Canoeing/Kayaking

Rockbridge County has just about every type of self-propelled boating experiences one could want, from placid floats on the James River and middle Maury River, to Virginia's most popular whitewater run on the upper Maury through Goshen Pass.

Paddling

The James River – Either a float trip or a whitewater run with numerous class I-II rapids and one class III rapid. Can be run year-round except during periods of high water. Public access in Glasgow at Glasgow Landing.

The Maury River –
Jordans Point to Buena Vista
Mainly a float trip, running 8 miles with numerous class I rapids.

Buena Vista (Glen Maury Park) to Glasgow
A step up in difficulty, this 12 mile trip has numerous class II rapids. Note: You can not run from Ben Salem Wayside on Route 60 to Glasgow because there is a 10 foot dam that has no portage. The trip length is still 12 miles.

Rockbridge Baths to Jordans Point
The most remote part of the Maury River and requires a higher skill level. The 14 mile trip has numerous class II-III rapids. Can be divided into two trips.

Goshen Pass
This is the most popular whitewater in Virginia and is rated high difficulty. The 6 mile trip has numerous class II, class III, and two class IV rapids: Devil's Kitchen and Corner Rapid.

Irish Creek – A popular whitewater run for experts, this 7 mile trip with solid class III-IV rapids for the first two miles, and continuous class II-III run the last 5 miles. This is mainly a winter trip and can only be run during high water or following heavy rain. Public access on Rt. 603.

Tubing

Enjoy the relaxation of a slow float trip down the Maury and James Rivers in an inner tube. The best spot for tubing in Rockbridge County is the middle stretch of the Maury from Jordan's Point to Buena Vista. There are several access points along this nine mile trip. Tubes may be rented from local canoe and kayak outfitters or purchased from local service stations and tire retail stores.

Public River Access Points

1. Goshen Pass (Rt. 39) Many access points to the Maury River off Rt. 39.
2. Rockbridge Baths (Rt. 39) Several good roadside access points, particularly behind the Country Store.
3. Jordan's Point Park (North Main Street, Lexington) Good access to the Maury River, just below the dam.
4. Stuartsburg Road (Rt. 703) Roadside access to the Maury River about three miles east of Lexington.
5. Ben Salem Wayside (Rt. 60) Roadside access to the Maury River with picnic areas, halfway between Lexington and Buena Vista (R-26)
6. Buena Vista (Rt. 60 Bridge) - Access to the Maury River under the bridge, via Rt. 608.
7. Glasgow Landing (Blue Ridge Road - off Rt. 130 in Glasgow) Good launch point just beneath the railroad (R-43)
8. Glen Maury Park, well maintained access along the Maury River in the City of Buena Vista.

Outfitters

Wilderness Canoe Company
Outfitting individuals, families and groups for canoe, kayak and tubing on the upper James River.
631 James River Road, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579
(540) 291-2295
www.wildernesscanoecompany.com