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3-Day, 2-Night Canoe, Kayak, Raft + Camp - Iron Gate to Buchanan
Pricing
All prices per person. Maximum 2 person per canoe.
One person per kayak
One person per kayak
Description
3-Day Canoe & Kayak Camping Expedition on the Upper James River — Iron Gate to Buchanan
This is one of the most rewarding multi-day paddling adventures in the Mid-Atlantic. Starting just below the very birth of the James River — where the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers converge — your guides will shuttle you 37 miles upstream to the Iron Gate public boat landing, where you'll set off on a 3-day, 33-mile downstream journey back to the Twin River Outfitters shop in Buchanan.
The Iron Gate to Buchanan route delivers everything that makes the Upper James River special: miles of great current, numerous Class I and Class II rapids well-suited for canoes loaded with camping gear, gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain views, dramatic river cliffs, historic canal remnants dating back to George Washington's era, fantastic fishing, and refreshing swimming holes tucked between stretches of remote wilderness.
You'll spend two nights at private primitive riverfront campsites along the route — Night 1 at Gala Campground (River Mile 11.8) near Eagle Rock, and Night 2 at Horseshoe Bend Campground (River Mile 29.1). The final day brings you downstream to the Buchanan shop where your car is parked — no return shuttle needed, giving you complete flexibility on timing for the last day.
All trips are self-guided. A 20-minute safety orientation and detailed river maps are provided before you launch.
Duration
- Total: 3 days, 2 nights | Approximately 33 miles of paddling
- Day 1: Iron Gate public boat landing to Gala Campground (River Mile 11.8) | Approx. 10.5 miles
- Day 2: Gala Campground to Horseshoe Bend Campground (River Mile 29.1) | Approx. 17.5 miles
- Day 3: Horseshoe Bend to Twin River Outfitters, Buchanan | Approx. 5 miles — ends at your car, no return shuttle needed
Location / Where to Meet
- Free parking available at the shop. Your shuttle departs from Buchanan to the Iron Gate public boat landing, approximately 37 miles upstream.
- Night 1: Gala Campground, 80 Thompson Dr., Eagle Rock, VA 24085 (River Mile 11.8). Porta potties on site. No potable water — 5-gallon water jugs provided.
- Night 2: Horseshoe Bend Campground, 6869 Narrow Passage Rd., Buchanan, VA 24066 (River Mile 29.1). Porta potties on site. No potable water — jugs provided. Reserved exclusively for livery customers.
- Trip ends at Twin River Outfitters, 640 Lowe Street, Buchanan — your car is parked here. No return shuttle required.
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age: 6 years old
- All participants must be able to swim without the aid of a life jacket
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Maximum weight per person: 325 lbs (147 kg)
- Canoe total passenger + gear weight limit: 800 lbs (363 kg)
- Kayak weight limit: approximately 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Prior paddling experience strongly recommended
- Minimum 2 people required per party — solo paddlers not permitted
What's Included
- Canoe, kayak, or raft (when river levels permit)
- Paddles & U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
- Shuttle from Buchanan shop to Iron Gate public boat landing
- 2 nights at private riverside campgrounds: Gala (Night 1) & Horseshoe Bend (Night 2)
- Detailed river maps
- 20-minute pre-trip safety orientation and trip briefing
- Dry bags & dry boxes
- 5-gallon water jugs
Not Included
- Food & meals for the trip
- Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp stove, cookware)
- Firewood (available for purchase at campgrounds)
- Gratuity — never expected, but always appreciated
What to Bring / Wear
- Clothing that can get wet — synthetic or wool only, no cotton
- River sandals, water shoes, or old tennis shoes (footwear required — feet will get wet)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat
- Tent, sleeping bag & sleeping pad
- Camp stove, cookware & easy-to-prepare food for 3 days
- Cooler
- Reusable water bottle
- Rain gear & extra set of clothes (no cotton)
- First aid kit & any personal medications
- Toilet paper & hand sanitizer
- Waterproof camera (company not responsible for damaged or lost items)
- Fishing gear — great smallmouth bass fishing throughout
- Signed liability waiver (download in advance)
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Twin Rivers Outfitters
FAQs
Are the trips guided?
No — all trips are self-guided. You'll receive a thorough 20-minute safety orientation and detailed river maps before launching, but no staff will be with you on the water. You are responsible for yourself, your group, and all rented equipment.
What rapids will we encounter?
The Iron Gate to Buchanan section features numerous Class I and Class II rapids. Named rapids include the Surprise rapid, The Squeeze, Gwynn Lock, Richie's Falls, and Quarry Rapid. The water is engaging without being extreme — a great fit for paddlers with some moving water experience.
What wildlife might we see?
Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, great egrets, wood ducks, white-tailed deer, river otters, and a wide variety of fish are commonly spotted. The Upper James is an excellent smallmouth bass fishery throughout this entire section.
What are the campgrounds like?
Both Gala and Horseshoe Bend are primitive riverside campgrounds. Each numbered site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and level tent pad. Porta potties are available at each. No potable water on site; 5-gallon water jugs are provided. Firewood is available for purchase. Quiet hours are 9pm–8am.
Note: Horseshoe Bend is reserved exclusively for Twin River Outfitters livery customers.
Is there any flexibility in the Day 3 schedule?
Yes — since the trip ends at the Buchanan shop where your car is parked, there's no return shuttle to catch on the final day. This gives you complete flexibility to start Day 3 whenever you like and take your time on the final stretch.
Do I need to bring my own camping gear?
Yes — tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp stoves, and cookware are not included. Food and drinks for the entire trip are also not included.
What is the weather and river level policy?
Trips run rain or shine unless there is a severe weather event or unsafe conditions. Trips will not launch when the combined air and water temperature is under 100°F (38°C), water temperature is under 55°F (13°C), or when river levels are outside safe limits. Full refunds are issued for outfitter-initiated cancellations.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are permitted but not strongly recommended for a 3-day expedition. If you bring a dog, they must remain on a leash and under your direct control at all times.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — advance reservations are required for all trips.
Is alcohol allowed?
Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the river. It is permitted only in moderation at the campsite when consumed responsibly.
Is glass allowed on the river?
No — glass and styrofoam are not permitted on the James River.
Cancellation Policy
Customers will receive a full refund with 4 days advance notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in cases where Twin River Outfitters cancels the trip due to high water levels or severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances as deemed appropriate by the Outfitter. No refunds provided with less than 4 days advance notice provided. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
640 Lowe Street
Buchanan, VA, 24066
US
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