Blue Ridge Country July/August 2020 - 30

It was a six-foot wide, flat bottom wooden
boat that could carry 10,000 pounds while
only needing 12 to 14 inches of drafting
water.
Challenges: In the mid-1970s discovery of the neurotoxin Kepone in the river
devastated human health, the fishing industry and the environment for decades.
Over four decades later, it's now viewed as
one of the country's most improved rivers
thanks to the work and vision of individuals and groups who fought for restoration
and protection.
Get Involved:
* The James River Association (thejamesriver.org): "We provide a voice for
the river and take action to promote conservation and responsible stewardship of
its natural resources."

Russell Fork River
Now one of the most popular rivers in the
central Appalachians, Russell Fork created
what is known as the "Grand Canyon of
the South." The deepest gorge east of the
Mississippi River, Breaks Canyon, runs
for five miles with depths of 830 to 1,600
feet.
Description: This 52-mile river is renowned for its screaming tumultuous
whitewater. Specifically, the canyon in
Breaks Interstate Park offers Class V to
Class VI adventure for kayakers with extreme skills. This location sits near the Virginia/Kentucky state line. Up- and downstream waters are where the rest of us can
enjoy calmer rafting and floating.
What to do: Beginners to professionals enjoy water activities along the riv-

COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TOURISM CORP.

er's course including fishing for rainbow
trout, smallmouth bass, walleye and channel cats. On the surrounding land, camping, rock climbing, hiking and picnicking
by the river's edge draw many visitors to
the area. Explore the riverside town of
Elkhorn (KY), population 982, for some
small-town charm.
Factoid: Breaks Interstate Park is one
of only two state parks in the nation operated by an interstate compact between
two states.
Challenges: While water quality and
eco-health continue to improve, pollutants from mining and human endeavors still threaten the river. Most recently,
plans for mountaintop removal coal mining at multiple tributaries loom as a danger for overburden dumping and toxic
waste in the streams and valleys.

ABOVE: James
River, Virginia,
is known for its
great slow floats.
RIGHT:
Russell Fork
River, Virginia/
Kentucky, cuts
the deepest gorge
in the east.

COURTESY OF VA STATE PARK

BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM

Get Involved:
* Friends of the Russell Fork (forf.weebly.com): "Dedicated to improving the
quality of the Russell Fork River. FORF
partners with schools, businesses, government agencies and nonprofits to promote
environmental stewardship, environmental education and eco-tourism."

Kentucky River and its Forks
Perhaps one of the rivers most intimately
connected to the advance of civilization is
this one. It supplied native communities
with sustenance along hundreds of miles;
early explorers with a route to the Ohio
River; and European settlers with a goods
and commerce transportation route.
Description: Known for its natural
beauty from the Appalachians across the
Cumberland Plateau, the North Fork is
168 miles famous for a nice variety of fish
including three bass species, channel catfish and muskellunge. For 105 miles, the
Middle Fork begins near the Virginia line
and joins the North Fork. The South Fork
flows north for 45 miles in a broad path
with shallow to medium depths over rock
bars and mudbanks. Born of the confluence of these three forks, the "main stem"
of the Kentucky River flows 255 miles
northwest to Ohio.
What to do: Fish, paddle, float or motor your way along the river. Enjoy camping, hiking and picnicking along the Forks
in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Factoid: The Middle Fork had one of
the first mixed pony-through metal truss
bridges built in the state (1917).

http://www.jamesriver.org http://www.bly.com http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM

Blue Ridge Country July/August 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country July/August 2020