Life Outside Spring 2019 - 22

ON THE TYE
View is of a competitive float on
the lower section
of the river.

LOWER TYE RIVER, NELSON COUNTY
Logistics: Put in just below the old railroad
community of Tye River off Va. 662 via a short
trail located on river-left at the va. 739 bridge.
Takeout in the field at the river-left confluence
with Rucker Run. Follow the dirt path (less than
50 yards) to state Route 654. 10.5 miles, 5-7 hours.
Details: With fewer rapids and obstacles
than the Upper Tye, this rural stretch of river
is ideal for novice or mid-level paddlers who
enjoy light whitewater and want to practice
their chops. Expect widths of about 40 feet,
crystal clear water, neat rock formations, gravel
bars, and boulders. Banks give way to high

cliffs and dense forests. Along the way, you'll
pass a 3/4-mile-long island and catch numerous
Class I-II rapids. Look for an excellent lunch
stop at the big rock face about a mile below
the confluence with the Buffalo River. Check
the online USGS gauge for the Tye River near
Lovingston-min, 0 feet; max, 2.5 feet.
Outfitter: This is a strictly BYOB float. The
closest outfitter is about 25 miles away, in the
James River State Park. They offer trips on the
James River. Boats from $45. Shuttles from
$20. 434-933-4355. dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/
james-river-livery

JACKSON RIVER, ALLEGHANY COUNTY

JACKSON GORGE
Scenery such as this lasts
for 13 miles down the river
toward Covington.

Logistics: Put in at the USDA boat ramp below
Gathright Dam off Stilling Basin Road on
river-right. Takeout above Covington on riverleft, just past the Va. 687 bridge at Petticoat
Junction. 13 miles, 6-8 hours.
Details: An awesome scenic trip for novices and lovers of gentler, but still fun and
marginally challenging rapids. River widths
average around 45-50 feet as you pass through
remote farmland enjoying periodic scenery
that includes high bluffs and an open valley.

Spring 2019 \\ LifeOutside Magazine

Class I and II rapids and nice rock gardens are
interspersed throughout; also, deep pools. Look
for lovely shale and limestone formations and
pass below a handful of rural bridges. Check the
online USGS gauge for Gathright Dam-min,
8.8 feet; max, 12 feet.
Outfitter: Jackson River Outfitters, LLC.
Located in Covington, the company offers custom shuttles and trips along the Jackson. Boats
from $35. Shuttles from $20. (540) 958-6655.
facebook.com/pg/jacksonriveroutfitters

http://dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ http://www.facebook.com/pg/jacksonriveroutfitters

Life Outside Spring 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Life Outside Spring 2019