Me and my brother and a guy that works at VOC up here in Fredericksburg are planning on making our first trip down to test out the Upper James. I was wondering 1st if anyone wanted to join us as none of us have been down the Upper James. The guy from VOC is an assistant instructor and I have been down the Rappahanock only in Class I-II rapids. I was wondering if someone could give me some insight into this part of the James. All tips and thoughts are greatly appreciated as I am very excited to try out some new water.
Jonathan
Upper James on Sunday? Looking for some insight :)
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The Upper James in Richmond is pretty boney right now with the low (3.5ft) of water. Lots of rocks and most of the notable features have little if any water running over / through them. That being said, it is still doable if you're willing to hunt down passable routes. Set shuttle at Reedy Creek (off Riverside Dr. across from Hillcrest Rd.). Shuttle up to Pony Pasture lot (take Forrest Hill - right on Hathaway - bear left on Longview - right on Rockfalls - left on Riverside Dr - lot is on the right). Put in at the steps. Most of the water is in the middle of the river. Find a route through the small ledge below the putin. Paddle the flat water by the golf course. Next are the Powhite ledges just before the first bridge. Usually there's a channel starting left of the tallest rock in the middle of the river and working to the right. At the Powhite bridge, head for the 2nd or 3rd opening from river left. Work your way back just left of river center as you approach the railroad bridge below Powhite to catch the remains of Choo-Choo rapid which drops off to the right. Continue heading toward the right river bank upstream of the island. There is a cement capped pipe that you'll need to cross over to get to river right where there is more water - exercise caution around the pipe. Once over and in the flow near river right, continue down on river right, pick your way through a small rock garden and cross another cement capped pipe. Paddle under the next bridge (the metal "Nickel" bridge) right of river center. Follow the flow and enter whatever's left of Mitchell's Gut rapid right of center and work your way left toward river center or wherever there is the most water. Look toward the right bank and find a sign that reads "Take Out ->" and head down that channel and make a right at the little cove where you can see a dam. That's the takeout! Enjoy!
Generally, I think that if I have the opportunity to paddle, and I've got something else to do or I feel like I shouldn't go for some reason, then I force myself to go and I always have a great time. So, I guess when in doubt -- Go, Paddle. -- Tommy Hilleke
You can get down the Upper at this level without too much problem as long as you know the lines and stay where most of the water is going (obviously, I know.....).....and most folks that fish the river prefer it low and clear anyway.....easier to wade and it consolidates the fish somewhat.
Also, not a bad level for beer floats and swimming while canoeing......I take my daughter fairly often but, I prefer at least 4' to 5'....that way I don't have to pay quite so much attention to where the boat is going.......but, you gotta take what you can get!
However, if whitewater is what you are searching then the Upper is pretty low for much fun right now.....and the Lower can be negotiated by practiced (and shepherded) novices.
If this is the case, then find a few folks that are willing to show you down the Lower and practice your stuff in some semblance of WW!
Hope you have fun!
glen
Also, not a bad level for beer floats and swimming while canoeing......I take my daughter fairly often but, I prefer at least 4' to 5'....that way I don't have to pay quite so much attention to where the boat is going.......but, you gotta take what you can get!
However, if whitewater is what you are searching then the Upper is pretty low for much fun right now.....and the Lower can be negotiated by practiced (and shepherded) novices.
If this is the case, then find a few folks that are willing to show you down the Lower and practice your stuff in some semblance of WW!
Hope you have fun!
glen
If you're gonna be stupid, you gotta be tough!
What time are you meeting to paddle the upper tomorrow? A couple of friends and I may join you. All three of us have run the upper James for years at a number of different levels and would be glad to show you the low water route. I would suggest a morning meeting time, though. The put-in (Pony Pasture) can get quite crowded on warm sunny afternoons. On some days, the parking lot gets full and cars are only allowed in as others leave. Get there before noon and you'll probably be ok -- the youngsters will still be sleeping until about then.
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Jonnyhawk
- At the putin
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Tue Aug 04, 2009 10:56 am
- Location: Fredericksburg
- Contact:
Thanks everyone for your kind help 
I read this a little to late. We did however make it on the river today about 10:30 and paddled the Upper Section. I had an enjoyable time and a special thanks to some coastals members for their guidance today while paddling. We had a fun time surfing the small wave you recommended by the bridge and giving us some guidance on the river. Well I cannot wait to make it down there again with a little bit more water.
I read this a little to late. We did however make it on the river today about 10:30 and paddled the Upper Section. I had an enjoyable time and a special thanks to some coastals members for their guidance today while paddling. We had a fun time surfing the small wave you recommended by the bridge and giving us some guidance on the river. Well I cannot wait to make it down there again with a little bit more water.