Mothers' Day family-friendly adventure weekend!! Bring kids, minimum age 7 years old.
DESCRIPTION: This is a 3 day, 2 night camping trip with morning guided horseback trail riding in the Allegheny highlands at Appalachian Horse Adventures, kayaking an easy 7.5 mile section of the Jackson River (Indian Draft to Intervale, class 1-2 rapids), and bike riding 10 miles on the Jackson River scenic trail along the river (Bring your own gear, or shuttles and bike/kayak rentals from Allegheny Outdoors).
This trip features lots of fun class 1-2 rapids, breathtaking wilderness scenery, and great Allegheny Mountain views in Bath County, Virginia. If we have time Sunday afternoon, we could drive over to see Falling Springs Falls, an 80 ft waterfall off route 220, before heading home.
Itinerary: Friday afternoon/evening: Arrive at Appalachian Horse Adventures and camp up on the hill with beautiful views of the mountain ridge. Campfire and smores/hot chocolate. Primitive camping, hammocks or tents, portajohn available.
Saturday morning: Breakfast and meet down the hill at the barn for trail ride horseback 9-11am
Saturday afternoon: Break camp, drive to Allegheny Outdoors (20 min drive) to meet shuttle for kayak paddle trip on the Jackson River 12:30p-4:30p (7.5 miles, 3-4 hrs, Indian Draft to Intervale)
Saturday evening: Set up camp on the riverbank at Allegheny Outdoors, sunset dinner overlooking the river at the take out spot picnic tables.
Sunday morning: (Allegheny Outdoors) Meet shuttle at 9am for 10 mile (2-3 hour) bike ride on the Jackson Scenic Trail, Natural Well to Intervale. This trail is converted from an old railroad bed, and its gentle 1 percent grade on fine-packed gravel makes it very enjoyable. The Jackson River winds along the majority of the trail, offering the scenic views of the river on one side and sheer rock walls brimming with waterfalls and streams on the other side of the trail. Bring a picnic and we'll eat at one of the picnic areas, and stop and get ice cream/sandwiches at Petticoat Junction convenience store along the trail.
Sunday afternoon: Pack up vehicles and grab lunch, then head to Falling Springs Falls (optional, 80 ft very scenic waterfall) off route 220 N on the way home.
Planning to use Appalachian Horse Adventures for camping/trail rides, and Allegheny Outdoors for kayak/bike rental and shuttles.
Let's Ride Horses, LLC (Appalachian Horse Adventures) is located at 1106 Jackson River Turnpike, Hot Springs, VA.
https://www.appalachianhorseadventures.org/
Allegheny Outdoors is located at 1903 Dressler Dr, Covington, VA
https://alleghanyoutdoors.com/
Pricing includes: Rental of boat, paddles, life jackets, safety orientation, river maps, use of dry bags, bike, helmet, all required shuttles.
TRAIL MAP:
https://jacksonrivertrail.com/map/
Camping Information/Options: This is an alcohol free, family friendly event. Camping is available both at the horse ranch (hillside above the barn, with views of mountain range) and at the Allegheny Outdoors property, right on the river. We'll camp at the horse farm Friday night, so we're ready to ride Saturday morning, and then camp by the river at Allegheny Outdoors after our float trip Saturday night, so we'll be there already for the bike shuttle Sunday morning.
PARKING/CARPOOLING: Please arrive at the campsite 15 minutes before the start of the paddle trip. Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.
EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring hat, long pants and boots for horse riding, sunscreen, sunglasses, river shoes plus dry bag containing change of clothes/sleeping bag/camping gear and your own bike, boat, paddle and life jacket, or you can rent these at Allegheny Outdoors. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. Water temperature in the river is in the mid 50s - wetsuit/synthetic clothing encouraged! If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the trip leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventures” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.
SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.
