Where to get out on the water.


There are eight 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.

  Public Access Point
Type of Launch
 Latitude Longitude
 Map Link
  Iron Gate
 Shoreline Access
 37° 46' 26" N  -79° 46' 58" W  Map
  Gala
 Shoreline Access
 37° 41' 30" N  -79° 48' 45" W  Map

  Craig Creek

 Shoreline Access
 37° 38' 45" N  -79° 48' 52" W  Map
  Horseshoe Bend
 Concrete Ramp
 37° 35' 21" N  -79° 43' 40" W  Map
  Springwood  Concrete Ramp  37° 32' 52" N  -79° 44' 33" W  Map
  Buchanan  Concrete Ramp
 37° 31' 48" N  -79° 40' 46" W  Map
  Arcadia  Shoreline Access
 37° 33' 17" N  -79° 38' 14" W  Map
  Alpine Shoreline Access
 37° 34' 54" N  -79° 36' 10" W  Map


Maps and driving directions may not work for all locations. Map information provided through Google is intended for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic conditions, or other events may differ from the map results.


More paddling opportunities in the scenic mountains of Virginia can be found in the Alleghany Highlands, including on the Jackson and Cowpasture rivers which meet to form the mighty James River. Visit www.alleghanyhighlandsblueway.com for more details.




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