Two locations along River Road, south of Buena Vista, Virginia, offer paddlers public access to the Maury River. I visited these spots on a clear October afternoon to check out paddling opportunities for the lone paddler. While used mostly for Maury River trippers, it is possible to put a boat in the water in these locations for a short paddle. The first location offers limited parking for maybe 2-3 vehicles and rather steep access to the water. I was able to work my 14' Heritage Sea Dart kayak down the rocky bank and into the water, but it was a little bit of a bump and run scenario. The location itself offers about 50 yards or so of flatwater paddling between riffles, with maybe enough water to provide 30 minutes of paddling.
I would recommend this location as a put in or take out spot for Maury River trippers, but it doesn't really offer much flatwater for the casual afternoon paddler.
The second location is a little farther south on River Road. This location offers more in the way of parking plus easier access to the river itself.
For the lone paddler, the location offers much more in the way of flatwater than the first spot. A couple hundred yards of flat water is available, some of it through an interesting rock garden, all tucked between two Class I riffles.
The only downside to this location is its proximity to an active limestone quarry, just across the river. So expect lots of noise from CATs and other equipment during your paddle, although the quarry itself is not really visible from the river.
This location made for a pleasant 45 minute paddle, despite the noise. Two women were fishing off one of the banks, and I spent time unsnagging one of their lines from a boulder during my cruise. Otherwise, I had both River Road locations to myself, as is typical during a weekday afternoon.
I wouldn't recommend traveling far to put in at either of these locations. However, the second location has more to offer for a local paddler looking for a short cruise.
View the first location in Google Maps by clicking here and the second location by clicking here.
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5 comments:
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the comment on my capsize experience in chilly waters. I am so glad to see the new postings on your blog. The short contemplative cruises that you describe are very much "my cup of tea," and I will look forward to reading more of your narratives.
Cheers,
Jay
Hello Steve,
I discovered your blog while looking for a Heritage 14 Sea Dart for an 11 year old neighbor who has discovered the wonders of speed after starting out with a WS Ripper, 8 footer. I have a Sea Dart and loaned it to him. He whipped his Dad in a race of some 1/4 mile. A sight to see. Anyway, if you are inclined to sell yours I will put you in touch with his parents. This would be a good boat for him to grow into. I have 14 boats of various styles from shorty river SOTs to 17 foot touring hulls. I like turning people on to kayaking.
Give me a jingle on email, redcloudjl@aol.com I base from my lake home at Smith Mountain and am in Lynchburg regularly.
Thanks, and nice blog, I passed this along to my friend George Wagner who kayaks and canoes all over Virginia's western areas.
Thanks redcloud...I appreciate the comments. The Sea Dart is one of my babies, though. I hope to keep her for some time. Fourteen is quite a lot. Where do you keep them all? :)
Hi Steve,
I am from the Charlottesville area I am interested in learning how to kayak. Do you know of any good clubs/groups in the central VA area?
Thanks,
Tyler
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