Discover 3 Unforgettable Road and Water Adventures Along Virginia's James River
The James River flows eastward through Virginia, carving its path from the Blue Ridge Mountains and southern Shenandoah Valley to the state's capital, Richmond, before reaching the Chesapeake Bay. Originating in Botetourt County amid the Virginia Mountains, this 348-mile waterway offers everything from thrilling rapids to serene fishing spots, perfect for paddlers and explorers.
Upper James River: Botetourt to Amherst
The Upper James River, from Botetourt County near Clifton Forge to Amherst, is the most pristine and scenic stretch. It features gentle Class I and II rapids, with challenging Class III sections near Glasgow and Snowden in the James River Gorge. The river crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains, paralleling Route 501 before heading toward Lynchburg at Coleman Falls.
Learn more about the Upper James River.
Communities to Visit: Buchanan, Glasgow, Lynchburg
River Outfitters & Guides:
- Twin River Outfitters—Buchanan: Canoe, kayak, raft, and tube rentals. Guided trips from day excursions to multi-day camping adventures.
- Wilderness Canoe Company—Natural Bridge Station: Canoe, kayak, and tubing on remote sections. Primitive riverside campsites available.
- Matt Miles Fly Fishing—Lynchburg: Expert-guided trips for trout, smallmouth bass, musky, and striped bass.
Local Dining Highlights:
- RA Bistro—Lynchburg
- Brink of the James—Buchanan
- The Red Fox Tavern—Natural Bridge
- Scotto’s Pizza—Glasgow
Wineries & Breweries:
- Great Valley Farm Brewery—Natural Bridge
- Blue Ridge Vineyards—Eagle Rock
Top Highlights: Visit the historic Buchanan Swinging Bridge (built 1851), a pedestrian icon surviving floods and the Civil War. Explore Natural Bridge State Park's awe-inspiring 215-foot limestone arch, once owned by Thomas Jefferson.
Access Points:
- Iron Gate/Lick Run
- Glen Wilton
- Gala
- Craig Creek
- Horseshoe Bend
- Springwood
- Buchanan
- Arcadia
- Alpine
- Glasgow
- Snowden
Middle James River: Lynchburg to Richmond
From Lynchburg through Scottsville to Richmond, the Middle James blends Class I-III rapids. Upper sections are calm for tubing; downtown Richmond ramps up to Class III-IV rapids, ideal for experienced kayakers and rafters. Novices should book a local guide.
Communities to Visit: Lynchburg, Scottsville, Richmond
River Outfitters & Guides:
- Razorback Guide Service—Scottsville: Guided fishing.
- Hatchmatcher Guide Service—Scottsville: Fly and spin fishing tours.
- Black Dog Paddle—Midlothian: SUP rentals; fishing, yoga, and eco-tours.
- James River Runners—Scottsville: Guided tubing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting.
- Riverside Outfitters—Richmond: Kayak/raft tours, rentals for kayaks, canoes, tubes, SUPs.
- James River/Chesapeake Bay Fishing Guide—Richmond: Fishing trips.
- Discover the James—Richmond: Fishing and pontoon tours.
Local Dining Highlights:
- Tavern on the James—Scottsville
- The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing—Richmond
- Casa Del Barco—Richmond
- The Smokehouse Grille—Scottsville
Wineries & Breweries:
- James River Brewery—Scottsville
- Thistle Gate Vineyard—Scottsville
- Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery—Goochland
- Elk Island Winery—Goochland
- Byrd Cellars—Goochland
- Stone Brewing Company—Richmond
- Legend Brewing Co.—Richmond
More Richmond wineries & breweries.
Top Highlights:
State parks like James River, Bear Creek Lake, Pocahontas, and urban Belle Isle offer recreation. History buffs: Tuckahoe Plantation (Jefferson's boyhood home) and Hollywood Cemetery (graves of Monroe, Tyler, Davis).
Access Points:
- Madison Heights Boat Ramp
- Lynchburg Canoe Ramp
- Smiley Block Boat Ramp
- Joshua Falls Boat Landing
- Bent Creek Public Boat Landing
- Wingina Boat Landing
- James River Wildlife Management Area Boat Landing
- Howardsville Boat Landing
- Scottsville Boat Landing
- Shores/Big Island Boat Landing
- New Canton Boat Ramp
- Columbia Boat Landing
- Cartersville Boat Landing
- Westview Boat Landing
- Maidens Boat Landing
- Watkins Boat Landing
- Robious Boat Landing
- Huguenot Flatwater Canoe Landing
- Tredegar Boat Ramp
Lower James River: Richmond to Norfolk
From Richmond south through Charles City and Jamestown (110 miles to the Chesapeake Bay), the river widens for boating, water skiing, and wildlife viewing in refuges and parks.
Communities to Visit: Charles City, Smithfield, Jamestown, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk
River Outfitters:
- Fish Unlimited Guide Service—Chester: Fishing trips.
- Trip Out Catfishing—Hopewell: Guided catfishing.
- Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours—Williamsburg: Historic pontoon tours of Jamestown.
- Nauticus Kayak Rentals—Norfolk: Single/tandem kayaks.
Local Dining Highlights:
- Istanbul Restaurant—Williamsburg
- Vintage Tavern—Suffolk
- The Crab Shack on the James—Newport News
More Williamsburg or Hampton Roads dining.
Wineries & Breweries:
- Upper Shirley Vineyards—Charles City
- Wharf Hill Brewing Company—Smithfield
- Williamsburg Winery—Williamsburg
- Tradition Brewing Company—Newport News
- The Bold Mariner Brewing Company—Norfolk
More Williamsburg or Hampton Roads wineries & breweries.
Top Highlights:
Cycle the Virginia Capital Trail from Richmond to Williamsburg. Plantations: Shirley (oldest in VA, Lee's mother) and Berkeley (Harrison's home). Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement. Mariners’ Museum and Nauticus with USS Wisconsin.
Access Points:
- Ancarrow’s Landing
- Osborne Landing
- Dutch Gap Access
- Deep Bottom Park
- Hopewell City Marina
- Jordan Point Yacht Haven
- Chickahominy WMA Access
- Chickahominy Riverfront Park Access
- Grays Creek Marina
- Jamestown Yacht Basin
- Kingsmill Marina
- Lawnes Creek Boat Ramp
- Tyler’s Beach Boat Ramp
- Denbigh Park Boat Ramp
- Menchville Marine
- James River Marina
- Ragged Island Access
- Huntington Park
- Harbour Side Marina
- Bennett’s Creek Ramp
- Peterson’s Yacht Basin
- Willoughby Bay Marina
Experience the James River's natural beauty and rich history. Share your adventures in the comments!
