OCT Cowpasture River Friday, April 26 Douthat weekend

Daryl · Post by **Daryl** » Fri Apr 05, 2019 9:31 am

I'm looking to do a trip on the Cowpasture from Sharon Park to the Iron Gate on the James that Friday of the Coastals Spring Gathering.

This is mostly a class I section, with a couple easy class IIs, so suitable for beginning whitewater paddlers.

The Cowpasture offers gorgeous views and crystal clear water. Assuming water levels cooperate, we'll see the clear waters of the Cowpasture mix with the not-so-clear water of the Jackson to form the James river.

I'll post more details as we get closer.

paddlin_bill · Post by **paddlin_bill** » Fri Apr 05, 2019 4:14 pm

I can paddle that Friday.

dkurt · Post by **dkurt** » Sun Apr 07, 2019 6:04 pm

Looks interesting where is Sharon park, the put in?

Daryl · Post by **Daryl** » Mon Apr 08, 2019 12:22 pm

This map might help:

https://alleghanyhighlandsblueway.com/w ... fjames.pdf

It's just off Nicelytown Rd. If you google map it, I think the Sharon Senior Center is listed to be next to it.

AirborneBuff · Post by **AirborneBuff** » Tue Apr 09, 2019 8:46 am

I will join you on Friday. I haven't paddled this section, and I am always interested in something new.

dkurt · Post by **dkurt** » Mon Apr 15, 2019 4:49 pm

I plan to be there!

nancy · Post by **nancy** » Tue Apr 16, 2019 11:30 pm

Shorn & I would like to join you on the Cowpasture.

nancy

BRIC · Post by **BRIC** » Fri Apr 19, 2019 8:37 am

What is the meeting time. Betty & I are interested. PFD Never paddled the Cowasture.

Wick · Post by **Wick** » Fri Apr 19, 2019 1:32 pm

Laura and I would like to join you. We're new to VA, so a chance to see a new river, meet new paddlers.

JJ · Post by JJ » Sun Apr 21, 2019 6:59 am

Hi Daryl, I would like to join you.
JJ

Side note to Nancy- I will bring your long held straps. Thank you for the needed help.
JJ

Daryl · Post by **Daryl** » Sun Apr 21, 2019 5:39 pm

Looks like we have a nice group shaping up for this one. The Cowpasture is high now, but I'm thinking it should drop to a good level by Friday. I'm a go as long as it is not higher than 1500 cfs.

I still plan to take out at the Iron Gate access on the James as long as the James isn't high due to releases from Lake Moomaw. This would be an 8 mile trip. If the James is high, we have the option of taking out at the Evans Tract access on the Cowpasture. That would shorten the trip by about 3 miles.

Let's meet at the Sharon Park put in at 11am Friday to drop boats, then set shuttle.

This map should help with the access locations:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1PZkRB ... sp=sharing

Here's a teaser video of this section from Twin River Outfitters:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkXQAtms69c

Daryl

sally · Post by **sally** » Mon Apr 22, 2019 4:28 pm

Would like to join the trip. What are the put-in and take-out like?

Daryl · Post by **Daryl** » Mon Apr 22, 2019 8:01 pm

The put in is a concrete ramp to just above river level. The take out on the James is a gravel bar. From what I remember, the drive down to the gravel bar is via a very steep road. It’s been quite a few years since I took out there, but I recall it being a 4wd recommended road down to the river. There’s plenty of parking up top by the road however.

If anyone is more familiar with the take out road and non-4wd vehicles getting down to the river, please chime in.

scrunge · Post by **scrunge** » Tue Apr 23, 2019 10:05 am

I haven't been to the takeout in a couple years. but unless it has changed, there is a gravel beach there unless the river is up. it is a steep somewhat rutted gravel road down to the river. I always drive my truck down to the beach, but I am not sure a non 4x4 vehicle will be able to get out.

sally · Post by **sally** » Tue Apr 23, 2019 1:18 pm

The put-in sounds good. Not sure if the take out is doable for me. I usually get someone to help bring me & my boat up to a point where I can get in my wheelchair. But this sounds like it's not going to work since my van isn't a FWD. I think I may need to skip unless someone else has an idea on how to manage the take-out. Thanks. Sally