Kayak at James River State Park

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, James River State Park features rolling grasslands, quiet forests and beautiful views, as well as 3 miles of shoreline along the James River. Visitors can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, fish or tent camp on the banks of the historic river or at Branch Pond. Facilities include cabins, a visitor center, a gift shop, a natural playground, picnic shelters, multi-use trails, boat launches, water/electric campgrounds and equestrian camping.

We'll do an 8-mile section of the river on Wednesday and a 2-mile section on Thursday morning. No more than Class I rapids. Okay for beginners or novices. You have the option of doing one or both days. For more information on the park, please go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/james-river#general_information.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were boating alone. With your RSVP, you agree with this disclaimer.

Weather Forecast: TBD

Notes:

1. Reference guide: virginiastateparks.gov
2. Mandatory equipment: PFD and whistle.
3. Suggested trip equipment: Kayak, paddle, water shoes, life jacket, swim wear, sunscreen, hat with brim, sunglasses, dry bag, insect repellent, whistle, camping equipment, food/drinks for three days.
4. A final itinerary or cancellation notice will be posted a week before the event. If the water level is too low, I will cancel this trip and replace it with a trip to kayak the Jackson River in Covington on the same dates.

Rules on the river:

1. No alcohol or glass bottle/container;
2. Wear life jacket;
3. Assign buddy system;
4. Maintain safe distances (no greater than 10 ft between buddies and 25 ft between groups);
5. Use of whistle:

a. 1 long blast- stop in place;
b. 2 short blasts- all clear, continue;
c. 3 short blasts- emergency (stop, assess, assist).
6. Check experience/swim level.

Tentative Itinerary: All events are optional and subject to change. Times are approximate.
Tue (7/15):
2 - 4 pm - Check-in at state park. Set-up camp site.
Wed (7/16):
9 am - meet at Dixon Landing (37°38'05.1"N 78°48'40.7"W) to shuttle boats to Bent Creek Boat Ramp (37°32'07.4"N 78°49'39.3"W). Leave 1 or 2 vehicles at take-out with change of clothes and/or towel.
10 am - put-in at Bent Creek and kayak 8 miles to Dixon Landing with a
stop for lunch.
3 pm - take-out at Dixon Landing. Leave boats with 1 or 2 people. And,
drivers return to Bent Creek to pick-up their vehicles.
4 pm - pick-up boats and people back at Dixon Landing.
Thu (7/17):
8 am - meet at Dixon Landing to shuttle boats to Canoe Landing (37°36'55.3"N 78°49'01.3"W). Leave 1 or 2 vehicles at take-out with change of clothes and/or towel.
9 am - put-in at Canoe Landing and kayak 2 miles to Dixon Landing.
10 am - take-out at Dixon Landing. Leave boats with 1 or 2 people. And,
drivers return to Canoe Landing to pick-up their vehicles.
11 am - pick-up boats and people back at Dixon Landing.
12 pm - return to camp site for clean-up, lunch, and break-down of
camping equipment.
1 pm - travel home.