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4-Day, 3-Night Canoe, Kayak, Raft + Camp - Iron Gate to Alpine
Pricing
All prices per person. Maximum 2 person per canoe.
One person per kayak
One person per kayak
Description
4-Day Canoe & Kayak Expedition on the Upper James River — Iron Gate to Alpine
This is the crown jewel of multi-day paddling on the Upper James River — a 4-day, 46-mile canoe and kayak expedition that takes you through the entire Virginia Scenic River section of the James from its very beginning all the way to Alpine. Featuring primitive riverside campsites, the ability to resupply in town during Days 2 and 3, miles of remote wilderness, and fun rapids throughout, this is the perfect trip for those looking to truly unplug and get away from it all for a few days.
The adventure begins just below the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers — the birthplace of the James River — where your guides shuttle you to the Iron Gate public boat landing. From here, you'll paddle downstream through some of the most spectacular and undeveloped river scenery in Virginia: towering 150-foot river cliffs, historic canal remnants dating back to George Washington's era, countless Class I and Class II rapids, and sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views at every bend.
What sets this trip apart is the opportunity to resupply mid-trip when you pass through or near Buchanan on Days 2 and 3 — a rare convenience on a backcountry paddle. You'll camp three nights at private riverfront campgrounds along the way — Gala, Horseshoe Bend, and Arcadia — before finishing at the Alpine take-out on Day 4 where your guides will meet you for the return shuttle at 10:30 AM.
All trips are self-guided, with a 20-minute safety orientation and river maps provided before launch.
Duration
- Total: 4 days, 3 nights | 46 miles of paddling
- Day 1: Iron Gate to Gala Campground | 10.5 miles
- Day 2: Gala Campground to Horseshoe Bend Campground | 16.5 miles
- Day 3: Horseshoe Bend to Arcadia Campground | 15 miles
- Day 4: Arcadia Campground to Alpine take-out | 4 miles
- Return shuttle pick-up at Alpine: 10:30 AM on Day 4
Location / Where to Meet
- 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.
- Night 3: Arcadia Campground, 1800 Arcadia Rd., Buchanan, VA 24066 (River Mile 43.5). Porta potties on site. No potable water — jugs provided.
- Day 4 take-out: Alpine (River Mile 48). Return shuttle pick-up at 10:30 AM — firm deadline, no exceptions.
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age: 6 years old
- All participants must be able to swim without the aid of a life jacket
- Children under age 10 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 for this 4-day expedition
- 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
- 3 nights at private riverside campgrounds: Gala (Night 1), Horseshoe Bend (Night 2), Arcadia (Night 3)
- Return shuttle from Alpine take-out back to Buchanan shop on Day 4
- 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 4 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 — exceptional smallmouth bass fishing throughout
- Signed liability waiver (download in advance)
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Twin Rivers Outfitters
FAQs
Can I resupply during the trip?
Yes — one of the unique advantages of this route is that your Day 2 and Day 3 campsites are accessible from or near Buchanan, giving you the opportunity to restock food, ice, or supplies mid-trip. This makes packing for a 4-day trip considerably more manageable.
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 on the water with you.
What rapids will we encounter?
The full route features a great variety of Class I and Class II rapids from start to finish.
Named highlights include the Surprise rapid and The Squeeze (Day 1), Gwynn Lock and Richie's Falls (Day 2), Quarry Rapid (Day 3), and the Jennings Creek rapid (Day 4). The water is engaging and fun throughout without being extreme.
What is the pick-up time on Day 4?
The return shuttle pick-up at Alpine is at 10:30 AM on Day 4 — firm deadline, no exceptions. At just 4 miles, the final day paddle is short and you'll have plenty of time to arrive on schedule.
What are the campgrounds like?
All three campgrounds are primitive, riverfront sites. 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.
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 all 4 days are also not included.
What wildlife might we see?
The Iron Gate to Alpine section passes through some of the most remote and undisturbed river corridor on the Upper James. Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, white-tailed deer, river otters, and a rich variety of fish are commonly spotted. The fishing — particularly for smallmouth bass — is exceptional throughout.
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 4-day expedition. 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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