Trail:
James River Water Trail - Upper
The Upper James River Water Trail meanders through beautiful Botetourt County located just northeast of Roanoke, Virginia. The trail is organized into five segments, each offering a unique experience. Along the 45 miles of the Upper James River in Botetourt County, you can get up close and personal with the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll experience the unspoiled beauty of the river as you paddle through scenic valleys and past rolling farmland while keeping a watchful eye out for native wildlife. Some Class I & Class II rapids along your journey will make it a fun day for all members of the family by canoe, kayak or tube.
https://upperjamesriverwatertrail.com/faqs/
Please note that boating, canoeing, kayaking and other activities on rivers can be dangerous. Be sure to read the on-line safety recommendations and check the on-line water gauge levels.
Enter Your Location
Remember: safe use of rivers and any designated trails, at any time, is your responsibility! Trail maps are for informational and interpretive purposes only and are not meant for navigational purposes, nor do they take into account level of skills or ability required to navigate such trails. The Chesapeake Conservancy, National Park Service, and/or the individual trail associations assume no responsibility or liability for any injury or loss resulting directly or indirectly from the use of trails, maps or other printed or web-based materials.
Quick Look
Trail Length: 45
Type of Equipment:
Tidal Water Trail: Yes
Trail Manager:
James River Association
106 E. Washington St
Lexington, VA 24450
(540) 463-3777
[email protected]
Trail Guide
Hours
The formal water trail access points are open seven days a week year round. Due to water and air temperatures associated with a pleasant river experience most paddlers only access the water trail from April to October.
Fees
There are no fees for launch site use.
Activities
The James River Blueway is best used by canoe or kayak. Tubing and fishing are also popular activities. If you're bringing your own canoe or kayak, there are numerous public access points with free parking.
Be sure to read the on-line safety recommendations and check the on-line water gauge levels. Consult local conditions prior to any river trip and follow all safety precautions!
Facilities
There are six public access points on the Upper James River Water Trail that are owned and operated by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries in Botetourt County. These sites are provided for the public with the expressed sole purposes of Boating and Fishing. These sites offer free parking. Download the water trails maps for locations. Section five of the trail offers several campsites.
Where can you launch your boat?
Iron Gate – shoreline access
Glen Wilton – shoreline access
Gala – shoreline access
Craig Creek – shoreline access
Horseshoe Bend – concrete ramp
Springwood – concrete ramp
Buchanan – concrete ramp, shallow water
Arcadia – shoreline access
Alpine – shoreline access
Glasgow – canoe/kayak slide
Snowden – concrete ramp
Glen Maury Park – shoreline access
Nearby Places
Trail History
The English settlers who sailed up the James River in 1607 were employees of the London-based Virginia Company, chartered by King James I. Investors in the company financed the journey.
All of the Jamestown leaders, including Captain John Smith, were investors in and employees of the Virginia Company.
The colonists’ job was to find gold or silver and a water shortcut to Asia, which had a lucrative trading market. The colonists were also instructed to cultivate land for crops and establish friendly relations with the native people.
The Virginia Company sent supply ships to Jamestown and expected returning ships to be loaded with valuable commodities.
