take our Smartphone with us. Below are JRA’s RiverRats favorite apps that make their trip safe, educational, and fun!

•  3D Compass: This App places a lat long and map on all pictures that you take and serves as a compass. Mike Easingwood, RiverRat
•  Fishings Spots: Use this to let others do the work for you & know where the fishing holes are! Isaac Nolte, RiverRat
• Google Earth: This is a website and an App. It allows you to scope out an area before your trip or to track where you are and get coordinates while you are out. Lynn Wilson and Isaac Nolte, RiverRats
•  Pocket Ranger, Official VA State Parks Guide: Use this to learn more about where you’re headed if it’s a State Park. Isaac Nolte and James C. Shaver, Jr., RiverRats
• Sibley Birds: This is a great App to take out with you to identify birds. Lynn Wilson, RiverRat. Another option if you are looking for a great beginner bird id app for free, try out Merlin Bird ID. Just answer a few questions about the bird you are trying to identify and this App will give you some possible matches. James C. Chaver, Jr., RiverRat
• Simple Tides: Great for paddling parts of the tidal James River watershed. This app allows you to view the tide chart and weather for your chosen location. Isaac Nolte, RiverRat
• VA Tree ID:  The app includes information on over 900 woody plants in Virginia and also uses GPS to narrow down possible species for where you are located. James C. Chaver Jr., RiverRat
• VA DGIF Hunt Fish VA: Use this to hopefully figure out the rules and regulations before you reel one in! Isaac Nolte, RiverRat
•  Water Reporter: If you live anywhere in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, this App allows you to report good and bad things you may see. Pat Calvert, Upper James Riverkeeper
• Weather Channel: Simple weather App that lets you view hourly forecasts and radar. Lynn Wilson, RiverRat

If you want to browse other Apps that fellow outdoorsmen recommend, check out these links:

Top 11 Mobile Apps for Fishing

Boucher’s Birding Blog: Apps for the Smart Birder

The 25 Best Outdoor iPhone Apps

2014 Highlights

By Justin Doyle, JRA’s Outreach Manager

Despite the train derailment and oil spill in Lynchburg on April 30^th, 2014 was generally a good year for the James River. While reflecting on 2014 I decided to have some fun and highlight the more memorable moments from this past year.

Museum Exhibits

Three wonderful river-related exhibits opened in museums across the James River watershed this year:     

•  Experience The James: Lynchburg’s Pathway to the World opened at the Lynchburg Museum in June
•  “Working and Racing on The Bay: The Chesapeake Log Canoe,” curated by The Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, opened at Jamestown Settlement in September
• Richmond’s The Valentine reopened to the public in October after extensive renovations. The James River is featured in the museum’s permanent exhibit This is Richmond, Virginia.

New Public River Access Sites

New public river access sites opened on the James River in the Town of Glasgow, on the Jackson River in the Town of Clifton Forge, and on the Chickahominy River at the Grapevine Bridge in eastern Henrico County! The success of all three projects is attributed to strong community support and the collaborative work of many partners.

Terrain360 Virtual Tour of the James River

This virtual tour of the James River is the first of its kind. All 340+ miles of the river were captured by an array of six cameras attached to a raft that floated from the Town of Clifton Forge to the mouth of the James River at the Chesapeake Bay.

Richmond Riverfront Plan

JRA and its partners led another successful advocacy effort to ensure implementation of the Richmond Riverfront plan progressed in 2014. Nearly $10M has been appropriated to the implementation, specifically the construction of the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, in recent years. The bridge will connect the north and south banks of the river and accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists. JRA publicly thanked Mayor Jones and City Council for their support of the plan at the James River Splash and Dash in July.

Our River at Risk

JRA launched an advocacy campaign titled “Our River at Risk” to protect the James River from toxic threats including rail transport, chemical storage, and coal ash storage ponds. To get involved in this campaign to protect the James River, join JRA’s Advocacy Network. Visit www.riveratrisk.org to learn more.

Top 5 Overnight Paddles on the James River

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

Summer time is upon us and what better way to enjoy the long days then to go for an overnight weekend paddle trip! Below are a few that our JRA RiverRats and staff have recommended as their top picks. They are listed in order from the headwaters to the middle James.

Please remember to stay safe on the river, and check river level conditions before you head out: jrava.org/jrw/

1.     Iron Gate to Eagle Rock: This is a 14 mile trip that starts at the Iron Gate boat launch below Route 220, just a mile below the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture River (aka the start of the James River!).  It’s a beautiful stretch that is surrounded by mountains, rocky bluffs, and contains Class I and II rapids. The first stretch from Iron Gate to Gala is 10 miles and camping is available at Gala River Front Campground. Day 2 is a 4 mile stretch, which has several of Class I rapids. The take out is at the DGIF Craig Creek access at Eagle Rock. To see pictures Click Here.

2.     Glen Maury Park to Snowden:  This roughly 15 mile trip starts in Buena Vista at Glen Maury Park. The put in is at the park on river right across the 10th St bridge. The paddle begins on the Maury River and ends on the James, winding through lush green mountains. It is for the more experienced paddler and goes through Class I, II, and III rapids including Balcony Falls. The camping area is just before Balcony Falls on river right and is on property owned by the National Forest Service. Many folks consider this the best camping spot on the James! Get a good rest and go through Balcony Falls on day 2. Take out is at Snowden on river left right after these Class III rapids.

3.     Bent Creek to Wingina:  This 14.5 mile trip is great for all levels of paddlers as it passes through easy Class I and II rapids. This section is filled with islands and you will see quite a bit of tubers as well. The put in is at Bent Creek at the Route 60 bridge with camping 7 miles downriver at James River State Park on river right. On day 2 head out and go another 7 miles to the take out at Wingina at the Route 56 bridge. Click here for a more detailed description.

4.     Howardsville to Bremo Bluff: This is a 25 mile stretch that could be broken into a smaller trip such as or Howardsville to Scottsville or Scottsville to Bremo, or any other combination. This stretch contains some Class I and II rapids. You can camp on either side of the river in Scottsville and enjoy a night walking through town. This is a favorite stretch by several of JRA’s RiverRats.  A local outfitter out of Scottsville, James River Reeling and Rafting, offers trips if this is your first overnight or if you don’t own a boat. Click Here for a more detailed description of the trip.

5.     Cartersville to Maidens: This is about a 17 mile stretch with the put in at the Cartersville boat landing. It’s a very easy stretch with flatwater and the characteristic rolling hills of the piedmont region. There are a few Class I riffles, but is a great option for beginners or fisherman. Camping is at Powhatan State Park at their new canoe-in campground.

If you are looking at some other options or more information, visit the links below.

Upper James Water Trail

JRA’s Guide to Overnight Float Trips on the James River

Canoeing in Virginia - James River

Top 5 Things to Look Forward to on the James this Fall

By JRA Staff

1-Perfect Paddling Weather

Crisp days and clear skies make fall the best time to paddle the James. To check for prime colors along your section of the river visit the Virginia tourism site  http://www.virginia.org/fall/  for the foliage report or call the hotline at 1-800-424-LOVE. Be safe before you go…check out current river conditions at JRA’s James RiverWatch. 

http://www.jrava.org/jrw/

2- Anthem James River Splash & Dash in Richmond

Get ready to get wet! Or just come to watch! The Anthem Splash & Dash, a 5K trail run around Belle Isle and tube race across the James takes place on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. to benefit JRA. Join us after the race for the party at the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar Ironworks. There will be live music, food and beer sales. Event registration is $34 and open until September 18. www.richmond/jrsplashanddash.org

3 - Atlantic Sturgeon are Leaping

Take a 2.5 hour tour on the James near Presquile NWR to watch for Atlantic sturgeon as they leap completely out of the water! Join Discover the James and JRA on Thursday, September 12 or 19 from 5 to 7:30, p.m. for a nature cruise aboard the 40-foot pontoon boat Spirit of the James, leaving from Jordan Point Marina, Hopewell. Cost is $55 ($45 for JRA members). Reserve your place now! http://discoverthejames.com/?q=content/special-event-atlantic-sturgeon-james or call 804-938-2350.

4 - Fall is Planting Time

This is an ideal time to do some river-friendly landscaping.  Aerate your lawn. Plan and plant a rain garden. Evaluate the plants that didn’t make it through the summer and replace them with hardy, low maintenance native plants. Plant a tree! For the sake of a cleaner James, take steps to eliminate your home’s stormwater runoff and become a JRA-certified River Hero Home. You’ll be eligible for discounts that will save you money now and in the months to come. Find out more. http://www.jrava.org/what-we-do/river-hero/

5 - Oysters!

Fall is the season of “months with an R,” traditionally the best time for enjoying oysters. Virginia’s oyster industry is making a comeback, with the biggest harvest since 1985. Good news for oysters, oyster lovers and clean water! This year Virginia is spending $2 million to restore oyster beds in the Newport News and lower James region to help increase the population of this important and tasty native bivalve.

If you have waterfront access, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation offers information on how you can begin “oyster gardening” at your own dock. http://www.cbf.org/Document.Doc?id=195

One Student’s Journey Down The James

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel down the James for 8 days straight?

Zach Perkins, a rising senior at the Clover Hill Math and Science High School wrote a first-hand account of his journey on the middle James with the James River Expeditions which can be seen in the Midlothian Exchange.

“No electricity, no air conditioning, no showers.

These were the conditions that nine fellow students, five adult leaders and I had to experience for eight days. But, you will not hear any complaints from this group! Rather, all we have to share are stories that will last us a lifetime.

In mid-July, a group of 10 students and five adults set off on an expedition down the Middle James River. Sponsored by Dominion Power and the James River Association (JRA), we spent eight days canoeing, camping, and experiencing the beauty of the James River.”

Read the full story here…

http://www.timesdispatch.com/midlothianexchange/county-news/education/student-recounts-unique-james-river-trip/article_f87bd6de-10c2-11e3-bf11-001a4bcf6878.html

The Tire-Less James - The Numbers Are In!

Thanks to volunteers from Virginia Canals & Navigations Society, Heart of Virginia Council Boy Scouts of America, the crews of six The James River batteaux, some JRA RiverRats and a host of other volunteers, the James is now tire-less!

On Saturday, August 17, 154 volunteers took to the river in boats of all kinds as part of the first Tire-Less James event and together they removed 479 tires from a 59-mile stretch of the James River between Lynchburg and Richmond.

A big thank you also goes to Bridgestone Americas LLC’s "One Team One Planet" Spent Tire Program, for providing free hauling and recycling of all the tires that were collected.

If you are interested in participating in next year’s event you can sign up to volunteer, select the Tire-Less James event in the interest section, and we will send you information as next year’s event gets closer!

These photos were taken by volunteers during the event. See all the fun they were having on our facebook album. 

Paddling The Falls of the James

by Justin Doyle, JRA's Outreach Manager

Paddlers residing in RVA are fortunate to have the James River flowing through their backyards. One of the most exciting sections of the river to paddle, The Falls of the James, begins just west of the city limits. In this section, the river drops more than one hundred feet over the course of seven beautiful miles as it enters the coastal plain. Three popular routes offer paddlers of all experience levels the opportunity to enjoy this unique section of the river: Huguenot Woods to Pony Pasture, Pony Pasture to Reedy Creek and Reedy Creek to 14^th Street.

Huguenot Woods to Pony Pasture is a flatwater paddler’s delight but be prepared to portage when approaching Williams Dam, also known as “Z-Dam.” The river flows through a fish passageway in the dam and terminates in a dangerous hydraulic where numerous people have drowned over the years. After portaging the dam, continue paddling to the Pony Pasture takeout (river right).

Pony Pasture to Reedy Creek is a fantastic paddle for intermediate paddlers looking to paddle relatively harmless rapids. This route is also a perfect warm-up paddle for experienced paddlers continuing on to the larger rapids downstream. Upon putting in at Pony Pasture (river right), paddlers will be immersed in Class I-II rapids which flow into a tranquil flatwater section. Take time to enjoy the natural beauty around you before approaching Choo Choo (Class II) from the left side of the river. After getting splashed by Choo Choo, immediately return to the right side of the river and paddle under the Boulevard Bridge, also known as the Nickel Bridge. Enter Mitchell’s Gut (Class II) in the center of the river and begin looking for a large sign with an arrow pointing in the direction of the Reedy Creek takeout (river right).

Reedy Creek to 14^th Street is a popular route for experienced paddlers seeking the thrill of Class IV rapids. This route begins on Reedy Creek, a tranquil creek that enters the James River just west of Belle Isle. After entering the James River, enter First Break rapids (Class II) through a break in the Hollywood Dam then paddle alongside Belle Isle through Approach Rapids (Class II) to Hollywood Rapids (Class IV). Enjoy the cheers from spectators on Belle Isle as you paddle through Hollywood. After passing under the Belle Isle pedestrian bridge, paddle towards the entrance of Pipeline (Class IV) on the left side of the river. Class III rapids lead to Pipeline, a popular spot for surfing and playing. The 14^th Street takeout is just downstream of Pipeline (river left).

Be sure to check river conditions before embarking on a trip! Life jackets must be worn when the river is flowing above five feet at the Richmond-Westham Gauge. Contact the James River Association’s Outreach Manager, Justin Doyle, at jdoyle@jrava.org for more information.

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!

View Untitled in a larger map

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/

Envision The James

by Justin Doyle, JRA's Outreach Manager

In partnership with Chesapeake Conservancy and  National Geographic Maps, the James River Association is currently promoting Envision The James (ETJ), an initiative that seeks to protect and enhance the numerous natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the James River Watershed. The ETJ Team began reaching out to individuals and organizations in the watershed in 2012 and recently established a collaborative vision for the James River based on the feedback it received. The Vision: Clean and accessible waterways, restored streamside vegetation and wildlife habitat, local economies benefitting from tourism and recreation, the celebration of culture and heritage, as well as protected landscapes.

To realize the Vision, the ETJ Team is promoting two core initiatives which will bring renewed focus and support to long-standing efforts along the river corridor and throughout the watershed. The two core initiatives are:

• James River Heritage and Recreation Corridor Initiative

• James River Wildlife Habitat and Landscape Conservation Initiative

In order to achieve the goal of each initiative, Envision The James will provide communities and partners with a mechanism for garnering leadership and coordinating assistance to plan and implement regional and river-wide activities. Envision The James will support new and ongoing projects by providing the necessary resources to complete them.

The Envision The James Team is hosting two events in July to promote the initiative. The public is strongly encouraged to attend the events and learn more about Envision The James. Both events will feature an interactive forum in which students on the James River Expedition will share their experiences on the river.

July 17, 2013 – 5:00 pm

Horseshoe Flats Campground

125 Snowden Road

Scottsville, Virginia 24590

July 31, 2013 – 5:00 pm

Chickahominy Riverfront Park

1350 John Tyler Highway

Williamsburg, VA 23185

For more information about Envision The James and the public events, please contact the James River Association’s Outreach Manager, Justin Doyle, at (804) 572-4667.