Kayak the Jackson River

The Jackson River is a major tributary of the James River in Virginia, flowing 96.4 miles. The James River is formed by the confluence of the Jackson River and the Cowpasture River.

The Jackson River rises in Highland County, Virginia, near the border of West Virginia. It flows south between Back Creek Mountain and Jack Mountain, entering Bath County, where it continues to flow south. The Jackson River is impounded by Gathright Dam in Alleghany County, creating Lake Moomaw. From the dam, Jackson River flows south and then east through Alleghany County, through the city of Covington and the town of Clifton Forge, before joining with the Cowpasture River to create the James River.

We'll do part of Section 2 of The Alleghany Highlands Blueway. On Tuesday, we'll paddle a 6-mile section of the river from Smith Bridge to Petticoat Junction. Then, on Wednesday, we'll do an 4-mile section from Johnson Springs to Smith Bridge. Many Class I & II rapids make this section fun and exciting. You must be at least an intermediate paddler. You have the option of doing one or both days.

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: (as of 8/17/2025)
Mon (8/25) - 79F/56F, partly cloudy.
Tue (8/26) - 77F/56F, mostly sunny.
Wed (8/27) - High 77F. partly cloudy.
Notes:

1. Reference guide: https://visitalleghanyhighlands.com/uniquely-alleghany/alleghany-highlands-blueway/.
2. Mandatory equipment: PFD and whistle.
3. Suggested trip equipment: Kayak, paddle, water shoes, swim wear, sunscreen, hat with brim, sunglasses, dry bag, insect repellent, whistle, wet-weather gear, and lunch/water.
4. I plan to stay at Douthat State Park. A final itinerary or cancellation notice will be posted 3-5 days before the trip.

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 25ft between buddies and 50 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;
7. Check for equipment: PFD, whistle, water.

Tentative Itinerary: All events are optional and subject to change. Times are approximate.
Mon (8/25):
10:00 am - Travel to Douthat State Park and stop for lunch.
1:00 pm - Check in and set-up tent site.
4:30 pm - Dinner at Family Treet's Cafe, 100 Old Church St, Low Moor.
Tue (8/26):
10:30 am - Meet at Petticoat Junction Boat Ramp (194 Mays Lane, Covington) and shuttle boats to Smith Bridge River Access (588 N. Smith Bridge Rd, Hot Springs, or grid coordinates N 37.87703 W 79.97642). Leave 1 or 2 vehicles at take-out with change of clothes and/or towel.
11:00 am - Kayak down the Jackson River for 6 miles with a stop for lunch on the river.
3:00 pm - Take-out at Petticoat Junction. Leave boats with 1 or 2 people. And, drivers return to Smith Bridge to pick-up vehicles.
4:00 pm - Dinner at Casa De Leones Mexican Grill, 348 W Main St, Covington.
Wed (8/27):
10 am - Meet at Smith Bridge River Access and shuttle boats to Johnson Springs Shoreline Access (209 Natural Well Rd, Hot Springs). Leave 1 or 2 vehicles at take-out with change of clothes and/or towel.
10:30 am - Kayak down the Jackson River for 4 miles.
12:30 pm - Take-out at Smith Bridge. Leave boats with 1 or 2 people. And. drivers return to Johnson Springs to pick-up vehicles.
1:30 pm - Lunch at Roller's Smokehouse, 204 Market St Ave, Iron Gate.
2:00 pm - Travel safely back home.